Trainwreck Architect: Traits of the Sick

With this debut album, Trainwreck Architect gives listeners a new label to think about: "wreck n roll." I think the idea is pretty self-explanatory, but there's something else to notice here. This is a band that loves to think about the nature of human life, particularly the way none of us ever get anything quite right. Like the characters in a beloved sitcom, the band name Trainwreck Architect brings to mind the simple principle that life isn't always what we make it, that we are sometimes simply going to fail. Instead of giving up, though, most of us carry on, living, working, partying, and playing. It's a decent enough solution, one that most of us live with while secretly hoping to win the lottery or get declared king for a day. At the heart of this band's music, then, lies the desire to relinquish control and just get down to the business of playing music.

What listeners will get from this album is a strong blend of traditional heavy metal mixed with a strong dose of thrash. The best thing about the music is the twin guitar harmonies, slick and technical solos, and the occasional burst of groove. In the end, the band proves that NWOBHM-style music still has legs. Simon Ouellet's vocals definitely bring to mind an old school-style, mixing high pitched wails, clean articulation, and thrash-inspired aggression. He also growls a little bit here and there, but this isn't a death metal album so it comes and goes very quickly.

At times, the guitar licks and grooves really shine, ranging from strong and infectious to slick and polished. Better still, the track "As Killers Breathe" includes a solo from the legendary Jeff Waters (of Annihilator) that is well worth a listen. Listeners that enjoy an older style of heavy metal will appreciate the way this band nods to the old school while also trying to keep things fresh and new.

For fans interested in getting to know this band better, I suggest checking out "The Culprit," "Deatbeat Beatdown," and "As Killers Breathe."

Track Listing:
1. Comatose Era (Intro)
2. The Culprit
3. Die Like a Legend
4. The Door Slams Shut
5. Deadbeat Beatdown
6. Rapid Psychotic Relapse
7. As Killers Breathe (Featuring Jeff Waters of Annihilator)
8. Dream Pariah
9. The Narcissist
10. Feed Them Bullets

Added: December 23rd 2013
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 2186
Language: english

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