With a big rift forming in Blessthefall's fan base in the last year or so, I’m almost positive my opinion will be an unpopular one... But I am writing as a professional, not a majority opinion. Blessthefall is one of the few bands I was instantly hooked to from the first time I heard about them. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing them live, and their live shows do not disappoint. They are so energetic, have a great stage presence, and the previous Blessthefall records have stood the test of time. Even though Blessthefall has always been a basic metalcore entity, they do, in fact, stand out from some of the other metalcore bands on the scene. So when I got asked to review their new album
5 Albums Strong! : To Those Left Behind - Blessthefall Review
"To Those Left Behind," which is being release Sept. 18th, 2015, I wanted to make it a point to be as brutally honest and unbiased as I could.
When I first listened to the new album, I wanted to listen to the most brutal-sounding track they offered... So I chose "Oathbreaker". It is, without a doubt one of the heaviest tracks on the entire album. Beau and the gang did not disappoint. Still including ballad-like singles and the signature sound the fans love, it's sure to become a fan-favorite. It equally mixes cleans with powerful screams and the bridges are fantastic. My concern with the album is that Beau's vocals often over power the backing music. This makes it hard to fully appreciate the technicality of what they're actually performing.
Beau is missing the razor edge cleans he is so well known for. They are slightly muddy and overpowering, and continues this throughout most of the record. In true professional fashion, I listened to the entire record without argument though, as I am a huge fan of these guys. I was disappointed that the vocals weren't mixed as well as they should have been. “Walk on Water” is the best example I could find to support my opinion. The instruments were on point and very well executed, but Beau seemed a little strained in this album, but still delivered on the sound that the band strives for.
I have always found the utmost respect for Blessthefall for their values and subject matter. I just can't determine why people are hating them for using so many synths and keys. Blessthefall has had midi incorporated into their music for as long as I remember. It gives it character and an element that not everyone can master. Other reviews state that the synths are overused while the instruments are under utilated, I simply can't agree in support of my previous statement which is...this is something Blessthefall has always done.
The other tracks on the album prove to be very technically
sound given the vocal issue I pointed out earlier. Songs such as "Condition // Comatose" really take the cake as far as one of the best songs on the record. I would like to say the same thing about the title track for the album. The best parts are the guitar isolations, which really show the band's true talent and understanding of the skills they posess.
Everything about this record promotes foot-tapping and hardcore dancing, from the melodic undertones to the hardcore overtures, this is an album bands in the same genre should want to take some tips from. Although Beau Bokan's vocal work is slightly off-level, I still stand by my judgement. I'm quite positive Blessthefall fans and even newcomers into the metalcore genre, will love the album in its entirety.
CONCLUSION: │★★★★☆│ Definitely worth the download (Legally of course)
BEHOLD! Magazine
Lead Writer in charge of Reviews
William Barret
