Wovenwar is the band solely responsible for getting me into metal, so when I heard that their new album was out I simply had to get it. Their latest offering, Honor is Dead, is a very different beast compared to their self-titled debut album released in 2014; it seems that the band (often filed under the melodic metalcore genre) has turned the heaviness dial up to its max.
The band was formed after the band As I Lay Dying frontman Tim Lambesis was arrested (after attempting to have an undercover police officer murder his wife…crazy, right?!), leaving the other members under the creative direction of vocalist Shane Blay of the band Oh, Sleeper.
Shane has clearly gone for a different approach with this album, taking a vocal lead from their first release, and adding lashings of aggression. In fact, the increased use of screaming is the most drastic change to Wovenwar’s music; this works perfectly with the album’s dark, often atmospheric intros and breakdowns, and the razor-sharp guitar solos.
The first track, ‘Confession’, showcases this new extension to their sound. The hooking guitar riff that forms the backbone of verses and the hostile intro makes this track stand out from the rest of the album. It is, in my opinion, the best track to kick off Honor Is Dead.
“There were no boundaries holding back where the band could go lyrically this time.”
‘Censorship’ was the first single to be released, and is a testament to the band’s claim to a newfound “depth, and a broad emotional range”. The band also considers the record more fluid than the first, with all members contributing to the tracks; whereas Blay’s verses were layered over already finished ideas for the first album, due to the unusual genesis of the band. This absolutely rings true; it feels like there were no boundaries holding back where the band could go lyrically this time.
“It seems that the guys have really captured their thoughts on current global affairs in the song ‘World On Fire’ With lyrics such as “they’re liars leading legions of the blind,” (a reflection on Trump’s presidential candidacy?)”
There’s a reason why ‘Honor Is Dead’ is the title track of the album. The song conveys the message that the rest of the album draws upon, while also demonstrating the immense talent of the whole band. For me, guitarist Nick Hipa and drummer Jordan Mancino absolutely smashed it on this song, seamlessly switching it up between a melodic solo straight into a heavy guitar piece.
It seems that the guys have really captured their thoughts on current global affairs in the song ‘World On Fire’. With lyrics such as “they’re liars leading legions of the blind,” (a reflection on Trump’s presidential candidacy?) and “drawing from the well we dry” (an obvious reference to our abuse of the Earth’s resources), the band just further prove their point that this album has a far deeper dimension to it than their previous one.
“The simplicity of the drums is incredibly effective and creates an apocalyptic vibe when teamed with Blay’s edgy vocals”
A few songs on the album really break the mould: ‘Compass’ and ‘Silhouette’ are the most obvious examples of this. ‘Compass’ maintains the same level of grit as the rest of the album, but strips it back, leaving the drums at the forefront. The simplicity of the drums is incredibly effective and creates an apocalyptic vibe when teamed with Blay’s edgy vocals (which would sound awesome as a film score).
‘Silhouette’ enters an entirely new realm, driven by the bass guitar, and contrasts the other tracks by being the only one born out of a gentle and positive place. These tracks are definitely my favourite two to listen to, purely because of their originality.
Despite all of this, there is nothing that really grabs me. Sure, technically the album is superb and I can really hear how the band has developed not only as a whole, but each member individually as well.
Although the music is excellent, when listening to the album I never thought to repeat a song, or add it to a playlist; whereas I played the previous album Wovenwar for weeks on end. I’d highly recommend having a listen to Wovenwar, but start with their first album, to find out what they’re really all about.
Honour is Dead is a really awesome listen for any metal fan I’m sure, and it’s a milestone for Wovenwar’s career and where they’re heading, but it’s missing something. I’m not sure what it is, but it’s something their previous work had a ton of.
Edward Midgley
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