Artist: Caliban
Label: Prosthetic Records
Release Date: 2/4/03
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Title: Shadow Hearts Artist: Caliban Label: Prosthetic Records Release Date: 2/4/03 |
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Abyss's Review:
Okay, first thing I want you to do is get by the fact that this album's title sounds like it would be more appropriate for a made for Lifetime TV movie (the only way it could be more appropriate is if it had a colon in it. Like, "Shadow Hearts: The Shelly Shellerton Story"). Anyway, Caliban is a metalcore act from the land of power cheese (Germany, of those of you playing at home), which is noteworthy in itself, but what is even more remarkable is how good a hold they have over such a decidedly American sound.
"Caliban is a metalcore act from the land of power cheese (Germany, of those of you playing at home)." Fans of bands like Shadows Fall, Killswitch Engage, Unearth, and Lamb of God definitely want to take note, because this band is not only in the same genre, but is also a competitive player in it. While their overall sound isn't all that different than what we've heard before, they put their own spin on the formula and come up with compelling song after compelling song. The album is breakdown after breakdown, infusing some of the most straightforward riffs with intensity and groove. And while many think this sound is just as over-saturated as the melodic death scene, it's hard to put down a band that has this good a hold on the genre.
The harsh vocals abound, but there is a good amount of crooning on this album. The melodies are a little syrupy and the tone is definitely hardcore, but they are all pretty cool and make for memorable songs. The more aggressive side of their persona shines as well, as it is growled with an acidic voice that would do well in any metal genre, and the guitars sound thick and heavy.
"This might be just the thing to get me all excited about this sound again, maybe you too." I find myself liking this band more and more every time I listen to them. And while that's a good sign with any album, it is more remarkable due to the fact that this is a genre that I've been a little played out on recently. This might be just the thing to get me all excited about this sound again, maybe you too. One word review: Great.
Death's Review:
Watch out for Prosthetic Records in 2003. We all know this label is going to completely blow up with the release of the new Devin Townsend-produced Lamb of God album later this spring. But who knew what an awesome force they had on their hands with their current release, Caliban? No, not the "T" word, the label cautions, "Caliban." This is modern U.S. hardcore/metalcore/thrash/death done right. A scream-fest indeed, only with a liberal does of clean vocals that are actually good, not whiny and stupid sounding, and riffs that are fat and well-executed, backed up with thick and dominating double-bass drums. This is the proper next step in the evolution of the Pantera-Lamb of God-Caliban strain. You can see it and connect the dots. Only Caliban also spices in a touch of Dillinger Escape Plan and a smattering of Mike Patton/Faith No More into its sound. Sort of an extremer Killswitch Engage with better riffs and better clean vocals.
"This is modern U.S. hardcore/metalcore/thrash/death done right."
A healthy sense of the importance of dynamics also helps, as indicated right out of the box with the apocalyptic opener, "Dark Shadows," which goes right into the riff-fest that is "Forsaken Horizon." Then the clean vocals come in and the steady pounding of the drums and the riff underneath such a catchy chorus is like an underground version of Anthrax's "Only" from Sound of White Noise. Simply put, this stuff is just absolutely great. Catchy, heavy, accessible and extreme all at the same time. The screamed vocals that open "Storm of Rage" sound like they were sung by Chuck Shuldiner put through a flanger and a harmonizer while the riffs could have been supplied by early Slayer and the double-bass drumming would put Cradle of Filth to shame. Then the jackhammer slow bend riff comes in to clean up the mess and finish off the killing. Seriously, Caliban are great. I can't wait to check them out live.
"Seriously, Caliban are great. I can't wait to check them out live."
Hel's Review:
Caliban's style is most easily described as melodic death fused with hardcore. There are a few notable bands, which I'm certain have been name dropped to death by the time you reach this review, so the true discussion should be directed toward the subject of their ability to pull this off successfully. Caliban does indeed pull this off with a great deal of success. So, following that discovery, the only remaining factor for me is, how much do I like it?
"I have a greater appreciation for vocalists who deviate from the cookie-cutter hardcore delivery."
"Otherwise, Caliban is actually great." This is where things get a tad sticky. My issue is that I don't particularly like the current predominate hardcore style of vocals, neither screaming nor clean. I have a greater appreciation for vocalists who deviate from the cookie-cutter hardcore delivery. Caliban's vocalist fails my litmus test for this quality. His delivery is extremely standard, and I'm not big on that.
Otherwise, Caliban is actually great. These musicians are very talented, and the songs have wonderful structure, which indicates real care in their crafting. If you tend to be a fan of other bands of this ilk, you definitely need to make a space on your CD rack for Caliban.
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