I Am Abomination- To Our Forefathers REVIEW

So. I gotta admit, I'm a music nerd through and through. I love bands that entertain, with a balance of talent, showmanship, pride and prowess. I Am Abomination gives me all of that in spades. People may want to throw the metalcore tag at them, but that'd be a big mistake. Beautiful vocal passages, virtuoso-level guitar solos and an overall professional attitude sets these guys way above the standard for whats called music these days. Everything about this band is something you should get into. Whether you're a singer looking for a new idol or a music lover looking for a new album to wear out in your car, you need to hear these dudes.

I have an obsession with bands that can bring everything to the table; I love hearing the rhythm section, the singing and the solos/harmonies blow my mind. I Am Abomination packs intelligent lyrics in a package that not only pleases the ears- the singing on this cd will reassert your belief in melody in metal, period. The bass is a monster all its own, aware and organic, successfully declaring its identity as a thundering, complex addition to this convention of skilled artists. The drummer seems to be an all-knowing, all-powerful force that can groove over complex rhythms and heavy riffs alike without a second thought.

But the guitars...oh, the guitars. Shredding, tapping, sweeping, dive-bombs and pinch harmonics are everywhere on this album, keeping the listener guessing and engaged throughout the entire cd. This is a band that puts thought into every song; one note chugfests aren't welcome here. nor are cheesy, thrown-together-at-the-last-minute riffs. Every song has its own feel and theme, which is a quality rarely seen these days. These guys can do it all, from ballady solos to balls-out shredding and everything in between. The playing on this album even inspired me to attempt a cover, which can be seen here. I got as far as the solo in Rock N' No Soul before I realized...I'm completely out of my league.

Bottom line: driving choruses, face-melting guitar and vocal acrobatics that will make you try (and them immediately stop trying), thundering and yet somehow nimble bass playing all on top of the most fluid, talented drummer modern metal has to offer makes this a must-buy album. Finally, a band without a song about a mean ex-girlfriend or unnecessary pig squeals (did I mention the only screaming on this album is from Dave Stephens of We Came As Romans fame???) and some damned deep lyrics. This cd changes the game, people. Look out for more from this powerhouse of a band. I know I am.

Tracklisting:

1. Since 1776
2. Thoughtcrime is Death
3. Cataclysm
4. The Deceiver 
5. Rock n' No Soul
6. Invisible Titans
7. Greeting From Easter Island
8. Art Attack
9. Creatures of the Night
10. Element 151