Review Summary: Another Nu metal band tries to make it big.
With a name like Egypt Central, it could be shocking that the band sounds just like any popular alternative metal band out there. In fact, it takes elements from every similar band you can name and combines them to make another average band. I’m talking about bands like Three Days Grace, Flyleaf, Pillar, Trapt, and Linkin Park. Although Egypt Central has the same general song structure, they seem to be a little better at what they do. The drummer isn’t bad, the guitarist throws in a few solos once in a while, and John Falls’ screams fit the bill nicely. Saying they’re great, however, is pushing it (in the way that if you push a wine glass off the table it’ll break).
The most similar band Egypt Central can be compared to is Flyleaf (this is a bad sign). Egypt Central uses simple guitar tactics to create an atmosphere only built from their guitars. This may seem completely generic and boring because of the amount of mainstream bands that use this tactic, but for this band it works well. Also, John Falls’ voice has a striking resemblance to Pillar’s Rob Beckley. With this feeling of déjÃ* vu, it helps new listeners to settle into a new band, namely, this one. However, anyone could love this album on the first listen. It has the typical angst, lousy lyrics, and random screams that make up most of Nu metal. There is absolutely nothing unique about this band, so naming the starting tune ‘Different’ is ironic in a tragic way.
All of the songs sound the same! It starts with a quiet rock verse and then builds up into the catchy, anthem metal chorus. Sure, there might be interesting bridges once and a while, but it’s just another excuse for John Falls to throw in some more overused screaming. The only two songs that try a different approach are ‘Walls of Innocence’ and ‘Home’. The first of these songs reflects upon the injustice in the world and has a multitude of people chatting (at the same time) about subjects like terrorism. This approach works well even if it’s just a borrowed idea from Disturbed. The second of these songs is an acoustic piece. While alternative metal bands have the silent rule that there must be a quiet song in every album, it’s refreshing to hear something that isn’t an exact replica of every song off the album (even if it’s boring). If you like one song on Egypt Central’s debut album, you’ll probably like them all to an extent (depending on how much crap you can take); if mainstream metal is your cup of tea, this could be enjoyable. For everyone else though, this will look more like a steaming pile of bull*** than music.
