Proving that some bands just don't need 60+ minutes of music to make their point, metalcore leaders All That Remains offer up 39 minutes of fury, melody,and serious chops on their latest Prosthetic Records release Overcome. Whether this one will stack up over time when compared to their previous effort The Fall of Ideals remains to be seen, but after numerous spins there's plenty to enjoy here and recommend. While Overcome might divide the All That Remains fanbase somewhat-those who like the more savage earlier material coulde be turned off by the overabundance of melodic material here-all of the characteristics that have brought the band to this point are present. If you like the catchy, hook oriented metal aspect of their sound, look no further than the single "Two Weeks", a real memorable clean sung piece with a chorus that will stick with you for days, while tunes like "Before the Damned" and "Undone" combine the harsher side of the band, Phil Labonte's mix of screams, growls, and clean vocals soar over the non-stop frenzy of virtuoso guitar riffs & solos from Oli Herbert and Mike Martin, while drummer Jason Costa flails away with plenty of precision and power. The band's take on classy extreme metal on "Chiron" is a joy to listen to, proof that a band can be extreme and still write catchy and memorable songs. Loads of tasty guitar licks permeate "Days Without", and their stab at melodic death metal can be heard on the successful "Relinquish". Closer "Believe in Nothing" is a real departure, a moody ballad that sees Labonte delivering his most emotional vocal to date, and he's surrounded by plenty of melodic guitar solos that help deliver the goods.
Though there's not really a song as powerful as "This Calling" from their last album, overall this is a really strong set from a metalcore band that's as consistent as it gets. Catch them out on tour where their strengths are even more apparent.
Track Listing
1. Before The Damned 2:53
2. Two Weeks 4:17
3. Undone 3:12
4. Forever In Your Hands 3:36
5. Chiron 4:24
6. Days Without 3:11 9
7. A Song For The Hopeless 4:15
8. Do Not Obey 3:12
9. Relinquish 2:51
10. Overcome 2:38
11. Believe In Nothing 4:23