Review Summary: Let the games begin.
The Titanic was the ship that “not even God could sink”. It was heralded as a practically indestructible vessel, a (at least at the time) modern day Noah’s Ark, that would last through anything and for centuries to come. Put in simpler terms, it was built well. But it wasn’t perfect, as evidence by what may be the most infamous shipwreck in history. Many lives were lost, never to be seen again, but some survived. Some lived to tell the tale, a link if you will, to that horrible fateful day in April. Without those survivors we would never know the dramatic tale of the vessel.
Obviously, Lifer wasn’t as hailed as the Titanic. But bear with me. They put out a well-made, not perfect, but enjoyable first album, and then disappeared into what could’ve been a black hole of obscurity, maybe touted by a few fans, but ultimately making no mark on listeners today. Except for one thing. One chain attached to the bleak past of Lifer: Guitarist Aaron Fink and bassist Mark Klepaski were at one point members of Breaking Benjamin, and though there’s a lineup switch now, their interplay with Ben Burnley was a critical element to the dark alternative metal of Breaking Benjamin. And before Breaking Benjamin, both played in Lifer. In fact, many fans of Lifer only became fans of Lifer after hearing Breaking Benjamin. That being said, this is the story of the one and only Lifer album.
If you as a listener don’t already really enjoy the genre of nu/alternative metal, this isn’t your thing. It has all the genre staples: detuned guitar riffs, harsh and clean (occasionally rapped)vocals, minimal bass and drum presence, and angsty lyrics. But, similar to later contemporaries like RED or (because they haven’t been referred to in this review enough) Breaking Benjamin, it’s executed so well throughout that it’s a very energetic listen.
Hit track “Boring” is fueled by schizophrenic synths, gritty rhymes, an anthemic chorus, and of course chunky guitar riffs, and if it doesn’t get you on your feet or get your adrenaline pumping, I’m not sure what will. For those seeking something more along the lines of self-titled era Stone Sour than Linkin Park, opener “My Room” shifts between heavy riffs, soft croons, harsh, dirty screams, and cleanly picked chords. It’s another album highlight for sure. Not to mention the fact that it could be argued Lifer helped lay the blueprint of bands like 10 Years and Evans Blue with the slow-burning, emotional effort of “Swallow”, which even finds vocalist Nick channeling Kevin Matisyn. “Parade” channels many different vibes: there’s a simple (but highly effective) bass line at the beginning…. and then Nick comes in with a Soundgarden-esque scream, before he switches to his best Incubus impression, and then does some standard nu-metal raps similar to “Boring”. This is what part of what makes this track so interesting, it effortlessly switches between styles, making sure each one sounds in place and never over-shadows one another. “Disbelief” shines on the latter half of the record due to throat-shredding screams, rhythmic, almost Tool-esque guitar riffs (now we see where a song like “Natural Life” from Breaking Benjamin’s debut
Saturate came from), and a generally “bouncy” tempo not really found on the rest of the record. Speaking of Tool, the bass riffs in “Heave” are delicious, and set a nice scary vibe for the scream-wracked bruiser to come. The track feels so crazy and just plain angry, you can’t help but again be up on your feet throwing up your fist or head-banging/screaming along. Not to mention the pulsating, urgent guitar riffs. “Breathless” boasts strong staccato guitar riffs, an interesting siren effect in the verses, and a pretty menacing vocal performance from Nick again that keeps the listener hooked and needing to know how the track ends.
But as previously stated, the record isn’t perfect. There are some moments that just feel forced and come off as filler. Lyrically, there’s a good reason for the PA, but I’m not talking about the occasional f- or s- word the band throws in. The subject matter of “Swallow” will fly over both young listeners’ and those that simply don’t care’s heads, but a close look reveals the psychopathy of a sexual sadist. This is an extremely dark journey into the human psyche that you may not want to take and is very unsettling. Other than that, it’s typical genre stuff. Inner demons will be fought, loves will be lost and won, that kind of thing. This is objective though, as lyrics as these don’t bug me but may well get to you, so take this with a grain of salt.
For those who love the dark vibe and “heavy but not too heavy” sonic force of modern metal bands,
Lifer shouldn’t be missed. They provide a thrilling listening experience that only occasionally dips down in quality, and this is respectable. If it’s not your thing, just move on with your life, as it probably won’t change your mind.
