Michigan Christian metal act As They Sleep are back with vengeance on their new album Dynasty. This is their first album on an actual label and with a take no prisoner’s attitude, As They Sleep has managed to make an enjoyable record even though it does have its faults.
A rather noticeable trait on Dynasty is that of a more brutal approach then their last self released album Blacken The Sun. Getting rid of the streamlined clean vocals that plagued the last release and evolving more into a melodic death metal band.
“Oracle Of The Dead” starts offs with a blasting death metal-ish beginning and introduces a foray of melodic riffing that instantly recalls the Gothenburg-style from the days of old. It is nice to see some bands sticking to a familiar formula but that is also the bands downfall. As most of the tracks on this album sound a bit samey and the album does have the tendency to drag on.
It isn’t until the fifth track “The Darkest Ages” where something of interest really transpires, which is a short but sweet solo. The sixth track “Ritual” is an awesome instrumental that finds the band adding a cinematic touch with a heart wrenching solo. Bringing to mind those old karate movies with Van Damme and Segal, at a part where their studying the martial arts or after defeating a hardened foe. The band decides to play it safe again for the last half and only in two of the tracks do we get a little more substance; that substance being the wicked solo in “Attila” and the epic “Poseidon.”
Drawn out and generic yet I was still head banging throughout the whole listening experience. Sadly there isn’t much to grab onto as I can’t see myself going back to this album again.
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Despite all the good press about this album, I found it to be extremely boring and generic. ATS sounds like a mix of TBDM and JFAC but isn’t as interesting as either. The word “Samey” can pretty much be defined by this album.
on Dec 20th, 2010 at 09:17Glad this review calls it what it really is.
Yes sir!
on Dec 20th, 2010 at 19:44Wow Veldafaust666! You must have a ton of spare time on your hands. Metal silly not keepin’ ya busy these days? It must be killing you that this is the biggest slam you can find on Dynasty. And this review isn’t even a bad one! It’s funny how on the only two reviews that have just the slightest bit of negativity out of the dozens of other 9/10’s they’ve had, you’re right there commenting away. So predictable. C’mon, you can find better things to do on maternity leave than that can’t ya? Like maybe worrying about you’re own bands, (who haven’t accomplished anything since being involved with MS).
Good review Jesse.
on Dec 24th, 2010 at 12:18Thank you man!
on Dec 25th, 2010 at 08:34