Not wanting to make the same mistake twice, I went into The End of Heartache with a totally open mind but once again was slightly let down. The band has gone through a massive lineup change since their last album (new singer and drummer) and although this hasnt hurt their sound, it hasnt really made things better. I know that Howard is a great live frontman and his scream just as vicious as Jesse's but its his clean vocals that get under my skin sometimes. On the song "Declaration" for example, the music is there but the over use of Howard's crooning just gets in the way.
Guitarist Adam D. has crafted some pretty metal moments on this record while still having plenty of breakdowns for their kung fu fighting fans. It just seems that the band is holding back somehow. Some songs are are a bit thrashy but you know they could be faster, the melodies are ok but not great and even the all important heavy parts seem to be a little thin. The bands new drummer is from Blood Has Been Shed (like Howard ) and is known for being a badass behind the kit but his performance here is nothing spectacular. Id say the drum work on the last record was better and all that was played by Adam D also! So unlike their last album, I like The End of Heartache right off the bat...its just that it didnt wow me like I I had hoped.
Standout Tracks:
Take This Oath
When Darkness Falls
Rose of Sharyn
Breathe Life
The End of Heartache
Declaration