Ace Augustine - The Absolute
Rating
RIYL
The Devil Wears PradaAugust Burns Red
Parkway Drive
In Fear and Faith
Release Date
01/18/2011
Label
Strike First RecordsTracklist
1. Justifiers2. 2013 Looks Promising
3. Jonah Spoke of Innocence
4. Negotiations
5. Senior Year at Sky City
6. Delorean
7. Axioms
8. The Debt That All Men Pay
9. The Merchant Tales
10. The Absolute
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Ever since August Burns Red took the metalcore world by storm five years ago, people have been paying more attention to Lancaster, PA and any other diamonds in the rough that may be hiding in the vicinity. Unfortunately, none of these local August Burns Red clones are very good, although bands like Texas in July have experienced moderate triumphs. Ace Augustine is one of the newer acts to come out of Lancaster, and while they’re not necessarily an exact replica of the two aforementioned bands, they’re still a mediocre metalcore act riding on the coattails of the one successful band from that area.
The Absolute marks the first full length for Ace Augustine, and like many releases from Strike First Records, the album is a mix of metalcore clichés and below average production (but above average for the label), making it all the more plausible that the label’s screening policy for signing bands is primarily based on their religious views instead of the quality of their music. Name any overdone songwriting technique in the metalcore genre and you’ll find it on here from “brown note” breakdowns that are already introduced in the beginning of the opening track, to echoed screams over breakdowns on “Axiom”, and you can’t forget the clean singing that comes along with just about every band in the genre nowadays. Also, Ace Augustine makes a key songwriting mistake in the majority of these songs, where all the parts are basically just filler to get to the next breakdown, making it difficult to tell the difference between each track.
Despite Ace Augustine’s lack of originality, The Absolute has a lot of energy to it and even though it’s generic, the band executes the style well, for whatever that’s worth. The strongest element throughout the album is the screaming, which keeps the songs moving and helps to cut down on the music’s monotony on the latter half of the album where the band starts wear out their welcome. Additionally, the band utilizes clean singing sparingly, and it’s used at random times instead of on the choruses like every other band, so kudos to them for doing at least something to stand out from the rest of their peers. With the majority of praise going towards the vocals, it’s worth mentioning that the musicianship as a whole is decent, but it’s the bland songwriting that really hurts this band.
Ace Augustine is a perfect example of paint by numbers metalcore and can’t even offer one original musical thought throughout the ten songs on The Absolute. Originality isn't everything, though, and the band does have some positive aspects like well executed vocals and energetic songs. Being that this is a debut album and Ace Augustine is young, they’re getting off easy as far as this reviewer is concerned and hopefully they’ll hone their talents into something more palatable next time around.
--Nicholas Fritz
Comments
Minnesota
This album was BORING. It's pretty hard to make a boring metalcore album, but I was starting to nod off towards the end of this one.
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Lancaster
Where to even start about this album...
First off, I've been watching this band grow for quite some time now. They released an EP called 'The Glory of Trumpets' or something about a year ago that never got anywhere. On that CD, and as I recall seeing them live, they had a keyboardist which was the only thing that set them apart from every other band coming out of this city. Now they're just generic, and a poor excuse of generic at that.
Also, i've heard every one of these songs before the album came out. They should have disclosed at least one song and not released every song to the public.
As Nicholas said, every song sound's exact the same, with each riff just being filler to the next breakdown. When they are writing songs, they seem like whenever they don't know where to go next, they automatically go for a breakdown. Come on, guys. If you're going to play music, AT LEAST be musicians about it.
P.S., isn't the 'Debt That All Men Pay' from National Treasure? I know you guys are all still like 16, but do you really have to steal your song titles from childrens movies?
Kansas
I came across Ace Augustine back in early 2010 when they played in NY. I bought their EP because I figured I'd give them a shot.
The entire EP can be found on this album, 'The Absolute'. That's great for originality there. They should've taken the time to come up with more tracks.
I'm not sure if the vocalist had a cold on the day they recorded 'The Absolute', but the vocals sounded less than mediocre in 'The Absolute' and 'The Glory of the Trumpets'.
The kids are pretty cool in person, however they have much to learn about music and writing metalcore (which is easy to do).
When you listen to each song, it sounds as if they are trying very hard to mimic styles of other bands, possibly Texas in July, August Burns Red (both from their home town), or In the Midst of Lions.
All the songs blend together, creating one, very long, metalcore song with whiny vocals. The clean vocals sound fine however.
4/10 - being nice.
Coopersburg, PA
Yeah, see I actually like the screaming on this album, but that's because I'm partial to high, raspy vocals when it comes to metalcore bands. The music is definitely boring but there are some okay parts here and there, nothing new and nothing noteworthy though. My rating was a little generous but I think everyone will get the idea that this is a bad album it's not worth checking out.
It's good to see some new people weighing in on our reviews, thanks for contributing.
Coopersburg, PA
No, I'm not kidding, this band isn't good. I've been listening to metalcore bands for over ten years now, not that it makes me an expert, but I've followed the genre closely and know what is and isn't good by now. Everything about the band is generic, not just their breakdowns, and I think any rational person will agree with that assessment.
Also, your "law of the world" is way off, and at least in the music industry. To succeed in music, you primarily need to know the right people, which is why there are so many shitty bands - like this one - that have record deals. Moreover, like I said in the review, the band's religious views are probably a big reason why they're even signed in the first place.
