"Terror Plots" is the self-released debut full-length from This Time it's War, from right here in Richmond, VA. I'm scarcely into this form of contemporary "metalcore" that does the whole screaming/growling/singing thing, but I wrote about This Time it's War's rather impressive demo back in 2007 and this material displays quite a bit of growth from that time (including the two songs from said demo that appear here in re-recorded form). Whereas they came across as more of a melodic Swedish death metal-influenced act on the demo, they're now much more technical, and there are several elements of straight up progressive metal floating around, too. They're certainly more of a full-on metal band than anything, but those super dense, churning midpaced breakdowns and other such characteristics of "metalcore" are definitely present, so... maybe imagine a Misery Signals meets Darkest Hour with a smattering of Meshuggah type of approach? Whatever you want to call it, top-notch riffing and absolutely scorching solos are the key factor. It's so rare to encounter guitar solos that are specifically composed these days, and the guitar tone is so damn fluid here that it just makes all of the accent melodies and leads sound fucking great throughout the album. Also expect loads of slick hammer-on/pull-off/tapping runs; thick, dissonant chord phrasings; crunchy staccato rhythms; emphatic melodies galore; and even some subtle dustings of keyboards adding additional atmosphere in the background. I'm not really into the lower, grunting/growling vocals, though, which feel too forced and somewhat out of place. The midrange sneers that drive the bulk of the material are certainly the most comfortable and fitting, but the singing passages are surprisingly solid as well. I'd also like to hear the bass given a hint more presence in the mix, 'cause I dig the way the basslines weave in and out between the guitars and percussion, but they often start to get lost amidst the (rightfully) prominent layers of dizzying guitar work. These are minor points, though. These dudes have so much damn potential. I can't speak highly enough of the guitar work here, and I'm really looking forward to seeing how the band's songwriting progresses moving forward. Good stuff...
This Time it's War "The Shift of the Ages"
Get It
This Time it's War (CD)
Interpunk (CD)
Amazon.com (mp3)
Bandcamp (mp3)
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Comments
good stuff indeed
12.17.2010 | By the law
This CD is absolutely incredible. I have not been able to stop listening to it since my purchase a month ago. This is a must buy for any lover of the metal genre. You will not regret it.
12.17.2010 | By Buddy
Man, I need to get on this. It’s a little disjointed, but the execution is great, and the material is certainly interesting. There’s an interesting backstory, too, what with some record label screwing them over on this release, I think. Thanks for the reminder!
12.17.2010 | By Invisible Oranges
These guys sound great. I’d not heard of them before you posted this. It’s good to see that there are bands like this around, who can justify the decent production while still sounding crushing. Great stuff!
2.13.2011 | By James