Customer Reviews

Horror of Realization

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It becomes obvious when a genre is approaching overload when cookie cutter bands with little to offer are signed. Metalcore is fast approaching that point. At first, much of Scars Of Tomorrow's `The Horror Of Realization' seems like nothing more than bog standard Metalcore, inasmuch that it is basically Machine Head on steroids, similar to any one of hundreds of albums out there. It could easily be mistaken for Killswitch Engage, Avenged Sevenfold, Atreyu, or any number of other derivative bands.

This album has all the genre standards: Metal-like guitars, solid but not flashy percussion, contrasting dual voiced vocals, staccato riffs, little in the way of musical embellishment like solos or drum fills and the ever present angst-drenched lyrics. In short, why would you bother, because you've heard it all before? Well, to listen to the first few tracks alone, you shouldn't. OK, so perhaps genre trainspotters might appreciate it but most listeners will most likely start to lose interest by the end of the third song "Murderers And Madmen".

But first impressions can be deceiving. Fourth track "SSNova" comes along and the whole mood of the album immediately changes. Taking a more minimalist approach, it starts with an acoustic intro and booming floor toms, adds Neurosis-like shrieked vocals and is layered with bass and guitar effects before fading to a breezy soundscape. Sure, the next track "The Hidden Grudge" is back to the hard-headed bludgeon, but guest vocals from Alex Varkatzas offers a vocal trade off and some variation in the guitar effects makes a change from out and out brutality. It segues straight into "The Marks Of Time", which seems like part two of the same song.

And the variety continues. "The Marks Of Time" has genuine shouted Hardcore counter-vocals. "4Smith" is an exploration of feedback and a gentle, tripped-out rhythm. "The Struggle" features melodic guitars and a Metal blast beat, while album closer "Onthe15" is an almost ambient instrumental, eventually drifting off to nothingness.

While some of the tracks of `The Horror Of Realization' are far from standard Metalcore, the main focus is still on brutality. The experimentation here may be a little more challenging than what most fans of the genre are used to but it sets Scars Of Tomorrow apart from much of the crowd. The sound may not be as far left field as the likes of Candiria or Shai Hulud, but Scars Of Tomorrow are more easily digested. Such experimentation and implementation of new sounds and influences may just be the answer to Metalcore's stagnation.

Scars Of Tomorrow seem to be on a pretty steady decline. Their early albums were decent, but by no means groundbreaking. Their two Victory releases are anything but memorable. There's nothing here at all to really get excited about and I quite frankly question how much longer this band is going to be around. The production is pretty substandard (geez Victory open up your wallets a little more for your bands that don't sound like Hawthorne Heights or Taking Back Sunday) but thats not even really the major issue. The songs just aren't that good. Substandard metalcore, nothing more nothing less--not even on a technical level are these songs impressive. Completely forgettable which is unfortunate because they're a nice group of guys. Oh well.

I don't think it's that bad as other people are saying. This is one of my favorite albums from them. None of their songs dissapoint me. Scars of Tomorrow became my favorite band ever! I own all their albums, none of them dissapoint me, none! My favorties are all of them! Buy this as soon as you can!

I thought this album was kindof plain-jane hardcore at first listen , but then it started to grow on me and now I kinda like it. #5 is easily the best song on the album. Its still growing on me but the album is worth listening to for anyone who likes metal.

I was so looking forward to this release. I own all Scars of Tomorrow releases, and had big hopes for this disc. But...how dissapointing. Very average, very bland, very uninspiring. Then again, it seems like the whole "hardcore scene" is getting to be that way. Want something good and original to listen to? Check out either release from The Number Twelve Looks Like You (An Inch of Gold for an Inch of Time, Nuclear Sad Nuclear) or the debut from As Cities Burn (Son, I loved You at Your Darkest). Anyway, this is a very mediocer release, as have been all the new releases from Victory as of late. Oh, I almost forgot, don't forget to check out "Each Breath Haunted" by The Banner. REAL hardcore with an old school punk feel!!!

typical boring metalcore. not at a special thing about it. these guys put on a pretty boring live show also. dont buy it, download it and then delete it after you realize that it sucks