Kev Rowland
The very first thing that one notices about this album is the artwork, which is the John Collier painting of Lady Godiva, (c.1898). One wonders why a Century Media band would choose such an image, but guitarist Maik Weichert provides the rationale by saying “It works as an icon regarding the fight for social justice. The image also represents a contemporary issue: i.e. today’s leading class being isolated from the people and the conflicts arising from that. It is also a great way to show our fans how current problems and topics can be reflected and derived from historical artworks.” Now, Heaven Shall Burn have been hitting the aggressive metalcore trail for the last fifteen years and show no sign at all of softening up in either their musical or lyrical approach. They still strive to inspire the listener to educate themselves about injustices of the past as well as current issues while leading the charge towards a more socially and ecologically aware and positive lifestyle. A metal band with values, whatever next?
They have brought in some guests to assist in certain songs, and the result is something that is brutal and uncompromising and demands to be played at the very loudest volume possible. It is brutal and overpowering, yet there is enough variation within the attack so that it all feels fresh and raw without becoming weakened due to over emphasis on just one element. There is an underlying hardcore groove which gives the band some room to move, and they’re not afraid to switch tempo or even provide some harmony leads over the top of the blistering attack which are a contrast to the maelstrom that is taking place underneath.
Uncompromising on so many levels, this is a heck of an album. www.centurymedia.com