War Of Ages - Pride of the Wicked

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RIYL

Unearth
Arch Enemy
Alove for Enemies
Inked in Blood

Release Date

09/05/2006

Label

Facedown Records

Tracklist

1. Guide For the Helpless
2. Rise From the Ashes
3. Strength Within
4. Absence of Fear
5. The Fall of Pride
6. Heart of a Warrior
7. Aftermath
8. Bitter Sweet
9. Silenced Insecurities
10. Stone by Stone

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2 ratings

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Recent Ratings

This band knows how to do two things -- tour and write records. Coming off a successful debut, War of Ages look to raise the bar up a notch with Pride of the Wicked. Having released their debut LP only 14 months ago on Facedown subsidy, StrikeFirst Records, this time around Facedown deemed War of Ages worthy of a slot on their A-list roster.

Those familiar with War of Ages' previous release will find themselves right at home with Pride of the Wicked. In fact, the band has done little to their metal-flavored hardcore sound on this record. The production on this album is miles ahead of the last record, however. Hamp's vocals are blistering and threaten to invoke a riot. There is also a noticible reduction in ripping guitar solos. In their place are grinding guitars that create a wall of metalcore sound.

Whereas their previous release sounded a lot like a more visceral version of Boy Sets Fire, this time around they've put forth a little more effort trying to define their own sound, straying away from the Boy Sets Fire on steroids vibe to a more standard metalcore approach, which wasn't exactly as great of a move as might be expected because they simply became more generic in the process.

While War of Ages have crafted a listenable record in Pride of the Wicked, it struggles to leave any lasting impressions. Most of the songs follow a simple verse-chorus-verse-breakdown-chorus structure. Despite it's pitfalls, Pride of the Wicked is worthy of a few listens and fans of the genre will find much to satisfy them.

--Jared Mehle

Author

jared
Last updated: 09/29/2009 08:54PM

Comments

Chris Conlan
09/12/2006
05:49AM
Age: 27
Location
Dubuque
I think this is probably one of the best bands on Facedown, but I agree with you Jared about how similar the songs are. Doesn't have much replay value.

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Sins Of Arcadia
09/12/2006
09:22AM
Age: 27
Location
Florida, USA
Some of the guitar work on this album is catchy, but beyond that it does lose it's replay value rather quickly.
LeightonESmith
09/12/2006
09:53PM
Location
Townsville, Australia
Love this band. This is a very listenable metalcore cd. I fucking enjoyed their last cd and this one is almost up to that level, its scaled back a bit but I just wish there was more music like this getting around at the moment. I hate the generic criticism.
Chris Conlan
09/13/2006
01:16AM
Age: 27
Location
Dubuque
Hate it all you want, it's MY opinion. I never said I didn't like the guys, I just thought the album dragged.

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