Strangely named band… check. Singer that alternately uses clean and screaming vocals… check. Angst filled lyrics… check. Band that is doing another version of Killswitch Engaged or As I Lay Dying… check, check, check!! In the never-ending world of bands that follow the lead of others comes this one which is the latest edition to the nu-metal/metalcore merry-go-round. With a sound that is similar to so many others, they have just as good of a chance to make to the top as any one. With a little luck there is a multitude of tracks on this album that could become the flavor of the day for the radio listening crowd.
I guess you can't fault them for going with the flow. They do it as well as most and also display musical talent that if channeled properly could produce some interesting works. The band just needs to look at what can set them apart as opposed to how they can sound like the multitude of groups out there. This self titled debut does hold promise of better things to come. With some seasoning this dish might not be quite so bland.
This band is at their best when they stay as heavy as possible. "Killshed" is one of the best examples of how they can bring it hard. Lead singer John uses his harsh vocal style to maximum effect and this pounding mosh pit friendly tune makes me think that there is hope for these guys. Too bad that the next song "Lost Our Way" where he uses only clean vocals falls into the category that I dubbed Metal Boy Band. It has the attitude of a pop song that just happens to use loud electric guitars.
The remainder of the album falls somewhere in between. The music is not unlistenable by a long shot. The band knows this style very well and plays it to perfection. Maybe even a little to perfect as this disc sounds like it was manufactured to sound like the bands that have mass appeal to the kids who will be using mom and dad's credit card to purchase it. Even their myspace page makes you think that they are pitching the lost generation with their emo type message:
"Like life, music is created and destroyed everyday. The breath of its existence is fragile and can be broken at any instance. It is in these moments that you will find His Name Was Yesterday, fighting for every breath, and living with the ghosts of their past. We call upon the misguided and lonely, asking your hearts to beat in unison with ours, creating a thundering sound which no man can ever silence. If we stand together nothing can divide us! Let us into your hearts, and we will provide you with the soundtrack to your existence".
One notable exception to the rule for this band is the hidden track at the end of the disc. It is an acoustic ballad that shows me these guys do have the ability to create instead of imitate. Even here though they go after the angst filled teenager crowd but at least they hit them with a different approach.
All in all this is an album that will be listened to and forgotten just as quickly or it may be the next big thing as the crowd who needs to write down the name of the band so they know who's album to pick up at the mall could just make them the next blue light special.
Track listing:
1. Where It Ends
2. Again And Again
3. No More Tomorrow
4. Killshed
5. Lost Our Way
6. Echoes Of The Past
7. Memory Of Me
8. In Hell
9. Face The Truth
10. It Always Ends In Fire
11. Goodbye To Yesterday
12. (Untitled) bonus track
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