Melancholy Souls

Again and again I am reminded of the increasing professionalism but seemingly diminishing spirit of metal these days. Yorblind is a French melodic death/metalcore group who falls under the same categorization as groups such as Dead To Fall. As one would guess from the first sentence in this review, Yorblind demonstrates considerable quality as far as professionalism and polish goes, but somewhat lacks in the songwriting department. However, this is simply to me; will a likely purchaser feel the same way?

As I can't speak for the metal scene at large, I'm forced to say both yes and no. The music is a very traditional combination of melodic death and metalcore, with the riffs of the former and the rhythms of the latter. I'm sure that, like any genre, there is a certain segment of the metal-listening population that would love to own this album and would listen to it day after day after day after day, so archtypical is its sound. So, this appeals obviously to a rather specific minority. Unfortunately, it isn't quite the minority I fall into it, but I suppose I can set that qualm aside for the purpose of objectivity. My major complaint is that, like many modern releases, there simply isn't that much here. Yes, the instruments are played well, yes, the production is top-notch, yes, the hooks are catchy, but where is the brutality and darkness and, for lack of a better word, metalness that one expects from a metal release?

The fact is, it's not really there. 'Melancholy Souls' isn't devoid of intensity or aggression, but it doesn't seem to really peak out emotionally or artistically at any time. Opener 'Hybrid' has immensely enjoyable riffing and rhythms, not at all unlike 'Swansong'-era Carcass. However, there's something lacking from such songs, something that would push this album out of the realm of average. It just lacks that certain conviction that defines great metal albums, and instead just sort of glops around aimlessly, despite how pointed the instrumentation may be.

Yorblind's 'Melancholy Souls' is yet another tally in the profession does not equal interesting chart. If you love the style go for it. If not, pass.

(Originally written for www.vampire-magazine.com)