So it seems that the metal-core keeps going on, it refuses death, and no matter how many bullets are shot into its hide it always comes back. More so in the Christian metal-core scene. I think its the Christian scene that’s keeping the glow in metal-core from going out in a nasty explosion. Ultimately if I am to be honest with you, I won’t cry if metal-core were to be smite out one day.
So this brings me to that latest release I have had to review, which is “The Greatest Of These” – by Sinners And Saints. Its their debut release, and if you did not know it by now, they are a metal-core band in the line of For Today and As I Lay Dying. These fella’s hail out of South-Eastern Pennsylvania in America. Their message, “…. on a mission to spread a message of hope and love to every single person they come into contact with. They look to be a light and a friend in an otherwise dark place” – The bands face book page under their biography.
They have a EP under their belt entitled, “ The Experiment” which for most accounts is pretty impressive introduction and foundational stepping stone for the band as they display their technical, catchy and driving melodies with a strong opening performance into the metal-core arena. You can download that EP for free here: https://www.mediafire.com/?404k0bcyl0qwq.
I think first things first about, “The Greatest Of These”, its not the most original piece of work you are gonna discover in your lifetime..fact. But the over production and skill are a upward progression from the EP, and certainly these chaps are finding their footing through an increased maturity from the EP, that oozes and displays an evolved skill set that is taking the band forward. It has all the usual ingredients to qualify itself in the metal-core scene with its chuggy jugg jugg riffs, the driving melodies, and a good balance of aggressive and clean vocals without the stereo typing.
For what it is, this is good, undeniably. We are all to aware that the symbiosis between the clean vocals and the aggressive vocals can be a make or break deal for a metal-core band. Get that messed up, and it can pile-driver the album into the ground, shattering any prospect it might have had. Fortunately these guys do not suck in this area, and the vocals as displayed in a song like, “ The World’s Collapse” solidify the fact, and overall are a strong characteristic of this debut release. They have taking the melodic vs technical approach to their branding or interpretation of the music they have chosen to play which in my books has enhanced the footprint of their credibility within the scene. The enhancement of this is amplified by the quality of their presentation, which shows a band with a good skill set, and presenting that skill to the most part with some original flavor. Though I need to iterate that again this is not the most original stuff you gonna lay your hands on, but certainly the facts presented, make this a great release, and out lines a possible promising future for the band.
The track that blasted open the doors was, “Fractures” not just because its a well composed song but that it has this frantic urgency about that does not relent with its passionate vocals, wild guitars, some great lead guitar work and its spine crushing drum beats. I am a big fan of anthemic songs, and they come to the party with a strong one with the likes of “Life, Like Statues”“, which starts with a passionate cry,“I never said good bye” before it nuclear blasts into motion with a barrage of juggs and high-octane drumming that is notably good on this song, along with the clean vocal chorus. Top notch song deserving a 9/10 high five anytime. Though I must say I rather enjoyed the instrumental, “Testify” quite a bit, nice break, and shows an air of quality and diversity.
Overall impression is that they have stepped up their game, tighter, leaner, more mature and ready to step onto the main stage of the metal-core arena. Like I said before, not a fan really of this brand, but one has to give credit and recognition when its due, and they deserve a full house applause; It’s a worthy release, and displays a band merely in the infancy of what could come from them. It also helps that this album is being released by a label, “ Red Cord Records” that over the past few years been making fair sized ripples in the scene with bands like Phinehas and Inhale Exhale. It almost gives them an immediate credibility. Special guest that have a name for themselves are always a great bonus to any album, and on this release the talents of Garret Rapp of The Color Morale shows his vocal skill set on the song, “Fractures”. This again adds to the quality and credibility of the release, as it ups the stakes.
The only real punch to the gut that could be seen as a negative, is that the songs, especially to the end blend into one another to much, and it does tend to grow a little monotonous. I would not say its stales out, I mean its a great release by all accounts, but there are a few forgettable or lessor moments, especially in the second half that found me spacing out a little from boredom. Though the album does not give up as it comes hurtling back at one on the last two tracks, “Charisma” and “In Spite of You” which are strong compositions that are not just some of the heaviest tracks on the album, but also two of the best tracks that keep the power raging high from start to finish. In-fact “In Spite of You” in all its heaviness is quite melodic and ends with a moving piano piece that tidy’s up the album quite nicely. This is one of the better metal-core albums I have become familiar with in a long while, and dispels many of the fractures that have become all to common in the scene that has made a guy like me wish the overpopulated and bloated scene would either just die or take another direction.
To conclude then, “The Greatest Of These” is a mature piece of work, and as a band I think Sinners to Saints with their growing talent, and if they stick to their biographical motto, we will see a band that will soon become a household name to many. They have many of the qualities that help on the road to success, from pure passion, to a positive message, great energy, and skill set. There is still growth to come from the guys, and with a little push in the right direction, and add more diversity perhaps to their songs we could see their dynamic increase and strengthen, and there from see some great songs from them in the future. Its not everyday I speak highly of a metal-core group, or maybe I am softening up after reviewing a couple recently, but if these guys keep on track, and don’t mess up in one way or another they could have a bright future ahead of them. That is me outta here.
Rating: 7.8 / 10
Tracklist:
1. Altar Ego
2. Angels & Demons
3. The World’s Collapse
4. Fractures
5. Vanquisher
6. Life, Like Statues
7. Testify
8. Vessels
9. Peace/Keeper
10. The Greatest Of These
11. Charisma
12. In Spite Of You
Band Members:
Andrew East – Vocals
Kyle East – Guitar
Jon Hendershot – Guitar
Jake Bastian – Bass
James Mowrer – Drums
Record Label: Red Cord Records, March 2013
Discography:
The Experiment EP [2011]
The Greatest of These [2013]
Weblinks: Facebook / Twitter / Reverbnation
Interview With ‘Sinners To Saints [March 2013]
Buy the album here:
Holland: First Paradox
Norway: Nordic Mission
USA: Metal Helm
Lyric video below for: “”Fractures” (feat. Garret Rapp of The Color Morale)