Allegiance Review

Release Date: Jun 6, 2006
Label: Mediaskare
Genres: Death Metal/Black Metal, Alternative Metal
Number Of Tracks: 10
Ultimately, the band's instrumental prowess is a highlight in itself, and most listeners will find that whatever As Blood Runs Black still lack in terms of ingenious songwriting, they mostly make up for with pure adrenalin.

Sound:	9
Lyrics:	9.3
Impression:	9
Overall rating:	9.1
Users rating:	8.7
Comments:	20

overall: 9.7

Reviewed by: Phillip., on april 30, 2008

Sound: Each part of this band, in my opinion, is a superb musician. The guitar parts are written leaving the listener nothing short of amazed. Combining sheer speed with dynamic harmonies, the treble side of the band is exceptional. And what other band can you find where the bassist keeps up with the guitars speed, using only fingerbass techniques? Very few. The outstanding drummer keeps the rythem going strong, and has his time to shine in the magnifecent breakdowns in songs suck as In Dying Days, Hester Prynne, and Beneath the Surface to name a few. The vocalist ability to instantly switch between loud screaming and deep, throat singing adds to the band a creative effect of having two vocalists. The only thing I could find lacking in this band was in their lyrics. They seem to be very generically, "Think for yourself; what's this world coming to?" type lyrics. Aside from the poetics, As Blood Runs Black's sound is exceptional as they make the most of their low, drop C tunings and high pitched, squealing pinch harmonics. Allegiance clearly throws ABRB to one of the top ranks or their genre. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics are well put together, but honestly not so great. They work for the genre, which doesn't really highlight the word of the songs. The singer's skills are definately outstanding. The ability to drastically switch between treble clef screams and bass clef yells leaves the listener stunned. So even without the most poetic lyrics, As Blood Runs Black's vocal section is very impressive. // 9

Impression: Of all the bands that are similar to the style of ABRB, I would have to confess, they are my favorite. My favorite songs from the album are probably In Dying Days, Legends Never Die, Hester Prynne, and My Fears Have Become Phobias. I absolutely love this entire album. Even when showing their less hardcore sound in Pouring Reign, their musical composition is nothing short of amazing. If this CD were stolen or lost, I would probably just download each song on FrostWire; like I did in the first place. But if you're the kind of person to actually buy cd's, this is definately worth your money. // 10

overall: 9.3

Reviewed by: BdFlyDawg, on march 03, 2008

Sound: Ok here we go, I believe that ABRB is a great band. They are so talented in every way. The drummer is probably one of the best I have ever heard. Ever (for those of you who do not believe it the double bass part in "my fears become phobias" is real, and is played at 260 bpm. I have seen them live and watched him do it). Just the way they play thir wusic will blow any metal fan away. Insane double-bass, and blastbeats that will make you go crazy. Guitar parts that are generic yet catchy, and sick breakdowns that will make you want to fight somebody. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: Well I really like the way the lead singer uses his voice to the music. Because honestly, if this band was to try to play the music they play now with another vocalist who sounds different it would not sound good. The lead singer has a great scream, even though at times is might sound a little dry and sound like he's trying to hard, it really matches the music well. // 9

Impression: I really would not know who to compare ABRB to. Even though they might have some songwriting problems, and might be a very generic band, I believe that they are also very different, in the way that I have heard no other band that sounds like them. To me, "Hester Prynee" is a song that basically takes everything this band is and puts it all together. Technical riffs, sick breakdowns, great vocals, and amazing drumming. I would definitly reccomend this album to anybody who loves metal. // 10

overall: 9.3

Reviewed by: SinisterScythe, on december 06, 2007

Sound: They are pretty much a deathcore/hardcore band sounding. They how different styles and soundings in each song or playing they use. They use different styles and sounds from guitars, drums, bass and vocals. They are very good about there music and like what they do and enjoy what they write, They sound really good and best of it they sound different in each song, not like some other bands where they all sound the same these guys sound different in each song from different soloing, riffs and vocals. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics are the main thing in this band besides the guitars and drums/bass. The compliance with the music is fitting from different styles they do. The singer has great talents from clean/grisping to heavy screaming none stop, different sounding and talent in each of the songs. The lyrics do fit the sound and style, Again unlike some other bands the lyrics don't fit the song, these guys are different they have the best screaming and singing talent I heard from these guys hope to see more. // 10

Impression: Comparing this band to Bring Me The Horizon, they are deathcore also and sound alike but with different styles and soloing and of course lyrics/vocals. I am most impressed on how well they recorded and sound they have done, from a demo to a good quality CD. I love how this band has a great sound of tone and vocals. I dislike sometimes how they just keep on going with there sound when they are not sounding right on the song they are doing and another thing different sounds would be nice in some new songs, but mostly they sound great. If this was stolen or lost I would buy it and another for a friend. // 8

overall: 8

Reviewed by: Telestar, on august 24, 2007

Sound: As Blood Runs Black does an excellent job of catching you attention with their fast riffs and fantastic harmonies in their album Allegiance, but I feel they were over used. While listening I found myself thinking "I heard that song already" because of the similarities of guitar riffs. Many riffs were based on short hammer-ons and pull-offs with a harmony attached to it. The music is catchy and hardcore, but the riffs and power chords sound the same in many songs. // 7

