Single Bullet Theory: IV

This is the first time I've heard about this American quartet, although they have been around for a while. Indeed IV is, in fact, their fourth full length since their 2000 creation. A pretty strange name that comes from the theory that it was a single bullet that killed John F. Kennedy.

IV is made of eleven tracks and lasts over an hour. This album came as a surprise and a pretty good entertaining output. The info I found about these guys describe their style as Metalcore…Well, I beg to differ and though it might contain some core elements, this music is much more elaborate and pleasant. The music on this release is heavy, intricate, progressive and well written. Of course, the musicianship is equal to the crafty song-writing skills. I would describe these guys as a less flamboyant Dream Theater of sort. The guitars are all over the place and the vocals are quite varied, as opposed to a more one-dimensional Labrie. The crushing riffs are doing a great job backing up the flying and omnipresent solos and leads. The vocals are contributing largely in making this music twisted and wicked. You have the regular harsh tones, a mixture of growls and rasps actually, some clean ones, whispers and appropriate high pitch backing vocals that I even enjoyed somewhat! They make use of intricate time signature, all being punctuated by a professional rhythm section led by a talented drummer. The overall vibe is a dark, twisted, a bit theatrical, intense and melodic sound-scape composed and played by a bunch of crafty musicians. This is perhaps not for everyone and by no means an easy listen, but if you like heavy, intense and well done metal music, it might very well be right your alley. Many a good compositions to be heard on this disc such as: "Auctionner of Souls", "Hands of the Wicked" and "Samsara".

Track listing:
1. Diabolical
2. What Have I
3. The Wake Of Betrayal
4. Hands Of The Wicked
5. Leviathan Smiles
6. Auctioneer Of Souls instrumental
7. Letting Go
8. Samsara
9. Echoes Of The Past

Added: February 13th 2012
Reviewer: Denis Brunelle
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 2309
Language: english

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