Trenches - The Tide Will Swallow Us Whole

Rating

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RIYL

Isis
Neurosis
Deftones
Haste The Day

Tracklist

1. Calling
2. Eyes Open
3. Sacrament
4. Trip The Landmine
5. Pathways
6. Bittersweet
7. Call It Correct
8. End
9. Ocean Currents
10. Cornered

Users Rating

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16 ratings

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Recent Ratings

Over the past few years more and more bands of different genres seem to be incorporating the style of post metal, showing off the influences of bands such as Isis and Neurosis, while the post metal bands themselves tend to try and keep a distinct sludge sound. Trenches are a post metal studio project whose most notable feature is the involvement of Jimmy Ryan, former vocalist of Haste The Day. Instead of going for a unique sound, the band seems to have fell into a wannabe Isis / Neurosis type of vibe on their debut, The Tide Will Swallow Us Whole.

A couple things are indeed unique though; one being the fact that Jimmy Ryan is actually doing vocals for a band like this. At times his signature, harsh screams sound surprisingly well over the sludgy areas of this album, especially the first song of the CD. Once the song flows into the more atmospheric sections, his voice immediately sounds out of place. There are actually a slew of different vocal approaches throughout this album from aggressive yelling to dull, careless singing to Chino Moreno mimicry attempts to low, beastly roars to some impressive vocal harmonies.

One of the better singing parts of the album comes at the end of the standout track, “Pathways”. The song’s structure and flow stand out from all of the other tracks, as nearly nothing is repeated and the aforementioned singing climax really separates this song from the rest of the album. The majority of the tracks, however, seem to have a simple verse/chorus/verse structure, leaving them tasteless and forgettable after a few spins. Some tracks also have awful sounding moments only to be followed by great moments later on. A good example of this is “Bittersweet”, with its tired singing and nu-metal palm muting, which later transitions into a breathtaking piano and organ section climaxing into some heavier sections with graceful atmospheric guitar leads.

The Tide Will Swallow Us Whole was once in a list of my most anticipated albums of the year, and it was later quite quickly added to my list of disappointments. The record is good, but it’s not nearly as good or as epic and impressive as expected. The amount of atmosphere on the album is minimal (unless all of it was saved up for the final 7 minutes of ambiance at the end of “Cornered”), and the sludge parts are extremely cliché. The song writing is bland and predictable, sounding like a sludge inspired metalcore band. Either way, I’m looking forward to a future release from Trenches. Here’s to hoping the band progresses with their songwriting and makes a unique post-metal sound of their own, rather than making a record filled with several other band’s ideas.

--Chris Pandolfo

Author

cloudscollide
Last updated: 09/29/2009 09:01PM

Comments

Rick Gebhardt
10/30/2008
08:08AM
Age: 31
Location
Minnesota
Chris, I've gotta disagree with you on just about everything you said about this album. I think Jimmy's harsh vocals work BEST during the more restrained musical moments to give the band an interesting juxtaposition against his vocals. Also, his use of many approaches is a great asset for the band.

As for your criticisms of the songwriting... well, I don't know what to say. I really don't hear the lackluster songwriting you allude to. I thought the entire album was very well constructed and thought out... and definitely came across as more complex than just an Isis clone.

This is easily a 4/5 for me, if not slightly higher. I'll be talking about this album again when the year end lists come out, I guarantee it.

Find me EVERYWHERE:

Aaron Yarborough
10/30/2008
08:53AM
Age: 30
Location
Atascadero, CA
this album had zero staying power for me. I can't stand Jimmy's vocals on this project. i think the music is top notch, i just cant get past the vocals and its disappointing because i loved his vox in haste the day just gets very annoying to me in Trenches.

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homemadebullshit
10/30/2008
01:38PM
Age: 28
Location
Ann Arbor, MI
I really dig this album, vocals and all.

DETH ROK!!!!

Nicholas
10/30/2008
02:02PM
Age: 30
Location
Baton Rouge
I thought the whole album was really impressive. Definitely one of the best Solids State releases this year. Extremely enjoyable. And I'm not a Haste the Day Fan.

Boobs
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jaymezz
10/30/2008
03:02PM
im gonna have to disagree as well. He has a dynamic voice for this style of music as most vocalists go for the aggressive monotone midrange vocals whereas hes really all over the place. I really found the firs half to be quite powerful and besides Ocean Currents I feel this album should get at least a 4.
CarryUsAway
10/30/2008
04:39PM
Age: 23
Location
Milpitas, CA
i thought this album was pretty good. one of the better solid state releases this year.
FinchSCF
10/30/2008
05:00PM
Age: 25
Location
Holt, MI
Hah, I remember Chris saying that this review would be a shitestorm in the comments. :D

I have to agree with everyone though, this album is at least 4/5 quality, and easily an album of the year candidate next to Misery Signals for me. The music is so well done and I love Jimmy's vocals, but then again, I'm probably biased from being a huge Zao fan.
Denizen
10/31/2008
11:24AM
Location
Bedford, OH
I haven't been able to get into this at all.

rasta

cherrycyanide
02/10/2009
10:17PM

I Like this album. If Haste the Day was half this good they would still be alive.

ATOMIChaelBOMB
02/10/2009
10:21PM
Age: 31
Location
Claremont, CA

this album is incredible, one of my tops in the past few months...and i've never even heard haste the day.