Mendeed: This War Will Last Forever

The New Wave of American Metal… has crossed the ocean? Perhaps. Mendeed's latest album This War Will Last Forever, plays out like the missing connection between Avenged Sevenfold's last two albums. Mendeed adds more aggression, more growls, and they fall a bit more on the thrash/death side, but they keep most of the aforementioned style, as well as some Iron Maiden-esque leads. And as with many metalcore bands out there right now, they definitely draw some influence from Pantera, but the catch here is that they are from Scotland. Other bands that they seem to draw from with this album include Shadows Fall, All that Remains, and Trivium.

They don't have the hooks that Avenged had, nor as individually identifiable songs. In fact, as I was listening to this album for a bit, besides the intro, I thought that this was all one song. However, the album actually has 12 songs, but they just all run together, with a fast and engaging groove. I was into the album from start to finish. Vocally, this band's growling was standard, and their clean singing was nothing to get excited about, but it had the energy that the album and music desired. Instrumentally, this band has talent. They can play the chords, they can play the leads, can come up with some catchy riffs,and do it all quite well.

Unfortunately, no lyrics were provided with the promotional materials. I don't know why labels do that, unless they feel that a reviewer would grade them less due to the lyrics, or they don't think that reviewers care about lyrics. I do.

Overall, I enjoyed the album, and it's as good as the latest from All that Remains. I think they have more instrumental talent that almost all the other metalcore bands I've listened to. However, what I want to hear from them in the future is better song composition, and a stronger focus on developing their own sound instead of riding some trendy wave.

Lastly, just a side note that this band had Dom Lawson of the UK metal magazine Kerrang! sing on the song "For Blasphemy We Bleed". Kerrang! has had raving reviews of this album. You can decide that on your own.

Track Listing
01. What We Have Become
08. Beneath a Burning Sky
17. Stand as One and Fight for Glory
26. Remains of the Day
35. Chapel Perilous
44. The Morning Aftermath
53. Poisoned Hearts
62. Withered and Torn
71. Resurrecting Hope
80. For Blasphemy We Bleed
89. The Reaper Waits
95. The Black Death

Added: December 21st 2006
Reviewer: Scott Borre
Score:
Related Link: Mendeed Website
Hits: 2514
Language: english

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