Review Summary: While I Feel that Overcome is good album, I cant get the nagging hope out of my head that the next ATR album will have Adam D back in the Producers Chair
I first was introduced to metal in 2006 when a longtime chum of mine showed me 3 bands to start me out. Those bands were Bullet for my Valentine, Killswitch Engage, and All That Remains. I took to BFMV instantly as Tears dont Fall hit home for me, Killswitch Sunk in after a little while too, but All That Remains took Months for me to finally realize how truly magnificent they were. This Calling was the first song I heard, but I think upon first listen it was heavier then I could handle, but months down the road I tried it again on one random "do-nothing" day, and, alas, I loved what I was hearing. So I tried all the other songs off of "The Fall of Ideals" and ALL songs were great, thats why when I heard ATR were in the studio for their 4th album I was stoked beyond belief. Little did I know it would be a little different...
1) Before The Damned: Right off the bat one has to notice the change in their sound. Some may take it as a positive change but for me I'm on the fence. This song starts with a brutal opening of pounding drums and heavy guitar which is all well and good but the sound was getting to me still. The Screaming started and once again I wasnt to thrilled, THEN the singing started and i almost wanted to turn off the song, the sound was just to different. by the end of this song I wasnt sure of what to think, i hated the sound yet a part of me liked it anyway, so i continued...
2) Two Weeks: The Opening Riff had me snagged right away, then the splice of Scream/sing vocals was an interesting variation, but i loved the song once the chorus finished up for the 2nd time, as now I can see Phil's voice has once again upgraded from previous efforts, but so far its only shown through from this song. Drumming was good if not great, a kickass solo, and emotional chorus, what more could you ask for?
3) Undone: Meh...This track seems like a song they were trying to do something different with, which sort of succeeded, but at the same time, sort of drowns in the background in comparison to the rest of the album. The only song on the CD that isnt really singalong-able, not much headbanging to go on here either, however Drums, and guitar do make the song bareable
4) Forever in your Hands: I like it, but this song never really seems to get going. The "chorus", if you will, is very emotional and you will probably find yourself singing along or at least humming it as I do,
5) Chiron: This songs intro is a short solo which gets you into it right from the beginning, now as long as it doesnt drop the ball later on it should be good. The Verse starts with pounding drums and thrashing guitar which is usually good, then the chorus starts which, for me anyways, is a technical masterpiece and is one of my favourite moments on the album. A enjoyable long solo comes after the 2nd chorus and its one of the better ones off the album
6) Days Without: Once again starts out with a Solo, but a longer and more complicated one. A somewhat "Run of the Mill" verse but keeps you in cuz of its lyrical and vocal catchiness thats with it. The Chorus is very awesome as its one of Phils better showing in the album.
7) A Song for the Hopeless: A Partial Ballad for All That Remains as it starts with a harmonizing guitar with a solo. But Soon breaks into a Brutal drumming, blistering, earache that is just...just....wonderful lol. Followed by a talented solo, with excellent background drumming in the meantime, this makes for one hell of a song
8) Do Not Obey: This song...hmm..hard for me to review it. This song, is, good. Yes. Very Similar verses that seem to have Deja Vu written all over them. However the Chorus is unique compared to the rest of the album and there is a great breakdown which make the song passable
9) Relinquish: By far the heaviest song on Overcome as it is the only song without Clean Vocals, and you can headbang the whole way through. The chorus (which past has taught us usually contains clean vocals) is, this time, filled with growling screams which are a pleasant to hear. Once again, Kudos to Jason Costas (drums)
10) Overcome: The Title track has the same "deja vu" feeling to it, yet its still one of the more enjoyable songs on here. The Chorus seems to fly by because its so damn catchy as it catchy, and the solo is spectacular as well. But really there is nothing new here
11) Believe in Nothing: The only song on Overcome with no screaming. This is actually my least liked song on the album, but it still isnt all that bad. Some good attempts at singing with heart and passion, and while he succeeds at times, it often comes off not so well to me.
Recommended Songs:
-Two Weeks
-Chiron
-A song for the Hopeless
-Do Not Obey
Wow. I went from Bitching Nonstop about the sound of their music too not even mentioning it. I guess that shows that the sound grew on me after awhile huh? lol
I still feel the same way about The Fall of Ideals, its the far better album in my opinion, but i digress. Overcome is a worthy addition to any metal fans Collection
