Today I am reviewing Aussie metal band Recoil v.o.r and their album 'The Will To Sin'. The last time I reviewed this band was for their promotional demo back in 2008 which you can view here. I also interviewed them that year which you can view here. They are a hardcore based metal band from Sydney and have released two video's which I am aware of thus far. You can view their video clips and sample their tracks via the links below this review.
The Rope - This is an instrumental based introduction. It is, in some respects, like being inside a cavern or tunnel with the eerie sounds of water slowly dripping to the ground. Desolate and alone and left with nothing but your thoughts to contemplate.
Crowned On The Way Down - In comes the music and the guitars set a furious rhythm to indulge in. The vocals now enter with a hardcore style. They sound quite smooth considering their style. Rather than the usual gagging sound hardcore vocals present, this bares more of the death vocal side of things and is therefore smoother in their delivery or is helped by the sound engineering. You can also understand most of the lyrics being sung. The music is fairly consistent in its pace and is overall a good start to the album.
Immortal - This song starts off with the sounds of a metal door being closed and locked and then the music begins. It is reasonably fast paced though does vary throughout. The vocals seem relentless as they go on and on with seldom a break. This is good moshpit music as the pace is fairly consistent thus allowing for a good head banging release. The guitar leads are more rhythmic like and work well with the overall structure.
Scarification - This next track starts off with a scream. It is beginning to sound quite monotonous but it does slightly vary from song to song; more so in the structural changes. I guess it is that type of music that can you have playing in the background and yet know you are still paying attention to it as you find yourself constantly nodding your head or tapping your foot along to the music. It doesn't necessarily stand out but it does manage to possess you.
Road To Redemption - This song is much like the predecessors however this does have a vocal additive not found in the others thus far. There is a back up vocal being incorporated which adds much atmosphere to the track. It is quite similar to the sounds of an In Flames track. There is also a fairly decent guitar lead in here. Overall, this track definitely has the most atmosphere in the album thus far and is, probably for that reason, the best thus far.
This Winter - It may well be because of the previous track that I am now finding this within the music, but I am finding this track to harbour some atmosphere. It may also simply be the reverb in the vocals but I do like the musical journey it's taking us on. There are some nice screams in here; deathly and smooth. It also seems like the guitar leads are picking up in the album. The rhythms seem quite simple but they are getting catchy. As I said earlier, you will find yourself tapping along to the tunes so they are all quite catchy in some respects but the rhythms just seem to be standing out a little more.
The Hole - Here we have another instrumental or intermission sampler with a variety of conversations being infused into the track. It bares an eerie, varied soundscape which I am guessing was created by a synth and some other random effects.
...And A Hard Place - This next track has an intense feel to it and also includes that added vocal atmosphere. I really like the structure of this track. It has the intense, furious parts which seem to concentrate on their hardcore preferences and then slips into that atmospheric and deathly In Flames style that I so admire. It does however make the track seem too short and I would really like to hear a complete track complementary style.
What Solution? - Straight into this next track and the pace is upbeat and lively. It is a track which blends in well with the rest but is not with a stand out value. It is fairly simplistic in structure and rhythm but in saying that, it is something you will find yourself nodding along to.
El Dia Mas Triste - This next track is an instrumental and starts out with a relaxed guitar melody and the addition of a piano. There is also a synth which creates quite a bit of atmosphere to enjoy. At about 01:50 the guitars kick in with a lead which carries us through the track. The pace remans gentle and slowed though the intensity increases in various parts further and further into the track. It is the longest track on the album at 04:55.
Within A Curse - The pace picks up in this next track and the drums make themself a more prominent entity here with faster hits and more detailed beats. The riffs seem more beefy and the overall sound is encouraging. I should also note the sound engineering for this album has been quite good as all parts are clearly heard and is well balanced.
Suicide Trip - Here we have a song which was recorded back in 2008 and was off the promotional demo I originally reviewed for this band. I stated, "The drums are consistent as they slam your head through the wall. Each hammering is complemented by brutal guitar work; like a chainsaw to the throat! Each scream is devouring and completes the battering. Its rhythmic flow ensures a brilliant mosh for all." Do I still agree with this statement? Well, the drums are hammering, the guitars are going off and the vocals are searing, so I guess that's a yes!
In essence, Recoil v.o.r have created a superb album. It incorporates all their hardcore charms with some extra added deathly flavours. The sound engineering has helped to create a great CD for them to showcase. My foot never stopped tapping and my head was nodding away even as I typed this review. My only issue with this album is it does tend to get a bit monotonous sound wise but they have made a decent effort at amending this with structural changes. Especially the backup vocals! It is always good to throw in something different every now and again and I think they succeeded in doing this. The album flows well enough to be able to hear it in its entirety and not get bored with it. The CD I received for review is the in store version and the CD sleeve bares the picture of a wax seal. Inside the cover you will find written snippets but no lyrics. There's a whole band picture in the middle, some thankyous and the band info at the end. On the very back of the cover is the track listing. As far as the cover goes, including the lyrics would have been better, otherwise it is a decent enough layout. Great effort from the boys and I look forward to seeing them around town soon! But should you buy it? Well, I recommend you sample their tunes from one of the links below then go get yourself a copy!
LINKS
Recoil v.o.r Website
Recoil v.o.r Myspace
Recoil v.o.r Facebook
Recoil v.o.r YouTube
Review by Déa di Morté © 06 January 2011
All pictures courtesy of Recoil