How often have you gone back to listen to an album that was more than 10 years old, only to find it didn’t hold up as well as you thought it would? A sloppy guitar part here, or a bad mixing job there, or even just song ideas that didn’t really work as well in hindsight?
I first heard Atlantis in 2007 when I was asked to review it for Uprise Zine (if you remember that publication, give me a shout!) While I definitely remember liking it, I was pleasantly surprised at how good it sounds 14 years after its release. I popped it into my CD player (remember CDs?) earlier this week and was really blown away by how fresh and relevant it still sounds!
One of the things I love about this album (and the featured track) is just how good of a representation of metalcore it actually is. Besieged, in carefully measured out portions, mixed in 2-step beats, occasional gang vocals, semi-melodic guitar leads, death metal growls and/or black metal screeches, and obligatory–but crucially, not overused breakdowns to create a really tasteful blend of satisfying sounds. And for my tastes, Mattie’s vocals have never sounded better (no offense to fans of For Today).
To the metal purists who claim metalcore isn’t “real metal” to the old school hardcore aficionados who don’t like solos in their hXc, Besieged gave a huge “Who cares!” and played it just as they wanted it.
whoa been a while since I heard these guys! awesome.
unfortunately their other two eps are next to impossible to find for streaming; i found a couple songs from “dragons” on youtube but thats it
this album is great and is often overlooked for Mattie’s work wit for today and later solo work – but if u can get u hands on this one it doesnt disappoint
Agreed. I personally prefer Besieged.