The much maligned deathcore genre looks to be off to an explosive start in 2009 with the likes of Oceano and this sophomore release from Rose Funeral.
I was actually surprised at this album, not only because Metal Blade signed them after the band virtually split up after 2007s Crucify Kill Rot, only leaving guitarist Ryan Gardner as the lone remaining member, and also the fact Crucify Kill Rot was pretty average. But to Gardner’s credit, he gathered another group of individuals and has released this vastly improved and incredibly heavy slab of deathcore.
With a The Black Dahlia Murder back bone and vocal attack, death metal lyrics and a very sturdy self made production, The Resting Sonata is far more focused, intense and heavier than Crucify Kill Rot, and truthfully, at times is one of the heaviest deathcore records I’ve heard, (though admittedly ‘heavy is such a subjective term). The plethora of bass drops and breakdowns while relatively simplistic, are utterly devastating at times as the likes “Remain in Dirt”, personal favorite “Left to Rot” and “Redeemer” deliver some of the better breakdowns to grace these breakdown addled ears. Between breakdowns, the band isn’t quite as dynamic as say Fate or All Shall Perish, buts the slicing riffs blasts and melodies are competent content to be filler rather than veer into anything too techy, shreddy, noodly, or progressive. Six minute closer “Dawning The Resurrection: Verse II” (complete with faux King Diamond shriek), shows the band at their most complete with a brief piano interlude and a huge closing breakdown.
On the downside, vocalist Tim Russell’s blackened screech is a bit forced, plus an inverted cross on your logo, corpse strewn cover art and song titles like “Exordium: The Fall of Christ”, “Left to Rot”, “God Demise”, “Sodomizer” and “Created to Kill” do not a death metal band make, and while The Resting Sonata is a fine example of the modern deathcore genre, Rose Funeral will still be looked down upon by ‘real’ death metal fans and bands.
However if you enjoy the likes of Catalepsy, Oceano, Annotations of an Autopsy, Whitechapel, Carnifex and such, Rose Funeral have indicated they mean business in the genre and are a worthy addition to your collection
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Very enjoyable and as indicated a great improvement.
on Feb 7th, 2009 at 18:30I’m afraid I must respectfully disagree. I normally give everything a fair shake and I do think that generally dead serious death metal dudes hate dethcore more for it’s hipster image than it’s (often minimal) musical differences. That said, these guys really fucking blow at death metal/dethcore/whateverthefuck. Enough breakdowns! Write a goddamn riff you pricks!
on Feb 15th, 2009 at 01:11Used to be in a band with Timmy till these fellas stole him. I like this cd, probably one of the most melodic deathcore bands around.
on Jun 6th, 2011 at 03:49