Released: Apr 21, 2009
Genre: Groove Metal
Label: Roadrunner/Century Media
Number Of Tracks: 11
There’s still plenty of interest to be found, at times however it can be difficult to find it amidst the wash of unspectacular riffs and vocals.
The ConcealersFeatured review by: UG Team, on april 23, 2009 3 of 7 people found this review helpful
Sound: Aside from their fairly exotic name, the aura Daath exudes is very much that of the ‘modern metal’ style; a genre that, while non-existent, manages to thrill Lamb Of God fans across the globe. I don’t mean to offend, but that’s about the only weight the term has. It’s not a stigma that was entirely deserved by Daath, it’s an unfortunate combination of aesthetics, production and, indeed, record label. A quick listen to 2007’s ‘The Hinderers’ will instantly dismiss that clone status, as there was something very fresh there. Sadly this album barely compares in terms of originality. There’s a peculiar balance between the overused and the curious; triggered double-click and pedal points accompany only moderate dashings of the bands semi-industrial sound and their very daunting sense of harmony. Despite not quite pushing things enough to become the truly unique band they clearly want to be (and to an extent used to be), there are moments throughout ‘The Concealers’ that gently nudge at genre boundaries, e.g. The doomy outro to ‘... Of Poisoned Sorrows’.
‘The Hinderers’ was produced by James Murphy, a man who has thoroughly earned his metal tenure with legends such as Obituary, Death and Testament. ‘The Concealers’, however, was produced by Mark Lewis and Jason Suecof who have produced records by the not-so-legendary Trivium, All That Remains and Chimaira. The contrast here is absolutely crystal-clear; ‘The Concealers’ has an airtight, highly disinfected sound which is free of past plagues such as attitude, lasting character or bass frequency. // 6
Lyrics and Singing: Ah, the new vocalist. It’s never easy to recover from the departure of a frontman; however it can often be the catalyst for the reinvention of a band. Whilst Daath have obviously changed since their last album, it can’t be denied that the new vocalist, Sean Z, has blatantly been cut from the cookie of the southern US, home to Phil Anselmo, Randy Blythe and all the other names that just fade into each other. There’s nothing inherently wrong with his vocals, but when coupled with the typically Roadrunner production there’s very little to be inspired by. One plus point though is the lyrics, which are concise and well-written if not as abundant in personal philosophy as previous releases. // 6
Impression: Maybe it’s just cynicism, but when I listen to this record I can already see the special editions on HMV and Best Buy shelves, featuring studio diaries, expanded artwork and bonus tracks. I can see opening slots on US package tours. I can see all the same stuff that is part of an album cycle for a ‘modern metal’ band. There’s still plenty of interest to be found in ‘The Concealers’, it can just be a mission to distinguish it amidst the wash of unspectacular riffs and vocals at times. The future looks bright for Daath, with a fine promotional backing and opportunity aplenty, but musically it is imperative for them that they build upon the natural flair of ‘Translucent Potency’ and ‘... Of Poisoned Sorrows’, rather than the dangerously bland ‘Waiting On The Vine’. // 6
The Concealers
Reviewed by:
AJSaw, on july 29, 2011 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: Another user put it well to state that they had a sound that could interest Lamb Of God fans, which is true, but I believe this band has a sound unique to only themselves. Sure, it's modern metal, but unlike a majority of bands out there, you can hear influences pulled beyond metal's main influence, classical, hearing hints of progressive styling and even jazz. The lead guitarist, Emil Werstler, is able to pull off a bunch of jazz theories and sounds on this album if listened closely. Some listeners who aren't a fan of genre blending might not like it for that reason, but I believe it's definitely a breath of fresh air in the metal world. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: I'm not one to focus much on lyrics and how they fit with "themes", and in this band I'm drawn more to the instrumental parts. The lyrics are rather dark, for example in "The Worthless". With the new addition of vocalist Sean Zatorsky the style of the lyrics has changed, and hits you with more power in my opinion than on albums like "The Hinderers" and their debut "Futility". I like this singer more than the other, if not for lyrical content then for his sound. // 7
Impression: Daath is a hard band to place against other bands, even though they are "modern metal", as they will have some major differences in sound and influence. This is one of my favorite albums at the moment as a jazz/metal guitarist, because as influential it is to ones playing. I would say the highlights are definitely the sound as a whole, the band members seem to compliment each other. My favorite songs off it are: "Self-Corruption Manifesto", "The Worthless", "The Day Of Endless Light" (which has a great jazzy guitar solo), "Duststorm", and "...Of Poisoned Sorrows". It did take me a while to like this album, but after a few listens the playing and newer sound grew on me. If it were stolen or lost, even though I have it physically and digitally, I would get it again. It's a strong album, not for the faint of heart, but has some great songs and styles. // 8
At first I was a little suprised by what I was reading. I remember loving what I heard in "Hinderers." But then I read "new vocalist," and thought "Gaaaawwwww..."
Did love the old guy. Hadn't heard much like him, for sure.
I absolutely love this album, I can see the reviewers' points though but I disagree with the riffs being 'unspectacular'. I think both the old vocals and new vocals are good.
Great review Duncan.
I agree very muchly, they've strayed a bit too far from the sound they were honing on The Hinderers and it's really becoming apparent with the new vocalist.
yea this album is good its not groundbreaking but its a good album definitely worth more than a six, not everything has to be incredibly new and unexplored type of music in order to be a good solid metal album i think the reviewer is a little biased..
yea this album is good its not groundbreaking but its a good album definitely worth more than a six, not everything has to be incredibly new and unexplored type of music in order to be a good solid metal album i think the reviewer is a little biased..
I never understood this. What exactly am I biased against?
Just want to let everyone know. I know that Emil doesn't show it all the time.. but the dude is a ****ing INCREDIBLE guitarist. He's got his theory believe it or not. I went to school with him at AIM in 2005, he was ahead of me.. but mate knows how to rock.
I really like the modern sounding of the album! Imo it's an amazing piece easily worth 8+. It has the riffs, the solos, the melody, the heavyness. Vocalist is very good and goes well with the music.
I'm thinking what's wrong with that trend everyone saying for every band previous album was better, bla bla bla bla. One listen to an album =/= I heard the album. Some works need more attention. Not always an album grabbing you by the crotch in the first seconds is such an awesome album. Music is art, you should see it, feel it.
Suecof only produced one of All That Remains album, the newest one. While good, its not as good as This Darkened Heart or The Fall Of Ideals. Its the production. James Murphy is an amazing producer and musician.
Gave Daath a listen once. It raited pretty high in our best known national metal magazine.
Thought it was pretty sucky, but I guess I should give them another try seeming they rank pretty high.
i REALLY feel that Emil has the ability to record GREAT music, but this band is preventing him from doing so. he would fit better in a more diverse and intricate band, one that isn't just chugga-chugga-scream-shred-chugga.
Great album I think. Sure I admit I prefered their old vocalist, the new one has a kinda metalcore sound to him. But still I think it goes with the music, he's still a great vocalist and all. And some brilliant riffs on here, some really dark and "exotic" sounding ones. Like, the kinda thing of the leads at the start of "Wilting on The Vine".
This album is to me pretty much amazing.
I have to say i don't know the last album for i did not hear it.
I simply love it because of its catchy vocals hooks in the chorus and there undenyable ability to just CHUG.
I love it.
This review perfectly encapsulates how I feel about this album. Whilst The Hinderers was not as focused an effort, it truly had something superb and new to offer, mostly via originality in keyboard textures this album is sadly lacking.
