Dead Throne is already the fourth full-length album from this American Metalcore band and the first release after their highly popular “Zombie EP”. I wasn’t a big fan “With Roots Above and Branches Below” it was kind of a disappointment after “Plagues”. But they did outdo themselves with my favorite the “Zombie EP”. Now the question if they will continue on this path with “Dead Throne”.
The album starts with the title track. The keys in this song remind me a little of the Zombie EP. The next song “Untidaled” is a typical TDWP song. With a nice breakdown and a clean verse the bass solo at the end is a nice touch. The chorus from “Vengeance” is really catchy.
It becomes clear that made a mix of the best from WRAaBB and the Zombie EP. But this time it’s a little less harsh verse/clean chorus formula.
The cleans in “My Questions” aren’t that strong the melody sounds like something they have done before. “Kansas” is instrumental with only a spoken line saying; “It is though God by command has withdrawn every other throne. And God is saying, ‘No. These people will deal with me alone.'”
This sums really the whole concept of the album. No other throne than Gods throne, an anti-idolatry message.
“Born To Lose” is a great tracks again I really love the keys in this song. “Chicago” is a slower song with really emotional vocals it has a nice transition to a somewhat ‘heavier’ part. The song “Constance” reminds me the most of the “Zombie EP” which is a good thing. Great song!
The production on this album is done by Adam Dutkiewicz from Killswitch Engage. It is pretty different from their previous work especially on the growling vocals. They sound less straight forward but a little harsher.
Overall is this great release not as good as the Zombie EP but a really great album overall. The cleans are not that strong this time. But the overall instrumentation is better and I especially love the keys/programming part. Some fans maybe take some time to get used to the vocal production but when You are used to it this will be a great album.
Rating : 8/10
Track Listing:
1. Dead Throne
2. Untidaled
3. Mammoth
4. Vengeance
5. R.I.T.
6. My Questions
7. Kansas
8. Born To Lose
9. Forever Decay
10. Chicago
11. Constance (feat. Tim Lambesis)
12. Pretenders
13. Holdfast
The Devil Wears Prada is:
Daniel Williams – drums
Andy Trick – bass guitar
Chris Rubey – lead guitar, backing vocals
Jeremy DePoyster – rhythm guitar, clean vocals
Mike Hranica – lead vocals
James Baney – keyboard, synthesizer, piano
Record Label: Ferret Music, Sept. 2011.
Weblinks: Website / Facebook / Myspace / Twitter