Invent Animate
Stillworld


4.5
superb

Review

by sspedding USER (18 Reviews)
August 12th, 2016 | 1123 replies


Release Date: 2016 | Tracklist

Review Summary: Invent, Animate reaffirm their position as front runners in a genre in need of rejuvenation.

With Northlane’s dramatic move away from their previous progressive metalcore sound, Texan act Invent, Animate have assumed position atop of the metalcore pyramid. “Everchanger”, Invent, Animate’s first full length feature exhibited a sound that more than lended itself to their Australian counterparts of old. There were however hints that this was merely the tip of iceberg and as the band became clearer as to what they were hoping to achieve with their sound. This idea was further reinforced with the late 2015 release of stellar single “Darkbloom” which featured the dreamy atmospherics prevalent in “Everchanger”, only married with a much more unique overall sound.

“Stillworld”, takes what Invent, Animate achieved previously and improves on it in almost every aspect. Vocally, there are still comparisons to be drawn between Ben English and the departed Northlane vocalist Adrian Fitipaldes. Stylistically there is not much difference between the two. He regularly interchanges between mid-range shouts and lower pitch guttural screams. English’s flexibility with these interchanges is ideal as Invent, Animate effortlessly segue between heavier, faster sections and more celestial, atmospheric sections. Clean vocals are used sparingly throughout and are used primarily to enhance the chorus sections. Where many bands cumulatively increase their reliance on clean vocals for melodic qualities, Invent, Animate achieve this instrumentally and the cleans are used as nothing more than an addition.

There is a marked improvement in the quality of musicianship on offer here also. As clarity has been gained as to how they wish to identify themselves, their songwriting has become more focused. Invent, Animate have mastered the art of syncopating their music to help build and slow ambient soundscapes. The hypnotic “Midnight Hymn” features some of their finest lead guitar work to date and drummer Trey Celaya displays some his more refined skills as he blastbeats his way through two separate sections as it builds up to a shattering breakdown at the song’s conclusion.

“Vacant” is another of “Stillworld’s” many highlights, particularly as it is during this song that the listener is treated to a slightly more diverse sound than what was previously associated with the band. The lead riffs parallel much closer to melodic hardcore than much of the rest of the album. Due to the musical stylings and the emotive lyrical content, “Vacant” is one of the more emotionally charged tracks on the album and is sure to be a huge hit for playing live as a band.

Perhaps the biggest improvement of all is in the production of "Stillworld". There is a balance to be struck in clean production without sounding fake and maintaining the raw qualities of their sound. The balance is met perfectly here as the rhythm sections retain their punch whilst allowing the ethereal leads of guitarist Keaton Goldwire to take centre stage.

As with many metalcore albums, the album suffers from a lack of diversity notwithstanding “Vacant” and the inclusion of instrumental “Solace”. For much of the 37 minute run time it is a non-stop assault. Consequently, it isn’t likely to bridge to fans of other genres of music. However, for fans of metalcore, here is the band Northlane should have become.

Recommended tracks:
Midnight Hymn
Vacant
Darkbloom
Celestial Floods



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user ratings (356)
3.9
excellent


Comments:Add a Comment 
AsleepInTheBack
Staff Reviewer
August 12th 2016


10447 Comments


Nice write up, pos'd

AmbushReality
August 12th 2016


87 Comments

Album Rating: 2.5 | Sound Off

Your review is solid.



I really like Northlane's Singularity (and their other stuff too), but for some reason I just can't get into this. It just feels like its missing something to make the songs feel cohesive and attention grabbing, which is something Northlane never struggled with. I dunno.

Kronzo
August 12th 2016


1303 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Good review, you described the atmosphere of this album really wlel.



fun fact: Northlane and I,A both have songs called Solace.



This is probably my favourite metalcore this year along with CoC and Silent Planet

SteakByrnes
August 12th 2016


30382 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

Indigo, White Wolf, Celetial Floods, and Dead Roots are my favorites on here, but the whole album is great. This is by far my favorite release this year, and nice review my man

SteakByrnes
August 12th 2016


30382 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

"...and drummer Trey Celaya (drums) displays some his more refined skills..."



Isn't the (drums) part kind of redundant?

AsleepInTheBack
Staff Reviewer
August 12th 2016


10447 Comments


Tempted to check this just because the album art rules

Spec
August 12th 2016


40136 Comments


they rule at album art but it sounds too much like northlane

sempiturtle
August 12th 2016


1685 Comments


Good review but Node is Northlane's best album.

TooManyFriends
August 13th 2016


3507 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

they're improving but still have a little ways to go. for every great, engaging song like white wolf there's a boring plodder like midnight hymn

Durrzo
August 13th 2016


3404 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

I want to like this band but the higher end vocals irritate the shit out of me. They're like Adrian's old highs from Northlane, but more obnoxious.

JeetJeet
August 13th 2016


12430 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

Thank fuckin GOD someone reviewed this. Better than Northlane IMO. Indigo is incredible.

n3cr0ph4g1st
August 13th 2016


11 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

This album is incredible. It's like if erra decided not to use shitty cleans

sspedding
August 13th 2016


5720 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Thank you SteakByrnes.

I'm glad that people have time for this album.

Danred97
August 14th 2016


2544 Comments


Nice review. This album was very good, but I started tuning out during the second half. They really needed to have a stronger closing track.

TheSpirit
Emeritus
August 14th 2016


30304 Comments


not sure if i'll check this out, but i really love the album artwork

Danred97
August 14th 2016


2544 Comments


Yeah, album artwork is why I checked their debut.

JeetJeet
August 14th 2016


12430 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

Soulsleep and Vacant are my personal 2 favorites on this. The melodies on this album are reaaaal good.

PortalofPerfection
August 17th 2016


3327 Comments


Sweet cover, might check this.

JeetJeet
August 17th 2016


12430 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

It sounds just like what the album art looks like. Album really brings some cool ethereal vibes along with the bouncy riffs.

J3wFro69
August 18th 2016


67 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Where Northlane and Erra disappointed me recently, this album picked up the slack beautifully



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