Crossfaith
Apocalyze
Release Date: Sep 3, 2013
Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Heavy Metal
Record label: The End
Music Critic Score
How the Music Critic Score works
Buy Apocalyze from Amazon
Album Review: Apocalyze by Crossfaith
Fairly Good, Based on 3 Critics
Based on rating 8/10
Raising the bar for metalcore as a whole? Yep, that's Crossfaith. Hotly tipped for 2013,Crossfaith’s debut full-length, ‘Apocalyze’ proves more than worthy of the hype surrounding them. Emphasising the eclectic blend of metal and electro present on their previous ‘Zion’ EP, the Japanese juggernauts have upped the ante in almost every respect possible.
Based on rating 2.5/5
On their third full-length, these Japanese rockers and 2013 Warped Tourees continues to develop their brand of electronica-influenced metalcore, blending synth riffs, eerie atmospherics, and grimy dubstep with pummeling breakdowns. While the formula may sound intriguing, lackluster songwriting makes much of the record sound repetitive and uninspired. Only two standouts tracks, “Counting Stars” and “Burning White,” truly showcase Crossfaith’s underused ability to craft a catchy melody that complements their “electronicore” elements.
Opinion: Fairly Good
While their contemporaries may opt for subtler synth lines and catchy riffs, Crossfaith use programming as intensely as metal technicality on APOCALYZE. Programmer Tmaano Terufumi breaks out dubstep tropes like low-end wobbles and drops, but don't expect glowing hula hoops over jumpkicks in a Crossfaith pit anytime soon. The electronics leave you feeling more like you're inside a violent arcade game than on a dance floor, clean vocals are scarce and the closest thing you get to a slow song is "Counting Stars"—an illusion created by dreamy female guest vocals.
'Apocalyze'
is available now