In This Life or the Next,
Damnation AD
Damnation AD have really pulled out all the stops to get this record some publicity. Featuring guest spots from Wes Eisold (Give Up the Ghost), John Henry (Darkest Hour), Carl Buechner (Earth Crisis) and, perhaps most significantly, Pete Wentz and Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy, this is literally a who's who of influential (like it or not) bands. And, released on Victory, the presence of two popstars and a clutch of others is likely to throw a stack of mainstream press at this album.
Sounding like a more metal Hatebreed or a less rounded Earth Crisis, Damnation AD are at their best when they're joined by a special guest. Wes Eisold rescues 'Don't Feel A Thing', 'If You Could Remember' will probably get some late night airplay thanks to the FOB men (and its almost melodic undertone) while John Henry is a perfect aggressor on 'Consider This A Warning'. The production is actually very tinny for a Victory release and while I know it actually makes it sound better, I was quite surprised upon first listen. The guitars often sound a bit over-distorted apart from the squally metal parts, while the basslines and generic breakdowns don't really add too much.
Not a bad album, but not one I'll end up revisiting all that much I don't think.
» Official Website
