Like Sheep Led to Slaughter

Listed as progressive hardcore, there aren't many listenable hardcore acts out there. Originally, this band was settled with a death influence, and had some great lyrics and music. However, with this release, it only leads fans and people to wonder...

The latest "Crisis" album, Like Sheep Led To Slaughter" is essentially what the fans are doing when they buy the album. The music is amazing, however, the vocalists progression leaves their sound far from the line of atleast a good album. In length, you get your money's worth. But in quality, the album severely lacks.

The main problem this album has has got to be the lack of harmony between the vocals and music themselves. The music would indicate singing, and you are greeted with off-tone screams. Or if you want a scream, you get a tone-deaf singing line. And the interludes throughout the album, such as the track 'Rats In A Maze'. No music, but simply vocals stating we are all rats in a maze in a melodic acapella style. However, at times the vocals are completely off, which can irritate the listener, making the song a good idea that could have worked.

The lyrics in the album are essentially the same as always; retaining that certain impact that makes you wonder. However, as you read through the book, some of them are just not necessary, or not at all related to the song whatsoever.

However, the album does have a few good songs on it that you will want to listen to one or two more times before you put the album in the old media rack. Songs like 'Waking The Dead' and 'Blood Burden' are more orientated to the style they started with, incorporating their new sound for a very well done and complex song with very few off-tone vocal keys.

So, if you are looking for a return to the good old days with this band, think again. Sure it has a few perks, but the downfalls of the album itself are really not worth the expense to own it. The die hard fans of both "Crisis" and hardcore music will eat this album up, but, for anyone else, wait until you can get it at your local used CD store.