Based on your amateurish commentary, I would venture to guess that you're a young kid, most likely friends with the band, trying to boost their morale. They suck though, get over it.
Abbottstown, PA
Alright, I want to start off by saying I agree with Heavymetal22 on the fact that generic breakdowns do come with a post-hardcore genre like this... I mean, if you really take a close look at ABR their music is definitely copied by various bands but look at how predictable their music really is.. It is almost impossible to write "unique" music in a genre like this because all of the bands that are known well in this genre have already set a standard that no band can really meet up to without copying that originality. And unfortunately, to get anywhere in the music industry you need to have connections and great marketing strategies along with some talent and money.. On the other hand, you are all ignorant in the fact that Ace Augustine doesn't play for fame nor money at all. You can't honestly rate a band like this because they play for their belief in God and that he will take them down the right road. If you really want criticize a signed but more or less local band to the Pennsylvania you should know them in person before even thinking about blurting out biased opinions. A great example would be of tpmichaelpark, they are obviously all in their 20's and you pounding on them because you claim that they, "Stole a song name from a children's movie" completely ruins the reputability of your review... Look at all of the bands in the music scene right now and then tell me that their song name isn't original. (i.e. Across The Ocean by: Our Last Night) talk about a generic song name.
Coopersburg, PA
I agree with a lot of what you said, especially that very few bands in this genre are original anymore; however, there are bands playing this style of music that are putting out quality albums so it possible and Ace Augustine is being measured against those groups. Take Counterparts for example, they are basically a ripoff of Misery Signals, but the album is very well executed so nobody really cares - it even made a bunch of people's Top Ten Lists for 2010 on this site. Also, August Burns Red, as you mentioned isn't that original - and I personally don't like that band - but again, their albums are well executed and precise with monstrous production that is backed up by a solid live show so they've earned a large following.
The main point you made that I don't agree with is about knowing a band before criticizing them. This is an album review, not a personal review of the band. It doesn't matter if they're stand up guys or play music for the sole purpose of loving it and serving God. That's great for them and I respect that, but the music is the focus here and if it's not good, people have the right to explain why they don't like it.
Abbottstown, PA
And that is where I'll have to admit defeat my friend. You're very right about this being an album review and I let my subjectiveness get the best of me which drags along when I stand up for their lack of originality. But you have to agree with me on the fact that they are out of their league when it comes to being a signed band which is why I give them credit for what they do.
Minnesota
Just because you're a signed band doesn't mean you're good. Look at trash like Brokencyde as an example.
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Abbottstown, PA
Brokencyde doesn't even really register to me as a band.. They seem more like an Idol to all of those generic scenesters I see around much more than I should be..
Minnesota
Yeah, but I'm just following your logic. Quote you: "they are out of their league when it comes to being a signed band which is why I give them credit for what they do."
So Brokencyde or any other crap band that has a record contract would then be "out of their league" because they're signed and you have to give them credit for what they do. SO GIVE BROKENCYDE THE CREDIT THEY OBVIOUSLY DESERVE FROM YOU!
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Coopersburg, PA
I'm not sure what you mean by "out of their league" with being signed, but I'm enjoying this discussion nonetheless. Like Rick said, being signed doesn't automatically make you a good band; it means you've done enough to gain the attention of a label and that label likes you enough to give you money. If Ace Augustine wasn't signed, I'd still feel the same way about the album. In fact, I'd rather they weren't signed because it rubs me the wrong way when bands like this do get a record deal. Their whole sound just screams "local band" and until they mature a bit more, I'll still think of them in that respect.
Abbottstown, PA
That is what I mean exactly though! When I say that they are out of their league I mean that if you look at signed bands that are bigger they would stomp all over Ace Augustine's performance in the first place! Which is why I agree with you when you say that they shouldn't even be signed.. In other words they are way in over their heads for the limited talent that they have.
Brokencyde is a different story though, they just blurt out complete bullshit about getting crunk and things like that in which it defeats the purpose of them even being considered artists in any sense at all.. In my opinion the only reason I think they are signed is because they know people and have more than enough money to flourish in the music industry even though they are terrible.
Abbottstown, PA
I mean come on man! Whatever happened to the traditional way of starting from ground up and growing as a band while having some talent. It's the hard work and experience that makes a really great band then getting recognized by a record label so others can see what you have done as well. Don't get me wrong I'm talking about bands like For The Fallen Dreams that work their asses off to get where they are now. Brokencyde basically just threw money around and recorded some half assed shit with no meaning whatsoever besides getting fucked up and partying. Now with Ace, yes, I understand this is a album review and they really didn't prove anything to anyone by releasing this album. I might venture to say that this album was a complete waste of time but they still worked a lot harder for that record label than Brokencyde ever did and you have to give them credit, where credit is due. Even if there music is complete trash.
Spokane, Washington
based on what i've listened to on myspace, a 2.5 seems about right. might be a decent listen the first few times through, but doesn't seem like it would have anything to offer after that.
Current Listenings:
7 Horns 7 Eyes - "Throes of Absolution"
Horse Feathers - "Cynic's New Year"
Andrew Bird - "Break It Yourself"
Sigur Ros - "Valtari"
Rocky Votolato - "Television of Saints"
Janus - "Nox Aeris"
Blues Traveler - "25"
Coopersburg, PA
There are some fun parts, mainly breakdowns, but nothing inventive. I've heard a lot better and I've heard a lot worse bands than this so that's why I grouped them in the middle...glad you agree.