Felony Review

Released: Aug 18, 2009
Genre: Deathcore
Label: Victory Records
Number Of Tracks: 12
Felony is the third full-length album by deathcore band Emmure. It was released on August 18th, 2009.

Sound:	9
Lyrics:	7.5
Impression:	9
Overall rating:	8.5
Users rating:	4.8
Comments:	71

overall: 8

Reviewed by: Vince0707, on september 07, 2009

Sound: Emmure's new album "Felony" has drawn a lot of chatter. I've noticed that fans have a love/hate relationship with the Connecticut based bands latest effort. If you're reading this review you most likely have heard or seen Emmure and want to know what others think about their new album. After listening to Felony over and over again, I will say that I love the album. To silence the skeptics I will admit, this album's sound has changed since Goodbye To The Gallows (their first full length). Although I think the change is minor and for the better, this albums sound incorporates other genres of metal/hardcore to give it a more full sound. Frankie, the lead vocalist's way of talking through some parts of the lyrics and switching to his famous high and low growls makes it fun to follow. I heard people criticizing this album for sounding too "nu-metal" and to them I say "You're kidding, right?" haha. Yes, I understand that a few bass lines and riffs have a nu metal feel but by all means it should not be categorized as a nu-metal album. Put it this way, if it was a "nu-metal" album then I guess we could expect their songs to be on mainstream radio, right? Personally, I like when hardcore bands do a little throw back 90's riffage, but I digress...The guitar effects are nice and crunchy and some of the lead dissonant chords have a cutting edge to them that don't even sound natural to a guitar. The rhythms are trademark Emmure, and their are tons of serious breakdowns that will make you move for sure. The kids down in the pit will find their mosh parts in every song, so no worries hardcore kids! The "sound" of Felony is a good step for Emmure and this genre in general. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: When I think of Emmure lyrics a smile always comes to my face. A lot of the lyrics deal with relationship issues and Frankie's way of putting them are great. I think a lot of people can relate, not just people who are into this genre. These relationship issues can be in context to significant others, family members, and of course enemies. The song "R2DEEPTHROAT" is rumored to be a shot back at the The Acacia Strain since apparently Emmure has been criticized with "copying" some riffs from The Acacia Strain.. "I am so flattered that you mention my name..You've been paying my bills for way too long..And I'm so happy that you just can't stop talking shit" You can look at that by thinking the more The Acacia Strain talks about Emmure, the more publicity and marketing Emmure gets. But who cares, I like both bands. Emmure's lyrics on this album fit well with their genre and the highlight for me was the lyrics to "I Thought You Met Telly And Turned Me Into Casper" which is a song about getting tested for an STD. A song theme I have not ran across until now. And just wait for the best line in "R2deepthroat"..."Ask your girl what my di@k tastes like" haha good stuff! // 7

Impression: This album is all about impression. Like I said before, people seem to either love it or hate it. I'm a big Emmure fan but listen to every aspect of the "metal" community and I feel that this album separated Emmure from a lot of the bands in their genre. There is more "music" on this albums and the entire album is not just one long guitar chug. The songs "Bars in Astoria" "First Impressions" and "R2Deepthroat" really stuck out to me as great songs. Good lines, good breakdowns, and just a fun album to rock out to. If you are a fan of heavier rock stuff, I say you give Emmure's new album "Felony" a shot. // 8

