"There's just a whole lot missing from this album. Nonpoint has been aggressive and melodic at the same time in their songs, but that seems to be out the window in favor of what seems to be your generic hard rock riffs, with a whole lot of screaming layered over it.
Now it's not that Nonpoint doesn't have a whole lot of screaming on previous albums, but Elias always had that way of sticking those soft and melodic parts in there that really helped make the song. On the new album that's almost gone in favor of just screaming and screaming. Nonpoint has always been a fun band to sing along with, but that doesn't seem to be the case here.
The guitars have gone from the incredible tone on To The Pain to a generic hard rock sound. Their riffs have gone from interesting to circular riffs that just repeat over and over, causing many of the songs to sound very much alike.
Nonpoint has been one to change their sound quite a bit, but this one simply isn't working for me.
It simply feels like they've taken two steps back in this music writing after taking a huge step forward with To The Pain."
50-50
J. Graves | austin TX. | 04/16/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This album is not their best but it is ok. The first track wake up world is good. along with What I do best, Breathe, March of war, A way out, and when its over. Those are my favorite tracks. And they make the album well worth buying. If your thinking of checking out this group, check out Statement or Recoil. Those (in my opinion) are the best."
Killer cd! best since recoil!
M. Hinkle | Pa, Usa | 11/20/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This a killer album! from 'wake up world' to 'when it's over' its a whirl wind of bombastic and sonic glory. Nonpoint really put a lot of effort into this album and it shows. My personal favorites are 'every body down', 'bring me down', 'vengence', 'when its over', and the first single ' march of war'. This album certainly captures the energy of their live shows and relentless touring. With the exception of 'Breathe', a soulful and interesting ballade-like tune, this album will be sure to knock some sense into the music industry and create more fans to Nonpoint's ever loyal fan base. As the title track says, this album is a middle finger to the nay sayers and doubters of Nonpoint and is statement that they are here to stay. Nu-Metal may have become unpopular but it is certainly still alive and kicking. I went to a show of theres at the Croc Rock in Allentown, Pa, where the bassist broke his toe and continued to play due to the bands total respect of their fans. NU-METAL FOREVER!"
Different Side of Nonpoint
JL | Boston, MA USA | 11/19/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"It's hard to top an album like To The Pain. Vengence shows a different writing style from these guys, that took me a couple of listens before it grew on me. Now I don't stop listening to the album. This album features more 1/2 times, screams, and metal influenced guitar riffs. This album continues the hard-driving centered music that the band started with recoil and continued to write in to the pain. This is doing what Nonpoint does best, which is fast-paced, hard-driving, in-your-face music, full of energy and passion. I can't wait to see the songs from this album played live, because that is the best part of this band. This is a great album and I'd suggest buying it."
Arrested Development
Andrew Estes | Maine | 11/13/2007
(3 out of 5 stars)
"It's been a busy few years for the men of Fort Lauderdale, FL's Nonpoint. Playing musical chairs with record labels, spending more time on the road supporting their albums than most bands, all the while yielding little commerical success. It's a wonder how they keep their heads in the game, when they push themselves as far as they did on 2004's "Recoil" and as hard as on 2005's "To The Pain" and don't seem to end up on top, like they deserve. Even still, like the hard-workers they are, they treat us to yet another new album in 2007, so even if the album is a bit of a disappointment, they receive an A for effort.
First off, it should be noted that "Vengeance" doesn't really feature much growth from where they last left off. For those who loved "To The Pain," you're more or less getting the same thing. Problem is, the songs here don't hit quite as hard. True, there are some monster anthems in "Wake Up World" and "March Of War," but for the most part, it sounds as though the band is in autopilot-mode. Bassist Ken B*stard is the one member that really steps up to the plate, however, as his bass playing drives songs like "What I Do Best" and "Bring Me Down" home. Guitarist Andy Goldman continues to deliver some fine riffs, while Robb Riviera keeps the drum work up to par with previous releases. Problem is, though, that there is nothing new. Even Elias' delivery sounds a bit detached at times. Coming from a band that puts a hundred percent into everything they do, it's shocking how average this album came out. Even in 2002, when they took a radio-friendly approach on "Development," it still sounded like Nonpoint and still sounded fresh. As much as I hate to say this, "Vengeance" is probably the least interesting thing they have recorded to date.
Simply put, "Vengeance" is just an "okay" album. Nothing spectacular, but nothing overly lazy or poor either. It may lack the bite of "To The Pain" or the creative growth of "Recoil," but considering how hard these guys work to pump out albums (not to mention put on top-notch live shows) it's hard to fault them on this one. Longtime fans will find this an easy, if only somewhat repetitive and familiar listen. I guess with all they've had to endure, they are entitled to one slip up. Perhaps it's indicative of how hard these guys work without rest, that maybe it was just rushed out a little too soon. Hopefully they will take a little more time with the next album and come back stronger than ever."