THE ACACIA STRAIN
"The
Dead Walk" (Prosthetic; 2006)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
With “The Dead Walk” The Acacia Strain pump up the low end on their brand of metalcore – perhaps taking the genre to new sonic territory even if it isn’t so readily apparent to the casual listener. “The Dead Walk” features material that is slower than usually heard in the genre – this only serves to highlight the instantaneously impressive heaviness.
The vocals are solid, deep grunts and growls with a few higher-pitched (relatively speaking) notes thrown in for good measure. The rhythm guitar is compressed sonically yet somehow retains the deep, dirty tone that gives the songs added character. The lead guitar provides underlying atmosphere or solos so brief as to be hardly noticed. The rhythm section is relentless and precise – if you’re thinking that description puts the band in Meshuggah/A Life Once Lost territory your assumption would be correct.
“The Dead Walk” can get a bit monotonous at times, especially to the uninitiated. Repeat listens, as usual, lead to better discernment between tracks. Accordingly, “The Dead Walk” disc requires some effort to fully appreciate – but some folks like to earn their musical rewards.
“The Dead Walk” was produced by The Acacia Strain and Adam Dutkiewicz.
The Acacia Strain: Vincent Bennett on vocals, Daniel DaPonde and Daniel Laskiewic on guitars, Seth Coleman on bass, Kevin Boutot on drums, and Tyler Schiendist as The Man.
For more information visit http://www.theacaciastrainmusic.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2006 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 20 Nov 2008 01:30:38 -0600.