overall: 9

Reviewed by: AntonTheCrazy, on august 21, 2009

Sound: Emmure's 3rd full length release, Felony, is probably one of the best releases I have heard this year. After The Respect Issue (not very good at all) was released I thought Emmure was done with coming out with great albums. Boy was I wrong. This album catches your attention from the get go and doesn't drop you until the end. It probably has some of the catchiest riffs and vocal patterns Emmure has yet to put out. In your face crash chords, brutal breakdowns screeching vocals, awesome effects, and intense drums are found throughout the album. The production quality of this album is spectacular, you can hear every aspect perfectly and easily. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: Frankie did a great job with the lyrics/vocals on this album. The highs are as good as ever and it seems as though the lows have reached a "lower than low" status. As for lyrical themes, Emmure has done it once again in coming up with a "Kill you first ask questions later" theme. There is something new here that has really never been seen in an Emmure cd before. Singing. I'm sure fans are going to be definately split on whether or not they like this new sound for Emmure, personally, I think they used the singing sparingly and effectively, making a great CD even better. In the song "R2Deepthroat" it looks as though Emmure responded to the whole Acacia Strain "Skynet" battle. The only downside of the vocals on this album are the abundunce of spoken word, in some spots it sounds a little too much like Korn, but its tolerable. // 8

Impression: This is an incredibly empowering album (definately something to listen to while working out) and has A LOT of memorable riffs and vocal sections. Some highlights of the CD are "I Thought You Met Telly and Turned Me Into Casper", "R2Deepthroat", "Bars In Astoria", and "A Lesson From Nicole" to name just a few. There honestly isn't a song on this album I don't like. The only bad part like I said before is the Korn sounding vocals, but other than that this album is a PERFECT 10. If this CD was lost or stolen I would DEFINATELY go out and purchase it again. // 10

Comments

[Alexxx.]

Can't wait to get this bad boy.

[W R 3 C K 3 D]

This is an amazing CD, can't say that I like the singing but it is tolerable amongst all the talent in every song. Of course I'm more of a hardcore death metal/ deathcore fan so singing isn't really my favorite thing anyways. Another up and coming deathcore band you might enjoy if you like this CD is I Shot the Sheriff, amazing stuff.

[Disturbdkornkid]

The only bad part like I said before is the Korn sounding vocals, but other than that this album is a PERFECT 10.

Kind of redundant to say that don't you think? And no I'm not defending KoRn, I can't stand their last couple albums. As for Emmure I haven't heard anything from this, but if it's anything like their last few albums, most if it will sound the exact same anyway.

[Pretty_Much]

I just listened to the title track, and it was absolutly horrid. The guitars are so incredibly boring and vocals annoying.

[zezimathehero]

Album sucks. I listened to one song and I actually lol'd.

[protesthehero]

emmure sucks theyre so boring and talentless

[hairy-southpaw]

It should be a felony for Emmure to release albums. GET IT?!?!? LOLOlolo!!!!!1111 I MAED A FUNNI!!

[XenititesX]

acacia strain does it better.

[Slay 'Em]

You can't compare Emmure and TAS. This album was pretty horrible, and I'm a fan of them....

[jacobthesnakeob]

not to be a dick or whatever, but emmure is one of the most talentless bands of our generation. why people even care about this band is way beyond me.

[jacobthesnakeob]

to add to that, it makes me sick that bands like this find so much success with so much mediocrity when brilliant bands like the cambiata break up due to limited exposure and success.

[Ghrim]

pretty much agree with all of the above....horrible and talentless.

[xDeathxMetalx]

you guys are rediculous, this album is amazing. its a complete new side of Emmure and they did a great job despite member changes and all. The Acacia Strain and Emmure are equal, neither are better. and they definately dont sound similiar, Emmure is more dissonant by far. anyways, this album is Emmures best. incredibly creative throughout.

[Tim Remains]

Even emmure fans hate this piece of shit.

[SamuraiLP]

xDeathxMetalx wrote:

you guys are rediculous, this album is amazing. its a complete new side of Emmure and they did a great job despite member changes and all. The Acacia Strain and Emmure are equal, neither are better. and they definately dont sound similiar, Emmure is more dissonant by far. anyways, this album is Emmures best. incredibly creative throughout.

Oh my.
Thats ****ing hilarious.
They havent changed.
Clean vocals isnt OMG NEW SIDE.
the vocals are kind of terrible.
And they still do the little techno screach when they arent chugging simplicity off of their guitars.

[SamuraiLP]

Oh and.
Incredibly biased review.
Go lick their balls.

[Lohnanmilitia]

When are people going to realize that deathcore sucks!

