It's been two years since I Am released their debut EP, Memento Mori. Since then, the band has been busy on the road and putting together their this, their first full-length album. Even though the title could be mistaken as a generic metal title, this album actually lives up to expectations. From the beginning, it kicks things off with heavy, down-tuned, riffs that are dark and foreboding. There were times I almost found it too heavy, mostly because the vocals are so low, harsh, and insistent. At times, I didn't like them at all even though I admired what the rest of the band was doing. The music here is best described as metal-meets-contemporary hardcore. At times, I was reminded of Xibalba (one of my favorite bands) but there are also connections to the styles of Harm's Way, The Acacia Strain, Skinless, and Dying Fetus. Juggling influences gets old, but the point here is simple: I Am is a heavy, crushing, band. With this album, they show off the weightiness of the music. Things could use a little nuance and variety, but fans of extremely heavy music should enjoy this one.
Track Listing:
1. Life Through Torment
2. Face of Death
3. Sacred Cries
4. C.O.S.L.
5. SUI
6. Entomb Me
7. Morality Hangs
8. Worndead
9. Stones
10. Forgive Me
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