Artist: Diecast
Label: Century Media Records
Release Date: 10/19/04
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Title: Tearing Down Your Blue Skies Artist: Diecast Label: Century Media Records Release Date: 10/19/04 |
Judgment Committee Reviews | Rating |
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4 | ||
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Abyss's Review:
Even with my growing disdain for the whole metalcore genre, there is still a lot to be said about the commercial but potent grooves that Diecast invariably deliver. I would be lying if I said this was one of my favorite bands, but I can't seem to find it in my heart to dislike them.
"One word review: Solid." This album, predictably, incorporates the standard formula that this band has used over and over. And while that would get old with most bands, Diecast are playing to their strengths, and that is something that should never be criticized. The long and skinny of it is that Diecast have a catchy as hell sound that is easy to get into and could easily find a more mainstream audience.
Of course, on the other hand, I wouldn't be able to deny that this band is formulaic and in many ways a carbon copy of many others in the genre. And it is for this reason that I will most likely not listen to this record that often in the future. But those of you who don't mind watching reruns will not be disappointed. One word review: Solid.
Death's Review:
Diecast reigned the world of metalcore a few years back, well before the return of Headbanger's Ball and the development of the subgenre into the commercial juggernaut it is today. Their signature tune, "Singled Out," stuck in my head, but otherwise, Boston's Diecast were mostly just a band I would see live from time to time (I remember one particularly fun time with The Haunted at North Six in Brooklyn, NY) and jam out to the old-school Slayer cover they always seemed to play. But times have changed, and Diecast are back with a new singer and a new label (Century Media) and the chance to claim their rightful place amongst the current trendsetters. The results are pretty good too. Just like bands like Shadows Fall, God Forbid and Killswitch Engage have matured in musicianship and evolved the sound with recent records, so to does Diecast leap forward to the realm of enhanced musical and songwriting depth. I'm personally beginning to wear out on the whole metalcore thing, so I'm not sure that Diecast is what I really need to be listening to right now. But for those of you who are still interested in hearing another band's take on this type of sound, you'll probably find Tearing Down Your Blue Skies a worthwhile acquisition.
"The results are pretty good."
Hel's Review:
Diecast is one of a handful of bands that I encountered and enjoyed way back when, before the current metalcore explosion. I had the opportunity at this year's New England Metal and Hardcore Festival to catch them with their new vocalist, and I recall thinking he did a fine job, but I was not exactly blown away. He makes a much stronger impression on plastic, and it is clear that he has since been able to find his groove, so to speak, in the band.
"This one is undeniably worth your time if you are pro-metalcore." Indeed, the vocals are a large part of what makes this new album interesting. Most of the metalcore-come-lately's have bad to indifferent clean vocals, and for whatever reason, these seem to be a mandatory part of the equation these days. Diecast bears the distinction of having always incorporated these, and the clean vocals featured here are certainly above average. In fact, they are remarkably soulful, particularly considering the source; an unexpected and welcome development.
The other thing that causes me to enjoy this album more than the usual metalcore fare is the undeniably metal delivery of the drummer. I have often stated that there is a fine line between metal and core, and that the drummer is often the deciding factor – here, the decision is clearly that Diecast is more metal than core.
Diecast is one of the upper tier bands in the metalcore scene, and they have chosen an excellent time for their return. If you enjoy the best of these kind of bands, then you should definitely give this record a spin. Tearing Down Your Blue Skies features clear production and excellent musicianship. This one is undeniably worth your time if you are pro-metalcore.
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