[jamsea]

This isn't even deathcore.
It's just crappy.

My little brother listens to these guys non stop, they're so freaking boring sounding

[atlmetal]

Meh album, way more awesome when you're high.
And can some one elaborate on the Acacia Strain "Skynet" battle comment?
I googled and found nothing.
Anyways, Emmure has some funny lyrics.
Ask ya girl what my dick taste like!

[voodoochile000]

emmure shmemmure and a terminated tenure.
tender slender acupunctured blender.

they blow like wind!!! :/

[br00741burgers]

its like ****ing nu metal its garbage

[DaveManDave]

Heres a quote from Emmure's myspace which just made me chuckle "emmure not going to lie felony sucked, u guys are coming out with albums to fast, u are not taking ur time on perfecting the songs like no joke what like 3 albums in barley over a year u guys are going to burn ur selfs out," he then goes on to say that hes still a fan. This ****in chuggin bullshit is really pissin me off. Make some god damn MUSIC.

[DaveManDave]

However i do think their pits would be pretty fun so ill give that to them.

[Shredder Guitar]

rough justice and chicagos finest off of the respect issue are pretty good songs i think.

[LegsOnEarth]

Perfect 10.. Seriously... For run of the mill, breakdown per minute deathcore?

[imsimon]

Awful album art, looks like they've stolen an image of deviantart and whacked it in paint.
Awful album, vocals are a joke, guitars are boring, this band doesn't deserve any recognition at all

[UK4tw]

This is the worst album i've listened to this year. Emmure have gone down hill, also, please don't compare them to TAS. The Acacia Strain are a good solid deathcore band and 'Skynet' was a decent release whereas the last two Emmure albums were just faecal matter.

[voodoochile000]

emmure shmemmure and a terminated tenure.
tender slender acupunctured blender.

they blow like wind!!! :/

[Cafas]

I don't understand why people listen to Emmure, but eh...for boring, bullshit, by the numbers deathcore nonsense, there still has to be better than this, no?

[Eurasian_C]

I just heard the title track and that was all I needed to say that everything about this album blows. The production is pretty bad, the vocals are too loud, the effects are way out of line, and most of all the music is just awful. The vocals are really annoying too with the spoken word.

And whoever even tries to compare them to The Acacia Strain, oh goddamn how you are sooooo wrong.

Checked.

Guys, if you're going to bash Emmure, either A) be nice about it, or B) give a reason why you think they suck if you want to be mean about it. I hate these guys as much as anyone, but I still have to enforce the rules.

I'll be kind of lenient because the general opinion is negative, but outright band flaming is still going to get you a warning.

[Pretty in Casts]

This band pretty much is today what limp bizkit was in 98. The lyrics are so rediculously adolescent and stupid, and the guitars are the most lame simplistic riffs made to appeal to suburban punkass little kids that want to swing their arms really hard. this band is pretty much Mindless.Talentless.Pointless.And just all around bad.

UK4tw wrote:

The Acacia Strain are a good solid deathcore band and 'Skynet' was a decent release

The album is called Continent

[HavokStrife]

Lohnanmilitia wrote:

When are people going to realize that deathcore sucks!

This.

[AntonTheCrazy]

how is the review biased? honestly when i first heard emmure i thought they were horrible...
and i also will admit that they are not a "wow that was so technical and full of talent" band. theyre more of a "wow i can totally see myself punching someone really hard to this" band.
and this is actually one of the few deathcore band ill listen to that just does the chugs and such.
im more of a progressive/techncial/melodic death metal guy but this album did impress me compared to their other releases.

as for the TAS skynet thing.

rumor has it that the lyrics in the song "skynet" is about emmure trying to copy off of TAS's style of music, although TAS has denyed it in an interview, you must say its pretty uncanny. and in my opinion it looks like the lyrics in "r2deepthroat" are a response to the song "skynet" by TAS

[LouieKablouie77]

calling this band a deathcore band kind of pisses me off. there are no elements of death metal in this music at all these guys are metalcore IF that

[schangatang]

emmure has gone downhill
like goodbye to the gallows was a decent album.
it wasn't revolutionary or anything but it was solid.
but the respect issue and felony have been pretty brutal. (and not the good kind ;D )

[kerguitar08]

I always feared a day that a band mixed nu-metal and deathcore. Sadly, that day is here...

