Review Summary: Yes, it’s all been done before but it’s a sound that’s tried, true and takes nothing away from Anterior’s latest effort.
Echoes Of The Fallen displays many traits of a “done before”, overly “generic” metalcore effort. That is to say that they are not trying to re-write the genre or break out of the mold. It's just some extremely solid song writing backed by some flamboyant solos and tight musicianship. Whilst
Echoes Of The Fallen has a certain emphasis on lead-work throughout the course of the album it’s all held together by its rhythm section. Tracks usually involve strong, precise riffing with use of many sixteenth notes, triplets and even the use of the occasional stomp-mosh riffs with the bass guitar hugging the main rhythmic lines, rarely stretching out and expending on the solid foundation of a guitar line. When all this is combined with the double bass work of the drum kit that reinforces the triplets and sixteenth notes it thickens the texture of tracks and maintains a certain level of intensity when backing the other instruments. An example of this can be found during stages of the track “Of Gods and Men”; Where the drums, guitar and bass tie in together to create this rhythmic effect, not to mention the six-tuplet patterns towards the end of the track.
As mentioned before, the guitar work is of particular notice throughout the album, especially in the solo work. Guitar strings wail, scream and ring in a spectacular and melodic manner captivating the listener further and showcase some of Anterior’s instrumental talents. The guitars are flashy but don’t overpower the rest of the music, the guitarists technical ability compliment tracks with various sweeping arpeggios, pinch harmonics, fast paced chugged riffs and underlying melody lines. Displaying a virtuosity level similar to that of Massachusetts act Unearth and a technicality similar to Sylosis, Anterior have a very promising sound base on which to build upon.
Whilst
Echoes Of The Fallen is a slight step back from their debut
The Age of Silence there is no denying that this remains an extremely solid follow up. While there is a lot of focus on the guitar work some credit needs to be given to the vocal work. One of the most consistent elements to the album and its consistency may cause it to become less noticed under everything else that’s going on. The mid-range screams are powerful, layered over the top of rhythm phrases that not only compliment the patterns but also lift the intensity of the album. Screams over blast beats and breakdowns help maintain the listeners’ attention limiting the boredom that could be found over the breakdowns. Weirdly enough though the albums’ title track is a symphonic and melodic introduction to the next track “The Evangelist”, which is not at all a bad thing. It acts as an atmosphere building lead up into a melodic and thrash-y onslaught of musicianship. Weaving melody lines over the top of bass kicks and precise riffing showcase the whole band’s song writing talents, “The Evangelist” highlights the album especially when tied in with the instrumental title track.
Echoes Of The Fallen is a solid attempt at a follow up album. It has some excellent leads and an extremely solid rhythm section which the album relies on. Its highlights can be found in its musicianship and high standard of song writing. What the album lacks unfortunately is the same punch and interest that can be found in its predecessor. Its consistency is both a positive and a negative; it’s not like Anterior are trying to explore the boundaries of the genre, but they could have added a couple of different elements to create that diversity level which in turn would have lifted the albums’ overall quality.
