Review by Rachel Jablonski
The Fall of Ideals.
It is somewhat ironic that I am in process of reviewing the latest album, The Fall of Ideals, from Massachusetts’ All That Remains as I watch Dark City, one of my favorite movies. As I watch, I reflect on symbolism in the movie, the fact that as humans we constantly strive for ideals that may or may not be attainable and may or may not exist. Heaven… love… happiness… Contemplating such concepts I begin to doubt my own life and the principles that I strive for.
Conversely, The Fall of Ideals, the follow-up album to All That Remains' 2004 release, This Darkened Heart, screams promise. A massive burst of metal and melody, both sound and lyrics persuade the power of inner strength.
I cast doubt no longer; I am able I am strong; and now it dwells in me! former Shadows Fall vocalist Philip Labonte asserts in “It Dwells in Me.” One of the best tracks on the album, the song seems to strongly emphasize the disregard of external ideals. Be strong, live life, and utilize the ideals that are already inside the song says to me. The track begins with authoritative growls demanding attention overtop a solid metal foundation. The fury of guitars continues, with an intermittent guitar solo, as perhaps one of the longest held growls I have ever heard progresses. But, like other tracks on the album, the song is not purely screamed.
Though “The Calling” begins with a rampant yell, the melodic chorus is entrancing as are the guitars that accompany. In contrast, tracks like “The Weak Willed” produces ferocious drums and deep, death metal growls. Produced by Adam Dutkiewicz (Killswitch Engage) and engineered by Peter Wichers (Ex-Soilwork), the album is thickly layered and varied throughout. Overall, The Fall of Ideals is a solid release full of songs sure to please Ozzfest audiences this summer.