No Better No Worse
BigPoppaKoop | Pequannock, NJ | 06/25/2010
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Being a Nonpoint fan from the beginning, I had very high hopes for this album. I did notice that has Nonpoint progressed, there albums got softer and I had hopes that this album would change that around. I was wrong. From the first song "Shadow", you could hear that Nonpoint has gone more mainstream and radio friendly. I have no problem with that, but my favorite thing about Nonpoint was the edge they had to there songs. I did very much like the second song "Miracle" because of the collaboration with Chad Grey from Mudvayne. This song also reminded me of the why I like Nonpoint from previous albums. The rest of the album is a mix and a bit of a let down. The couple songs that did stick out for me were "Frontlines", "What You've Got for Me", and "Dangerous Waters". As with most Nonpoint albums, they do a descent cover on this album. The song they cover is "Five Minutes Alone" by Pantera and they do an ok job. It's hard to live up to Phil's vocals on this and I give credit to Elias for trying, but he just didn't have that Pantera edge. Overall, this album was a bit of a disappointment for me. I appreciate a band going in another direction, but when you're really good at something, you should stick to it sometimes."
OUCH..... This BITES
Don C | Albany, NY | 07/20/2010
(2 out of 5 stars)
"Boy, i went into this one wanting to like it. Have had it since the first week it came out, and though I only listened once (the first sure sign of trouble) I decided to give it a try again because I had a soft spot for them after loving the debut some years back. Well, this disc is just shamelessly bad for a band that has been around as long as they have. The growth is completely stagnant at this point.
Starts off very strong. I absolutely love 'Shadow'. Great song. I was feeling good. Great Bass line and Chorus.
The title track, again, pretty strong. Good Chorus and raw Guitar sound.
'Crazy' is decent enough as well, dumb lyrics aside.
Then.... BOOM! A total brick wall. I have never heard a disc self destruct as badly as this one does, without warning!
"Frontlines" - a half hearted attempt at the cliched military theme. Seems all bands have a track like this now (and that is no attack on military, just an observation) in a weak attempt at some kind of airplay. And this song is as cheesy as it gets. Really doesn't go anywhere and doesn't work for me.
"Looking Away", "Electricity", "What You've Got For Me" and "Throwing Stones" are 100% forgettable and filler. If this is all they can offer at this point it's a shame, because it is by the numbers, but with no hooks and no punch. I don't know how these guys could want to play this stuff live. The songs are in the 4 minute range but feel like 10.
"5 Minutes Alone" - Pantera cover. Average. They didn't do much to it, but its a great song in itself so they don't destroy it either.
"What I've Become" sounds like it wants to do something, but never goes anywhere. OK foundation for a song, but no substance. Just boring and monotonous.
"Dangerous Waters", is heavy, but once again, forgettable.
Probably the best remaining moments come in the closing segment (as it is timed at 14 minutes plus) where "Lucky 13" is a good, heavier song. Has that Non-point energy level, but is unique for them. A bit dark. Then there is a long silence (kind of tired at this point. Hate when bands do this) then a slow piece about 9:56 in that is alright. But nothing worth the 6 minute wait.
I just wonder what happened to that band that was full of fire on 'Statement'. Even 'To The Pain' had its excellent moments. I didn't bother with 'Vengeance' and now I wish, for the most part, i didn't bother with this one. I mean seriously, whats the rush to put this out?
I wonder how a band can sit and listen to this in its entirety, after touring and recording for so many years, and say "Yes, This is PERFECT! Just what we wanted to move our careers forward". I mean it really is hard getting through the meat of this disc. And I am just listening. Again, I wanted to like it! If it were my BAND I would definitely go back to the drawing board before releasing some of these mundane tracks. Especially after how poorly 'Vengeance' did.
Chad Gray and Greg Tribbett (HellYeah) who Produced this didn't feel the lack of emotion in 80% of this? Or the lack of direction?
But, oh yeah, the packaging is pretty and folds apart.
I had to be honest and I seldom write negative reviews unless there is a reason. The reason for this one is that I felt punched in the gut AFTER TRACK 3. I am disappointed and surprised. I think most fans of their decent stuff will be. Its almost getting into generic Breaking Benjamin territory..... Yes, THAT bad! The songs sound the same, but none of them memorable.
I would advise most of you to just buy the MP's of the good tracks unless you need it for some reason.
"
