2004-09-27
The band has progressed in spades since their first releases, which were pretty damn good to start with, Faces is more then good, its one of the best metal albums I heard this year.
When they began, some 8 years ago, the band wore its influences on its sleeves, early stage Metallica and Bay Area thrash, it seems that the passing of time did much to enrich their music and diversity, something that was evident in their prior release, but reaches whole new levels with Faces.
Drummer Martin Buchwalter does a great job on the production, the sound is crystal clear, and all of the ingredients sound just right, the fact that the guy can drum as good as he does only furthers my respect for him.
Opening track – Devil In My Neck starts off with one of the thrashiest, most powerful riffs this side of metal, Mathias Zimmer's vocals have improved through the years, and while he used to sound like a young James Hetfield, he now sounds more distinct and melodic, and his voice shines on this track.
Burning Symbols is a another great example of the band's diversity, certainly not a regular thrash track, though it has its moments, the track shows the band's growth, reaching their own sound and style, something which the third track, My Secret exemplifies to perfection.
Also a video clip, the song is one of the band's strongest, immediately catchy and melodic, its slightly reminiscent of bands such as Sentenced, and is certain to make you hum it in no time.
Divergent is another winner, starts off with a weird, a-typical first verse, the track is aggressive and efficient, the chorus is a thrashy great, with Mathias's vocals doing a great combination of Hetfield and Peavy, with a more melodic edge to them.
Into The Fire is one of the band's fastest, hard hitting tracks, with some great riffs thrown in for good measure.
All in all, the album does not have a weak track, their growth and maturity have reached a certain level that makes this album one of the more enjoyable exertions this year, and those seeking a good, heavy yet melodic album, will find it in spades here.
Alon Miasnikov
