Review Summary: How often do metal bands stand out in a world full of mechanized marketing ploys? Here is an exception.
Imagine my shock, new to a music scene (particularly Columbia, Mississippi), attending an eight-band fest taking place deep in the woods. Becoming the Archetype is headlining. Never before had I heard this band, so my first instinct was to assume that this was "another metalcore band". I would soon be proved wrong.
After witnessing the fury that was their performance, I purchased "I Am". I will honestly label this as one of the greatest albums to be released this year. Hearing samples of songs, one may assume it is, as I previously mentioned, "just another metal album". However, with a full length run, we can discover what this band has in store for us: Sweeping guitar solos delivered by lead axe-slinger Daniel Gailey, backed by the crushing melodies of Seth Hecox (who I briefly conversed with at the fest), deep, sinister vocals, and pounding drum work.
Opening the album with "The Ocean Walker", Becoming the Archetype wish to slowly walk you into a world of fury and frustration, rather than shoving you into the mosh-pit. Complete with (somewhat) clean vocals, tightly-knit musicianship, and an enthralling guitar solo, the song opens the album perfectly. Later down the line, we find more experimentation and moments worthy of mention: The melodic guitar solos present on "The Sky Bearer" and "The Weapon Breaker and the deadly breakdown at the mid-point of "The War Ender" (my personal favorite track from the album).
Becoming the Archetype's wish is obvious: to thrust you through a reckless pit of doom, shifting your ears in every direction imaginable. At no point does this album becoming boring or repetitious. It always maintains it's luster, and is worthy of many spins on the turntable (or MP3, for you digital junkies). I was a very lucky individual to catch a live performance from this group, and to purchase this album, which was well worth the mere $10 I shed.
Recommended tracks:
"The Time Bender"
"The War Ender"
"The Planet Maker"
