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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Poison the Well - You Come Before You, December 30, 2003
Ah, Poison the Well. Every genre needs a band people can easily point to as an indicator of what other bands in the genre should strive for; for hardcore, that bands remains Poison the Well. This is their third release, and their first on a major label. This didn't phase me in the least, because if you've heard their last two albums, it's a pretty safe bet their not changing their style for anyone, and thank God. The only difference I immediately noticed was the sound quality: it is much improved here as compared to "Opposite of December" and "Tear From the Red." This was a wonderous discovery as I first played through this album a while back; now the sound just pummels you and never lets up. Poison the Well still has some of the best vocals in hardcore, period (and this doesn't change from the last two albums). This album mixes more melodic parts in with the screaming (which, as always, is the standard style), and they are placed perfectly (don't think this is all melodic though because they've changed labels...screaming is still the standard style). I couldn't ask for better placement. Poison the Well's lead singer always maintains that he never tries to place the melodic parts in with the heavy parts; it just happens, and it appears so natural it's beautiful.I actually like the vocals more on this album than the last two. They just seem perfect, and the improved sound quality really brings out his scream (I saw someone compare it to Atreyu, I think this is somewhat okay, but Atreyu's is almost a spoken growl, where this is full-out screaming with a guttural feel). The music is also almost perfect through the whole album. Let's break it down: The good about "You Come Before You":
Did I mention the vocals? Wow. If you like hardcore/metal/metalcore (or heavy music with screaming) you will love this. These are just plain awesome vocals with impressive lyrical content to back it up. There are few bands who cane claim to have such impressive vocals, so if you're into the genre, but have yet to hear Poison the Well, stop waiting because you're doing yourself a disservice. Oh, and the music? Perfect as well. The music is forceful and driving throughout, with some perfectly placed softer spots with some melody. You can't ask for more here. "Ghostchant" hits hard and this album never stops. "Loved Ones" is probably one of my favorite tracks: the vocals here just give me chills they're so good, and lyrics that are thoughtful and bring out the rage of the singer even more ("If I could flip this table, I'd stab you, I'd stab you with every word that lied its way out of your head"). There is no letting up though after that onslaught. When we get to "Meeting Again for the First Time" we get a false sense of security as it starts nice and slow with some nice singing until it explodes into a frenzy of emotion. Beautifully done. "Apathy Is a Cold Body" also stands out as a great track (then again, they all do). This song is a 5 minute gem that really shows how well they mix melodic singing in with some of the most intense screaming in hardcore. Few albums will give you such impressive vocals (this guy has some serious talent...as well as some serious anger) throughout the entire album. They continue to improve their playing as well, and the music will pummel you throughout, offering only small sanctuaries and only for a short time before you're right back into it. Hardcore doesn't get much better than this. These guys continue to show why they are considered the leading hardcore band. The bad:
"The Opinionated Are So Opinionated" is a softer instrumental track, and I think it's well placed in the album, but I know they could have done better for a soft, melodic instrumental track. Not to say it's bad, but I know it could be better, and I usually end up skipping it. Besides this, I can't find much to complain about. It delivers just what it should and does it like only Poison the Well can. Recap:
Poison the Well has always been that band people point to in hardcore (or so it seems). Many consider them the leader of the hardcore charge, and I can't really see a reason to disagree. They are most certainly one of the most talented hardcore bands around. If you're into hardcore, pick this up, you'll love it. And if you're a Poison the Well fan from the last two albums, don't even hesitate here: go buy it, they have lost nothing from their move to a major. Lyrically sound, vocally superior, and musically excellent just about sums up this album. A must for any fan of heavy music. Overall rating: 94/100
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~ The Bled
by Poison the Well 