[nothingserious2]

Emmure should have just stayed as one of those "release one album and then disband," goodbye to the gallows was a solid CD.

the respect issue was just boring
felony is just annoying

[nothingserious2]

yeah and acacia strain shits on felony

[Paddles]

chugga

chugga chugga pwee

the worst offenders of a horrible trend

i like the diss track battle though, it's nice to know that wigger slam bands are bringing back gangsta rap (because we all missed it very much)

[voodoochile000]

emmure shmemmure and a terminated tenure.
tender slender acupunctured blender.

they blow like wind!!! :/

[xTJMx]

This album is a disaster. Probably the shittiest thing I've heard this year.

Music was alright.(if your into emmure's previous shit)

The vocals were awful. It sounded like a drunk ******* trying to sing or "rap". I don't even know what to call something that ****ed up.

[Eurasian_C]

AntonTheCrazy wrote:

how is the review biased? honestly when i first heard emmure i thought they were horrible...
and i also will admit that they are not a "wow that was so technical and full of talent" band. theyre more of a "wow i can totally see myself punching someone really hard to this" band.
and this is actually one of the few deathcore band ill listen to that just does the chugs and such.
im more of a progressive/techncial/melodic death metal guy but this album did impress me compared to their other releases.

as for the TAS skynet thing.

rumor has it that the lyrics in the song "skynet" is about emmure trying to copy off of TAS's style of music, although TAS has denyed it in an interview, you must say its pretty uncanny. and in my opinion it looks like the lyrics in "r2deepthroat" are a response to the song "skynet" by TAS

If it's in response to Skynet, it's definitely a weak one. Like seriously, the writing is so ****ing weak. The music is even weaker. Vincent shouldn't even have to say anything because this "comeback" or whatever is absolutely nothing.

Personally I really don't believe in musical beefs, I leave that up to shitty gangsta rap. But this is just stupid.

[schangatang]

yeah if this is emmures response to TAS they mid as well give up and go home ;D

[pandaXcore88]

i like how i got warned for busting out semi-quotes from skynet. thanks scourge. haha.

Scourge.
Lifeflip.
No care ever.

[Ass_Goblin]

AntonTheCrazy wrote:

how is the review biased? honestly when i first heard emmure i thought they were horrible...
and i also will admit that they are not a "wow that was so technical and full of talent" band. theyre more of a "wow i can totally see myself punching someone really hard to this" band.
and this is actually one of the few deathcore band ill listen to that just does the chugs and such.
im more of a progressive/techncial/melodic death metal guy but this album did impress me compared to their other releases.

as for the TAS skynet thing.

rumor has it that the lyrics in the song "skynet" is about emmure trying to copy off of TAS's style of music, although TAS has denyed it in an interview, you must say its pretty uncanny. and in my opinion it looks like the lyrics in "r2deepthroat" are a response to the song "skynet" by TAS

yeah man i agreed with your review 100%

i listen to opeth, dream theater, nevermore type of stuff when im not in a GRRRRR *roundhouse kick* type of mood. but every now and then i get in that mood and it just incredibly fun and entertaining to go balls out with bands like emmure.

i do think this is their best album. its not that much of a progress seeing as its not even a year since the first release, however.

[synestershadows]

why cant this band take a break between albums. 3 full lengths in 3 consecutive years.

[xDeathxMetalx]

hey there samurailp, how about you not talk to me like im stupid buddy.
this album is a big change from the respect issue, and if your too stupid to relize that then thats on you.
so that being said, blow me because im done with this.

[Zodijackyl]

Memorable and catchy riffs? There are no riffs on this album, just downtuned power chord chugging.

[the agony scene]

synestershadows wrote:

why cant this band take a break between albums. 3 full lengths in 3 consecutive years.

