Massachusetts metallers All That Remains are set for the upcoming release of their eight studio album, the successor to their previous record ‘The Order of Things’, ‘Madness’. All That Remains have never been afraid to breach the borders of influence and curiosity before, not when trying to musically portray and honest reflection of what they were writing about at the time. Dabbling in styles such as pop, rock, punk and their core sound of pure metalcore, the band this time have decided to see what may be beyond new horizons entirely with ‘Madness’.
Two tracks from the forthcoming album have been dropped prior to its release including the records opener “Safe House”, which has already begun to pick up steam, and the album titled “Madness”. Both quite close, reminiscent even, to the All That Remains sound fans are already familiar with, these were carefully picked as a taste of what is to come and fans ate them up. In particular, the monster that is “Safe House” as it represents many of the most brutal elements found in A.T.R.
Where the album begins to get really interesting is just a stones throw ahead when raw nerves exposed in “If I’m Honest” are laid out for all to see. Following suit, “Never Sorry”, “Back To You” and “Nothing I Can Do” all serve as part of the stripped back, exposed moments the band offer up. However “If I’m Honest” holds its own charm and provides hope for the hopeless.
A couple of spins round this record, the rallying anthem that is “Louder” simply demands its moment on the stage, and rightly so. It both balances and blends pain and celebration with angst and unity in a simple chant that is made to shake the rafters. Another element that pushes to the forefront is that while there is much in the way of heaviness and brutality, there is also structures or arrangements in these tracks of more commercial nature, even through the ways of hook lines found in the likes of “Louder”. Much less surprising when given the knowledge that the record was produced by none of other than Howard Benson whose past clients include that of Motorhead, Papa Roach, Halestorm among others.
On that note, purists beware, familiar territory will not be all that is found here as All That Remains have set out to push their own envelope and have indeed done so. Vocalist and front-man Philip Labonte has said himself that he will continue to be misunderstood and accepts it. With that in mind, Labonte and co are clearly under no illusions, as they have produced an album that is somewhere between “savagery and sensitivity”, a self given description which hits the nail on the head. Despite producing a fine rock/metal record, it is of equal pleasure to know that All That Remains know exactly what they’re doing in any given moment and why. ‘Madness’ drops on April 28th and folks, it is a record well worthy of the spin.
Pre-order All That Remains ‘Madness’ album:
iTunes: http://geni.us/atrmadness
Amazon: http://geni.us/madnessamz
Google Play: http://geni.us/madnessgp
Merch bundles: http://allthatremainsonline.co