Review Summary: You'd expect more from a band who tries THIS hard.
Betraying The Martyrs are a relatively unknown group hailing from France. They recently signed with the ever-growing Sumerian Record label. Now being a fan of a good number of bands signed to Sumerian, I had high hopes for this band and their debut album "Breathe In Life". But after a complete listen through twice, I found out my hopes were misplaced.
Featuring symphonic (even black metal) keys, breakdowns, blast beats, and a mix of clean and deathcore vocals, Betraying The Martyrs gave it their all when recording their debut. However, their all just wasn't enough to make "Breathe In Life" a solid record.
The album kicks off with a symphonic track titled "Ad Astra". The song is nothing special, you can tell a stong Immediate Music influence, and it ends as abruptly as it started. The album then moves on to "Martyrs" (what a creative title), a very nonchalant, boring track. You'll find your standard breakdowns, some descending keys, and really nothing else of value or interest.
The album really doesn't fluctuate much at all throughout. The same elements are found in every song. Sometimes you'll be slightly entertained by Victor Gulliet's clean vocals, but again they are nothing we haven't heard before. There is one highlight I can honestly pick out from the album, and that is the catchy breakdown around the 2:15 mark of "Man Made Disaster". It's short-lived, lasting around 25 seconds, and it's back to the same wankery until the end.
Production of the album is solid, but the drums and keys are emphasized way too much on "Breathe In Life". You'll often find yourself struggling to single-out the guitarists, and the bass practically doesn't exist. It's a very "crunchy" sounding album, that feels quite a bit rushed.
I'd love to say that "Breathe In Life" is a good album, but it just isn't. When compared to other artists on their label (Structures, Veil of Maya, Born of Osiris), they can't hold their own. Whether it's from trying too hard to make a solid first impression, or just a lack of creativity, Betraying The Martyrs have a ways to go before true metal fans will take them seriously.
