metalcore
This album has been staring me in the face for quite some time now. So I decided that today is the day that I'll finally give it a shot and get on with the review. It was presented to me as a metalcore/deathcore hybrid and it just so happens that I'm not a fan of these genres. Apparently, nobody on Merchants Of Air is. In all honesty we desperately need more writers. But anyway, here I am, listening to a metalcore/deathcore album from a French combo. At the moment I'm writing these words, I'm five tracks into the album, with 'Reborn' currently blasting through my speakers. And, although I'm still not a fan, I do recognize some great craftsmanship.
Quite often metalcore bands drown in their own breaks, riffs and energy. Eventually that usually results in uncontrollable musical chaos that only the die hard fans can appreciate (you know, those youngsters who invented a weird and spastic dance). Yet, Diana Rising seems to focus on songs rather than technicality. They have thrown plenty of melodic leads into their music and enhance the whole thing with minimal but well fitting electronics.
Then of course, there is the vocalist, the one member of a metalcore band I usually just can't take seriously. Again, here that is different. Instead of constantly switching between growls, screams and pig squeals, this one focuses on hardcore screams, loaded with intensity. Besides, he quite often lets the music do its job, which is also a plus. That music obviously is loaded with gut ripping riffs and enhanced by an excellent drummer.
So yeah, for a metalcore album, this certainly is a stand-out. I mean, I managed to listen to the entire album which is extremely rare in this genre. So I can only recommend this one to all extreme metal fans out there, since that is exactly what this thing is: extreme. You can fiercely bang your head to it, you can do that silly dance if you want or you can get into the pit. Diana Rising might be one of the best metalcore bands out there, isn't that a surprise...
Serge
Quite often metalcore bands drown in their own breaks, riffs and energy. Eventually that usually results in uncontrollable musical chaos that only the die hard fans can appreciate (you know, those youngsters who invented a weird and spastic dance). Yet, Diana Rising seems to focus on songs rather than technicality. They have thrown plenty of melodic leads into their music and enhance the whole thing with minimal but well fitting electronics.
Then of course, there is the vocalist, the one member of a metalcore band I usually just can't take seriously. Again, here that is different. Instead of constantly switching between growls, screams and pig squeals, this one focuses on hardcore screams, loaded with intensity. Besides, he quite often lets the music do its job, which is also a plus. That music obviously is loaded with gut ripping riffs and enhanced by an excellent drummer.
So yeah, for a metalcore album, this certainly is a stand-out. I mean, I managed to listen to the entire album which is extremely rare in this genre. So I can only recommend this one to all extreme metal fans out there, since that is exactly what this thing is: extreme. You can fiercely bang your head to it, you can do that silly dance if you want or you can get into the pit. Diana Rising might be one of the best metalcore bands out there, isn't that a surprise...
Serge
