I reviewed the band’s last album in July 2007 and it made such an impact I described it as ‘generic emo twaddle’. Ho Hum. As a result I didn’t have too many hopes or expectations for this record, but fair play to Blessthefall because in places it’s really, really good. For anyone, like me, who thought the new Lovehatehero album lacked the punch and power of the first record, this album will very nicely fill that void. Sure, it’s been done a million times before and will probably be done a million times again, but in places this is done very, very well.
There are some big, big songs here. ‘Hey Baby…’ has a big chorus and an equally-as-big guitar riff, while ‘What’s Left Of Me’ kicks the album off with a wall of noise. At times the band give me that feeling The Used gave me on their first record – it’s a feeling that I don’t get too often anymore, just that kick up the arse I think too many albums fail to produce. The only negative I could say, other than the fact this album sounds a bit obvious, is that the screaming is all too often overused. The band sound so much better when they sing and the shouting is used in the background. ‘Last Ones Left’, for instance, would be so much better without all of the screaming. However, a big thumbs up for the guitar work, which is fantastic throughout. The band never rely on just de-tuning their guitars and whacking out boring riff after boring riff. There’s some awesome fills and lead parts and that makes this record stick out a bit from the thousands of others doing the same style.
‘Witness’ won’t change your world, but in a genre saturated by boring bands doing boring things, this is interesting and a good, solid listen. In places it’s standout too – well worth a listen if you like this kind of thing and two thumbs up for improving their last album no end.