Compare The Crusade

Upon listening to 's for the first time, it seems remarkable that this is the same band that recorded a scant three years ago. While last year's hinted at what was to come, it still doesn't prepare the listener properly. The former band from disappeared and was replaced by this insanely talented quintet that plays an aggressive form of syncopated, intense . With vocalist/guitarist drummer guitarist and bassist , should be ready for the world stage at this point, and this album should clue in those who think is is some passe form of music. Check the twin guitars in as weave dynamic, melodic passages around a crunching riff. Or the vocal chorus that opens before it erupts into kick drum-driven mayhem without ever delving into cliche. Sure, early are an influence on Trivium (the Metallica who released and , not the current incarnation who left those guys in the dust to become a respectable band). This is not to say that doesn't have its place in the mix -- check Never has a drummer sounded so crisp and so completely in control of the beat than does here. The quick yet devastatingly tasty guitar riffs that concoct are creative, knotty and canny. Other notable cuts on this fine outing are and the eight-plus-minute title cut that closes the set. Let's face it, though it's made and listened to primarily by the young, as a genre, has grown up and become far more sophisticated than it's given credit for. If anything, it's the only place in music where innovation and creativity are flourishing because other than electricity and volume, there are no rules; the musicianship is top-notch, the writing gets better all the time, and production techniques are not the focus, music is. is a perfect example of what's possible. Along with other American bands like -- and an entire slew of groups from their home state of Florida -- are redefining the genre. ~ Thom Jurek