Because they dont know how long chuggathons will be the in thing. thats my theory.

[SamuraiLP]

Some people like more in their music.
As for those that dont, enjoy I suppose.

[birdman267]

Rating disappoints.

This band has gotten increasingly worse from the first CD

[voodoochile000]

emmure shmemmure and a terminated tenure.
tender slender acupunctured blender.

they blow like wind!!! :/

[AntonTheCrazy]

Ass_Goblin wrote:

AntonTheCrazy wrote:

how is the review biased? honestly when i first heard emmure i thought they were horrible...
and i also will admit that they are not a "wow that was so technical and full of talent" band. theyre more of a "wow i can totally see myself punching someone really hard to this" band.
and this is actually one of the few deathcore band ill listen to that just does the chugs and such.
im more of a progressive/techncial/melodic death metal guy but this album did impress me compared to their other releases.

as for the TAS skynet thing.

rumor has it that the lyrics in the song "skynet" is about emmure trying to copy off of TAS's style of music, although TAS has denyed it in an interview, you must say its pretty uncanny. and in my opinion it looks like the lyrics in "r2deepthroat" are a response to the song "skynet" by TAS

yeah man i agreed with your review 100%

i listen to opeth, dream theater, nevermore type of stuff when im not in a GRRRRR *roundhouse kick* type of mood. but every now and then i get in that mood and it just incredibly fun and entertaining to go balls out with bands like emmure.

i do think this is their best album. its not that much of a progress seeing as its not even a year since the first release, however.

thank you

[The Spoon]

Usually, i'd give them props for probably being a fun band to mosh to live, but this is something that I wouldnt even find fun at a show.

pandaXcore88 wrote:

i like how i got warned for busting out semi-quotes from skynet. thanks scourge. haha.

Scourge.
Lifeflip.
No care ever.

You got warned for the "**** this cd and **** emmure* part. AFAIK that's not a quote from Skynet.

[pandaXcore88]

"Vanflip times 1000,
don't believe the hype,
No. Care. Ever."

-The Acacia Strain, "Skynet"

[MTM Mario]

To call Emmure a Deathcore band is a insult! I have been listening to them for a bit so I have experience in this style of music (brocore/2step)and this album is really bad! The vocals are weak the lyrics are garbage the guitars are (Lamer than usual)The only thing better is the drum skills are up from the fact they got a new drummer.Gallows was awesome! the respect issue was decent and Felony is straight Garbage.As far as comparing them to TAS please don't its a totally different machine.Not to mention a big disrespect to TAS they do what they do flawlessly.RIP emmure if this is the direction your going your dead to me.

[TisPyon]

so i saw all you guys bickering over TAS and Emmure so i went and listened to both... in my honest opinion they are both pretty boring but id say id listen to TAS over Emmure cause i like the vocals better ... but id rather not listen to either glad i checked em out to know not to ever go back to them again

[FELONY09]

ok the lyrics in TAS song skynet has no lyrics that are the same so **** that whole argument. emmure and TAS have been on tour together SO many times. they are both amazing. and emmure is the crazyest mixture of different kinds of music. and now that they have actual vocals all its doing is showing how good they realy are and that they can make just about everything work. so FUCK OFF about the whole felony sucks thing. they have advanced alot and are getting even better. although i do agree that the respect issue is dissapointing compared to goodbye the the gallows and felony.

[Spl!nTeRgu!tAr]

FELONY09 wrote:

ok the lyrics in TAS song skynet has no lyrics that are the same so **** that whole argument. emmure and TAS have been on tour together SO many times. they are both amazing. and emmure is the crazyest mixture of different kinds of music. and now that they have actual vocals all its doing is showing how good they realy are and that they can make just about everything work. so FUCK OFF about the whole felony sucks thing. they have advanced alot and are getting even better. although i do agree that the respect issue is dissapointing compared to goodbye the the gallows and felony.

Apparently youve been listening to Emmure for about a week now.

