Search - Maroon :: When Worlds Collide

Maroon ~When Worlds Collide~ 3 1/2 stars

RaY RaY Pine | Philly | 05/11/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Maroon's debut album on Century Media (there third overall) is a punishing affair that further epitomizes metalcores adoration for Gothenburg aggression. While not directly being a Gothenburg band themselves (Maroon are from Germany), they take a few of the same influences that Killswitch Engage use and make it their own in a brand of metalcore that is finding itself a home in the United States.



The bands production and sound is driving and laced with cutting leads. Finding themselves akin to bands such as As I Lay Dying and Killswitch Engage, Maroon can actually be much more melodic ("The Omega Suite Pt. 2") than either of these bands tends to be, though their use of melodic vocals is sparse at best on the album. Songs like "Sword and Bullet" and "24 Hour Hate" are pretty much as stereotypical of the modern metalcore sound: Great lead guitar work, harsh vocals, breakdowns.



Tinged with acoustic interludes and instrumentals, this album has enough diversity to keep you interested and the songs never drag past the 5 minute mark. "The Omega Suite Pt. 2" is one of the better instrumental songs I've heard this year and, all around, one of the best metalcore songs I've heard this year. Also, pay close attention to the fullness of the closing track "Below Existence," with the acoustic breakdown. A strong finish to a solid album.



While not doing anything entirely new, any fan of great metalcore will be able to get down with this album. If you're looking for something new though, this may not be the way to go.



For Fans of: Killswitch Engage, As I Lay Dying, Soilwork"