Customer Reviews

The Tide And Its Takers

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The last couple of years have been hard on Alaska's finest, 36 Crazyfists. Roadrunner refused to put out their last album Rest Inside The Flames, so it was delayed while it was released in Europe through Roadrunner International. DRT stepped up to release it months after, but that deal didn't last. Hopefully they stick with Ferret, Chimaira (another former Roadrunner band) signed to them and they've been happy with the label since. The Tide And Its Takers is the first album to see guitarist Steve Holt sit in the producer's chair and turn the knobs, and for the third time in a row, Andy Sneap (Testament, Exodus, Megadeth, Arch Enemy) was hired to mix and master. Without the influence of a big name producer, they've managed to create the heaviest album of their careers. Check out the guest appearances from Adam Jackson from Twelve Tribes, and Candace Kucsulain from Walls of Jericho.

Having not been at all impressed with Rest Inside The Flames, I wasn't first in line to pick up The Tide. Granted, A Snow Capped Romance (2004) was right up there with UnderOath's They're Only Chasing Safety as my favorite 04' screamo release, but RITF took a turn I didn't at all care for.

The Tide is easily 36CF's most "punk" release to date. That's not to say it sounds anything like your favorite punk band, because it doesn't. But the urgent pace of the music give off punk vibes. As per usual, the high end screaming is nicely in tact, and blends well with sung vocals. Where as ASCR was like emocore blended with staind/cold type rock, The Tide is actually closer to the authentic emocore/hardcore sound. Also, not many misses here. The only track I skipped on was November, which dragged a bit. Other than that, solid.

There seems to be a misconceptiong surrounding 36CF that they're heavy metal. Maybe it's because of the label (Roadrunner) or some of the bands that they tour with, but in all honesty, this band fits in much more nicely with Thrice or Silverstein (emocore in general) than it does with Heavy Metal. I'm not a metal guy, although I like some core music with metal influences. Anyway, if you were a fan of ASCR but slept on this band when RITF came out, check out The Tide.

Quite clearly their best album since their debut. I think Andy Sneap beings out their best. Fantastic album. Take a listen to some tracks on here then BUY IT !

A good album to get before the new slipknot comes......

I have always loved 36 Crazyfists, for me they're taken the best elements of many genres and mixed them into their own style. You can actually hear their influences in their music, which shows that they are good musicians. They have evolved over the years into one of the most respected metal bands, and they have not hindered their success in any way with The Tide And Its Takers, in fact, they've pushed it to a new level.

Possibly my favorite thing about the whole album are the frequent tempo changes, sure certain songs are going to be faster or slower than others, but within that there are many tempo changes. These tempo changes constantly catch the listener on their back feet, and make the songs very interesting.

The vocals are very good, as they always are, he is not my favorite vocalist but he does pull it off very well. They are often deeper than previous albums, which I prefer greatly. The vocals are always in time with the music, matching the music tempos and structure, which is an admirable trait in an album.

If you listen to their discography, in order, you can literally hear how the guitarist has grown and constantly pushes his limits on every album. The guitar is much faster in this album, and often sets a blistering pace for a song, but he still does not lose his signature chunky riffs during the album, they are still there, which is good, as they often give way for some great headbanging.

The drumming is tight and I found it very interesting, he may not be the fastest drummer, but he is a talented musician and the drumming does fit the music style perfectly.

Overall, 36 Crazyfists have grown on this album, and The Tide And Its Takers has quickly taken the preference in my listening of late. A very good album, and definitely worth the buy.

36CF have always been changing something about their style and it has helped them throughout their careers. Lots of stuff has happened to these guys through the past couple years, mostly label issues. They are back and better than ever on their debut for Ferret records.

The album starts off with the track "The All Night Lights." It starts at a blistering pace, then out of nowhere drops into an awesome half-time break that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Amazingly intense, yet still very melodic, these Alaskans have carved out their own little niche in the heavy scene. Yes, it will remind you of the Deftones from time to time, but then again someone needs to take their place as that band that everyone likes but gets no respect really.

Do yourself a favor and just buy all their CD's. I find it difficult to even think of 1 bad song. Brock can sing, their music is talented and well written. I often hear a little bit of a Deftones influence, which you can never go wrong with! It's some heavy stuff! Another 5 star CD from 36CF! Good job guys!

i've been a fan of 36 crazyfists since i first heard turns to ashes, and every cd gets better. i can honestly say that i really like every song on this cd with no exceptions. i have to say that "the back harlow road " is my fav. cant wait to see them on tour showcasing the new songs live.

From the beginning of their fourth full length album you know these alaskans aren't F***ing around! I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of their albums for different reasons. Brock's voice seems to be evolving, ex: Absent Are The Saints...it seems like a deeper growl than a 36CF fan might be used to. All of the guys' talents really shine through on this album. Musically, these guys are a solid as ever! If you're into heavy music with incredible and thoughtful lyrics you should definitely NOT and I repeat NOT pass this album up! They are at their best with The tide! Any takers?

After waiting forever to buy "Rest Inside the Flames" and being... 3.5 as opposed to two previous 5's despite their change of pace, when I heard the first track I was nearly jawdropped. The studio production is awesome and it was an immediate notifier of a slower paced album.

Instead of giving the song breakdown, I'm going with production and realization.

After going with the previous release I was mad skeptical... "Go this way or go broke..." They must've said 'pfffissshhh......' after the trial failed.

I don't know if it's me, but it always turns out right when the band, or somebody who listens to them and is also a fan of another band artist steps in to produce the album that it's a success? Deftones, Fear Factory, Threat Signal, Mnemic, Strata, Soilwork, Sybreed for example. Well they did it by themselves and it's a follow up to 'A Snow Capped Romance.'

The lyrics are to the bone. Modern day bs and what I see is Alaskin POV and I love it. How better do you see America when you live in it by law and custom but so far away and unattached? It's by no means political, still within the neighborhood, and poetic. And Brock's vocal chords finally fall in place when he screams...

The mix of duel guitars has returned and the drumwork I AWARD AS BEST OF 2008. The riffs are headbangingly crazy but within tempo and that's what makes 36CF such a favorite of new age mainstream metal artists... Well how about promoting them??
Historically speaking, when a founding member helps arise and then dies, the band quits... but when he quits it's like a 'Here, you do what you want. I'm out...' and they succeed or fail and the future consumes.

On this way or CD though, they return to the greatness. I became a huge fan because the chorus' were so addictive. It's back! "And we carry home..." is now "Only a year or so they say..." and it's loud, heavy, and emotional.
The amazon.com samples do little justice as this always was a band to hear the full to be fooled. I've been over 36CF since their Roadrunner Demo.

For those who threw their arms up in disgust after their last effort, let me tell you, this is a return to roots. It' a damn good 36CF album. I think we all know they can't do...punk metal that well, and their feed off of fan response was way off so they put thier next best retro arguably over 'Bitterness' or 'A Snow Cap...'

If this made you great, then why change? Not everybody likes change...

36 Crazyfists have been one of my favorite bands for years now. I remember hearing Bitterness the Star for the first time in high school. I was blown away then as I am now by The Tide and It's Takers. This album is amazing from beginning to end. Can't say enough about the awesome music these guys consistently create. I have never been disappointed by anything created by 36 CF and this album is no exception.