Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Intense, 10 Nov 2008
When you hear about a melodic death metal band with female vocals, your first reaction would probably to think a certain band from Sweden... Well, i hate to dissapoint you but LTC are in no way an Arch Enemy clone and sound nothing like the Ammott brothers and their motley crew. LTC do indeed play melodic death, but a different sort, a kinda cross polynation of At the Gates with the best of American thrash metal (well they are from San Fransisco), and maybe a pinch of Carcass too. Although much indebted to the a certain album called 'Slaughter of the Soul', LTC are definitly no copy cat artist and have a undeniable sound of their own.
Remains of the Gods was a very big step in the evolution of the band, as LTC shed the metalcore influences and sonic puppy fat of their debut The Hero Cycle in favour of an all out, teeth and claws metal sound. Likewise, Laura dropped her hardcore scream for far superior raspy growls and sub-human roars. As such, the album shifts between more melodic and Gothenburg sounding numbers like 'Remains of the Gods' and 'the hunt' to the more evil and thrashy likes of 'Obituary' and 'The Static Masses', but LTC are consistant enough in their style to make it work as the intensity of this album is completly off the wall. Seriously, i associate this kind of vein burtsing, hernia indusing, weak bladder rupturing aggression more from bands like Converge. Especially on 'The Static Masses' and 'Guiding the North Star', the riffing and the drumming is just crazy. Couple this with a devestatingly extreme vocal attack, some heart-wrenching melodies, thought provoking lyrics and a gritty production job and you've got one fine album.
Remains of the Gods is not perfect though. Its much more chaotic and less refined then later works, and i'm not sure which i prefer to be honest. Also, it would have been nice to hear a tad more variety, as its only really the excellent 'Fractured by the Fall', which not so much tips its cap to The Jester Race ad it bows down and kisses its feet, that breaks away from the speed fest on offer here. And where are the solos?
Still, Remains of the Gods is a great album and a real blast to listen to, and the energy, passion and raw emotion on offer really make up for any shortcomings in songwriting. Get it, play it loud and rock out! This is one of my favourite albums to listen to while working out. I'd also recommend checking out Facing the Thousand and Stormchaser if this floats yer boat.
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