Conor Fynes
'Terminate Damnation' - Becoming The Archetype (7/10)
Despite some less-than-impressive experiences with the band and their music, I decided to seek out the earlier work of the Atlanta metalcore band Becoming The Archetype, having heard the talent and skill audibly evident in their sound. Although I was put off by the overly bombastic shallowness of 'Celestial Completion', looking towards their debut, 'Termiante Damnation' seems like the album I was hoping to hear from this band. Although I am still no fan of the particular melodic metalcore that the band plays, Becoming The Archetype's combination of technicality, diversity and songwriting makes it a wild, yet memorable experience. It is only a shame that the band's output would start going downhill from here for the most part.
Like so many other bands in progressive metal, Becoming The Archetype works the progressive element into their sound by contrasting heavy and light sounds with each other. For instance, it is no surprise here to have a sombre piano interlude be paired up with a crushing breakdown, or vicious shredfest. The dynamic thing rarely gives Becoming The Archetype the semblance of an original act, but the way in which they do this is well worth looking into. Each song is diverse and constantly changing, switching things up even within the constraint of metal. All of this is played with technical precision that goes well beyond the age of the band. For what excellence is here though, Becoming The Archetype are constantly held back by the fact that their sound- yet again- holds very little originality to it, which holds the band back greatly. Moreover, some of the more metalcore leaning elements to the band's formula (such as generic breakdowns) often do not mesh in well with the otherwise very intelligent way the music is composed and played.
Becoming The Archetype is indeed a Christian metal band, but it rarely shines through in the lyrics. While I don't care for the religious aspect of this band- and some in the metal scene may very well blacklist the band immediately because of it- Becoming The Archetype's Christian themes are not overbearing enough to deter from the music, which is very good. The definitive highlight of 'Terminate Damnation' is 'Elegy', a longer piece which climaxes in a stunning piano furnished finale.
A very good debut from Becoming The Archetype overall, although there are even a few issues early on with the band's sound that unfortunately would not be solved with subsequent albums.