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics all had a theme which was break free and show respect. Many songs stood for making a new path and striving to get on top to make a difference. In others, it was about not judging someone by their looks and apologizing after making a mistake. The singers all have great screaming talent. There is a mix of singing styles including pig squeals, grunts, and just plain screams. This makes the listening experience more enjoyable because you never know what sound is going to come out of their mouths. The lyrics may not match the music, but As Blood Runs Black makes it blend perfectly. // 9

Impression: Overall this CD is fantastic. The drums and guitars are a perfect match in the style that they play. I think this band has awesome chemistry and could probably write a few more albums. I recommend buying this on iTunes or wherever you can and see what you think if this is your style of music. I like everything about this CD except for the fact that a lot of their songs sound the same. If all their songs were bad, this would be a horrible thing. But since the vocals and drums are different they kind of cancel the guitar similarities out. If you don’t feel like buying the entire album, I recommend buying Legends Never Die and My Fears Have Become Phobias because it really shows off their style. Believe me; you won’t be disappointed with this CD. // 8

Comments

[Capt. Stew]

Very Decent Album, but i agree the riffs are very similar from song to song, In dying days is the best song!

\m/

[o d y s s e y]

in dying days has the coolest intro ever, hopin there next album will be good !

[SoASinger]

Yea this cd isnt dissapointing at all, but the songs do sound alot like the last one. I personally only like the first 5 tracks and then after that it gets boring.
But would you have ever thought that these guys started out with Atreyu covers while they were in backyards and playing at parks, lol.

[aaronsquare]

Great record. "In Dying Days" and "Legends Never Die" are the best songs.

[jleslie/96]

Sounds like a wicked album and band

[BdFlyDawg]

all of you are so wrong... hester prynee is easily the best song on there. it shows of great guitar playing, insane drumming, sick breakdowns, subdrops, great vocals amd vocal range. if you could describe all of as blood runs black in one song it would be hester prynee.

[rufioisaninja]

This CD was probably one of the best CDs I have ever heard
one the vocals are ranged in four different types of screams (if you listen he does highs/lows/middle/inhales) and are all amazing
the guitars are extremely groovin and put a great fast beat but extremely clear sound
the bassist is amazing just because he keeps up with the guitars and plays the same shit as them with finger picking
and the drums, pretty much makes the band intense
the drums are one of the fastest drums I have ever heard
pure amazement
overall this band is pretty much one of the most amazing bands I have ever heard

[rufioisaninja]

and the new CD is probably going to suck just for the fact that the demos on their myspace suck and both songs sound exactly the same and their drum died
r.i.p Vitek

[LakeboDom]

rufioisaninja wrote:

and the new CD is probably going to suck just for the fact that the demos on their myspace suck and both songs sound exactly the same and their drum died
r.i.p Vitek

I hope your talking about Decapitated...

[LakeboDom]

This band has amazing potential even though they kicked out the drummer (who was also the only original member) whos on this album. Ive met some of the guys as well since i live in so cal and they are from here really cool guys.

[Telestar]

rufioisaninja wrote:

and the new CD is probably going to suck just for the fact that the demos on their myspace suck and both songs sound exactly the same and their drum died
r.i.p Vitek

oh my god dude. you are so freaking stupid

[iH8CarAccidents]

Dude, the first time I heard that insane double bass at the end of "My Fears Have Become Phobias" I nearly crapped myself. And it still gives me chills. Awesome band all around too.

[Revenger#11]

I heard somewhere that he used three drum heads(or some kind of triple bass) in the "My Fears Have Become Phobias" breakdown. Either way, that was the highlight for me of a decent album, but i guess it is very simliar to much deathcore but it is quite technical

[sideoftheham420]

the drummer is insanely good

[Demon Seraph]

BdFlyDawg wrote:

all of you are so wrong... hester prynee is easily the best song on there. it shows of great guitar playing, insane drumming, sick breakdowns, subdrops, great vocals amd vocal range. if you could describe all of as blood runs black in one song it would be hester prynee.

I also love Hester Prynne, it is freiken insane. Also if you play g-tar like me and looked at the tabs then youd b like *o*

[Demon Seraph]

OOOHHH yes... I like that! Lol i never get tired of that line

[Lukeydoodly]

This must be the only deathcore album I love :p

[jonnowev]

Deathcore, but excellent deathcore.

[all_the_rage]

theyre currently looking for a new vocalist to do the second album, and the 2 tracks they put up on myspace a while back where pathetic.
the vocalist chris left
sal the fat bald guitarist left
and leche the drummer left but has now rejoined after chris and sal left, but he wouldnt say why, but he states in their video blogs on the myspace that "if chris and sal were still in the band, i wouldnt be back"
album two is going to be phenominal!

[Ibanezbelyeu]

Demon Seraph wrote:

OOOHHH yes... I like that! Lol i never get tired of that line

Thats my sing-a-long part of the album