So the debut from this super group (or super duet really, as Jamey Jasta and Kirk Windstein are the main guys) was an expected mix of Hatebreed and Crowbar; it was a pretty fun but underwhelming listen. On their second effort, however, the duet, now working with a different backing group, appears to have really blended their two styles into a much more dynamic and memorable affair.

Behind the Blackest Tears seems a lot more bluesy (spiced with a Down-vibe) than the predecessor. The two seem a lot more comfortable with each other as well, allowing their respective influences gel together in a much more coherent fashion. While Jasta’s and Windstein’s vocals still showcase their unique approaches, riff-wise, the music is far less segregated; who wrote what part isn’t as clear anymore. Instead there’s just 12 fleshed out, stout, crunchy and as I said, bluesy, groovy tunes that show two individuals coming together in creative unison – finally.

Nowhere is the premise more fulfilled than on tracks like “God’s Law in the Devil’s Land”, “Envision the Divide”, “From Heroes to Dust”, “Along the Path to Ruin” and “The Death We Owe” which all come across with a hazy southern grit and confident hardcore machismo, rolled into one burly, earthy shot of metal. Still there’s a couple of straight up sturdy, stomping numbers like the enjoyable title track, “Monuments in Ash”, “With Barely A Breath” and the pure hardcore of “Sleeping Beast” and urgent closer “Salvation Denied”.  Even if at times the personalities shine over one another, Behind the Blackest Tears is a far smoother and seamlessly written than the quick, dirty collaboration that was the debut. Jasta and Windstein simply seem to be more focused and in unison.

Behind the Blackest Tears is what the debut should have been. A fierce effort that finally warrants the expectations set upon the two getting together to make metal.

But, Kirk… where is the new fucking Crowbar album?!

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