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Review
After the album's intro has receded, the first thing you hear of opener-proper The Serpent is not one of its vast, towering melodies. No. It's a grunt. It's certainly less easy to sing along to the Lamb of God/Pantera style vocals on show here, but immediately there's a marriage between rhythmic groove metal and a looser, more European style. The riff-filled This Day Is Mine melds an old-school Bay Area thrash vibe with modern melodic metal, meaning that we end up hearing a fast but anthemic song. It sounds more confusing than it actually is.
Later, God Can Bleed is as harsh and angst-fuelled as it is melodic and comforting. The aptly authoritative Power Through Fear is as stimulating with its heaviness as it is beautiful with its refrains, and the chugging of one of their oldest songs, Nothing Left, is an interesting insight into where the band has come from.
It's this constant mixing of styles that characterises Rise to Remain's sound - it's refreshing while still being comfortingly familiar without being unnecessarily progressive. They absolutely are the consequence of their influences (some of which are far from original), but the result is certainly greater than the sum of its parts.
Roads doesn't quite hit the syrupy ballad spot, but with its slower tempo and soul-searching lyrics there is an overly-emotive feeling throughout. It's far from uncomfortable listening, but at almost four-and-a-half minutes long it does end up becoming slightly staid. The heavy shredding of follower (and final track) Bridges Will Burn just highlights its awkward positioning in the album's sequencing - but said closer, with a grand solo in the middle, comprises a fine end to a fine debut.
Because frontman Austin Dickinson is Bruce's son, it's a sad fact that Rise to Remain are linked with Iron Maiden at every turn. But that will pass in time, as there's more than enough quality evident in this first release to point towards a great future for this young band.
--Raziq Rauf
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The album includes the singles `Nothing Left,' `The Serpent,' and `Power Through Fear,' all of which are pretty indicative of the album as a whole: Heavy sections, melodic choruses, guitar solos and fun double kick patterns from the excellent Pat Lundy.
Colin Richardson ably handles the production, managing deftly to keep both the heaviness and melody that the band deliver without one overpowering the other and without just creating a bland radio-metal sound.
The album features re-recording of the earlier tracks `Nothing Left,' and `Bridges Will Burn,' which benefit from the improved production job and slicker performances. Some fans will doubtless find it a little overproduced and commercial, but repeat listens should help uncover the heavy songs underneath.
Standout tracks include the aforementioned `The Serpent,' as well as `Talking In Whispers,' and the album highlight `Illusions.'
Overall, Rise To Remain are a hugely talented British Metalcore act that you ought to check out if you are into the genre. They aren't furiously original, but they play this type of music incredibly well. City Of Vultures is a strong album which brilliantly fulfills promise that the band made with their earlier EPs.
It should have become apparent after the stellar EP "Bridges Will Burn" That RTR were indeed talented, but if the naysayers need any more proof then "City Of Vultures" should show that RTR are something very special.
It is impossible to not comment heavily on Austin Dickinson, he brings a startling vocal range to RTR, with opener "The Serpent" he shows Oli Sykes style rasps and grunts one second, before moving on to a soaring, pitch perfect chorus. One could go a step further and say that this opener perfectly sums Austin up vocally, one minute he can have gutturals to match Parkway Drive, the next, melodic singing that could challenge any auto-tuned pop singer. And for those curious, there is indeed a twang of Bruce audible in Austin's more harmonious moments.
The other members of RTR more than deliver, this record is full of ripping solos, frantic and complex drum beats, and SHOCK a metal band with an actually audible bassist! For those tired of repetitive metalcore bands (yes, I would class RTR as metalcore) who simply rely on chugging and breakdowns will find a refreshing and satisfying album.
Production wise this album is very well done, all instruments receive their attention, no instrument overshadows and bleeds over the others (A trend in a lot of metal albums recently) resulting in an album with a balanced sound. I feel like I am actually listening to a performing band, rather than a bunch of pieced together lines and samples, a big accomplishment for sure.
"City Of Vultures" Really is a fantastic release, one which has caused me to become an even greater fan of these guys.
Very excited to see what comes next.
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