Vincent of TAS has *repeatedly* said, and I quote, "Fuck Emmure" or "Fuck Victory Records" every time I have seen them. They have NEVER been on tour together, they have only played local shows WAY back in the day when Emmure first started. Before The Complete Guide To Needlework, Emmure ripped off The Acacia Strain pretty bad. This fued goes much further back than both of thier first EP's.

[Spl!nTeRgu!tAr]

Sorry to double post, but just to clear the air I am a fan on both bads and really don't care much for the fued. Emmure has done singing on 2 albums before this. Not as much, but Frank has shown his singing voice off before. As far as hooks go, Emmure has it down and Felony still reflects that even though it feels as though they didnt put enough time into it. The Acacia Strain, on the other hand, were one the original deathcore bands if not THE original deathcore bands. Thier underground stuff goes even further back than 3750. TAS carries the brutality, Emmure is catchy. Pick one, the other, both, or neither. Same as all music. Just don't flood comment boxes with your misunderstanding of thier fued. Might I suggest an Emmure vs TAS thread?

[pandaXcore88]

I just really think Felony is a rushed album, and it's a ****ing joke overall, because i really feel if they would've put more time into it, it could've been a great CD. Unfortunately, I can't stand it. Any of it. The Respect Issue is one of those albums that in it's simplicity, gets me jacked whenever i hear it. Emmure's not dream theater, so stop giving them shit for simplistic chug style stuff. All in all though, i HATE this CD. Too many changes in a year to be utilized effectively.

[voodoochile000]

emmure shmemmure and a terminated tenure.
tender slender acupunctured blender.

they blow like wind!!! :/

[pandaXcore88]

ZOMFGZ!!! LULZ! DUDE CAN RHYME! sorry. i didn't see it the first 30 times.

[wdh2934strat]

Honestly emmure has impressed me up to this point, not from a technical standpoint, but on the basis that they have somewhat.... feeling or care about the final turnout of the songs in their previous releases. Goodbye to the Gallows was incredible, The Respect Issue had a couple catchy songs, but the production values, seeming lack of time invested, and all around nu metal junk sound of this new CD make me almost near ashamed to say i like them, I know they're capable of producing music i enjoy at least, but this new CD.... ugh. I heard Bars in Astoria and was optomistic... then the cd was released... and i realized all of my anticipation was for not... This CD deserves a 3/10 at best IMO. The guitar is alright, the drums far too simplistic, the sound balance low, and vocals.... well i think the rest of the reviews speak about how downhill those have gone. Overall, all the zoloft in the world couldn't make me enjoy this CD long enough to get through one session of talking they slapped in here and called "vocals". Sorry Emmure, when your long term fans are offended, i'd call it time to change or revert back to your old style.

[davisdestroyer]

Hands down i hate this band.
I think the only good album from them was GBTTG. thats it.
Plus it annoys me hearing breakdown among breakdown can't they right something that is not just constant chugging of Open A#??? compleatly talentless. My one question is how do these guys have so many fans? oh i know why, its becuase of all the kids that have ruined the metal scene with their over gel'd hair and thier gauges. The metal/hardcore scene is dead thanks to bands like emmure

[XenititesX]

davisdestroyer wrote:

Hands down i hate this band.
I think the only good album from them was GBTTG. thats it.
Plus it annoys me hearing breakdown among breakdown can't they right something that is not just constant chugging of Open A#??? compleatly talentless. My one question is how do these guys have so many fans? oh i know why, its becuase of all the kids that have ruined the metal scene with their over gel'd hair and thier gauges. The metal/hardcore scene is dead thanks to bands like emmure

This.

[jonathanonfire]

I remember back when they'd play little shitty local shows.. and then later when they first got signed to victory with GTTG. I don't know how a band can backpedal into something like nu-metal.. but yeah. The CD is horrible with a few exceptions that are just OK. This was certainly a rushed effort. They've gotta take more time to write this crap.

[voodoochile000]

emmure shmemmure and a terminated tenure.
tender slender acupunctured blender.

they blow like wind!!! :/