Search - God Forbid :: Determination

Amazing Melodic-Death Metal/Hardcore band from NJ

inflames1223 | New Brunswick, NJ United States | 04/23/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you are one of the few people who truly appreciate the melodic intricacies of Euro-metal, and who also long for the brutal assault of dual-guitar/double-bass breakdowns as heard in almost every hardcore band worth listening to, then this is the band, and album, for you. Described as being MetalCore, which is truly poor description of such a tight band, God Forbid astonishes audiences with a vast array of musical knowledge and prowess. Originally from New Brunswick, NJ (I am also from New Brunswick, but I promise you, no biases are present here, I am just a lover of hard music) God Forbid showcases a talent all their own. From the intro to the last track, this album flows and pulses like it has a mind of its own. Lyrically, Byron "B" Davis screeches, yelps, and growls his way into your very soul. Mainly implementing a hardcore style of vocal, B succeeds in displaying what he intended: Pure rage. On the guitars are three men whom play together like none other. Doc and Dallas Coyle (yes, they are brothers) harmonize and chug with perfection. Their style is a mixture of At The Gates and In Flames melodic death metal guitar with a groove similar to Arkangel. They also can break down with the best of them. On bass is John Outcalt who is white. Oh, did I forget to mention that all the members of God Forbid save for John are black? Who cares? I don't! Race doesn't matter, only music. John is a superb bassist who can be overlooked, but shouldn't be. His style is straight out of Cliff Burton's playbook. Just listen to his amazing solo on 'Wicked.' Playing the skins is Corey Pierce. Pierce really does just that. His mastery over the double bass is so prevalent its sickening. He is similar to Raymond Herrera on the double bass, but is a much more hardcore-influenced drummer when it comes to the rest of the drums. As for the tracks on "Determination", they are just as intricate as the members of the band are. The best songs in my opinion are:Broken Promise - If you like to be assaulted by breakdown after breakdown, apply within.Divide My Destiny - A truly melodic masterpiece reminiscent of In Flames, but more groovy.Wicked - An older song of theirs that has been remastered, but nonetheless, simply fantastic.Determination Pt. 1 & 2 - First one is real hard, second is really melodic.Go Your Own Way - My favorite because it combines everything that is amazing about this band. Definitely buy this CD. No questions. Just buy! God Forbid also has an EP "Out Of Misery" and their first full length LP "Reject The Sickness" out on indie labels. These are equally great. Buy these too!"

If only all metalcore was this good.......

shmitty01 | ? | 02/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Let me say that if all metalcore bands were this good, it would be hard to find time to listen to them considering how big the "scene" is. To get to the basics of this cd: heavy, brutal, melodic, and talented all rolled into one. What this cd most reminds me of is the old stuff from Cave In(until your heart stops in particular), with some actual talented leads thrown in along the lines of euro metal or it's influence, Iron Maiden. This cd isn't melodic enough to fall into the gothenberg style, but it's well produced, heavy, and very talented. It's stange to see a band this dynamic come from the US, especially one that is metalcore. Well worth your time if you like heavy metal such as Lamb of God, old Cave In, Unearth, Shadows Fall, etc."

Crushing metal...

chaoticsoul | Massachusetts | 04/08/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Godforbid is by far one of the best metal acts out now...They bring you nothing but that pure american metal with an sound that is out of this world! Byron's vocals are one of a kind plus the messege the godforbid sends is very interesting.If your a fan of true metal and your anti nu-metal like me...Well, pick this album up now!"