Fear My Thoughts Vulcanus
Century Media Records 77557-8 January 15th, 2007
By Jason Jordan
Germanys Fear My Thoughts have finally made the jump to a major label, so expect to see Vulcanus all over the place once the release date arrives. The quintet are far from newcomers, however, as their discography now holds five full-lengths 23 and Vitriol on Let It Burn Records, The Great Collapse and Hell Sweet Hell on Lifeforce, and of course the latest on Century Media. Their previous effort was a good offering, even though Ive seldom returned to it since I reviewed it back in August of 2005, but I envision myself replaying this now and again despite its flaws.
FMT although their location screams metalcore (Caliban, Heaven Shall Burn, etc.) dont stick to one specific brand. Instead, they prefer to wave the flags of metalcore along with Soilwork-inspired melodeath rather than letting one or the other monopolize their sound. The highs are all but obvious, and the opening number Accompanied by Death capitalizes on just about everything the band has in its arsenal. Besides the speedy tempo, which is bolstered by instrumental chops, the keyboard effects (courtesy Anubis Gates Oelsen) enhance the song tremendously, and theres an unmistakable At the Gates vibe present during certain moments not quite unheard of, huh? Its more difficult for me to get exhilarated when Fear My Thoughts parallel Soilwork, however, as in Blankness, Culture of Fear, Soul Consumer, among others, though they avoid dwelling on the style for too long. In truth, theyre at their best when theyre at their heaviest Accelerate or Die, Stamp of Credence, Both Blood, and more.
I dont often mention lyrics in reviews simply because not many speak to me personally, but there are a few lines on Vulcanus that hit home by appealing to issues that I struggle with on a regular basis, even if the lyrics below arent in the exact context FMT intended.
Blankness: I feel the emptiness in me
Gates of Nowhere: I cant be saved / I cannot hide / My time is running out / I cant be saved / I cannot hide / Im running out of life
Essentially, Vulcanus is a safe bet if youve enjoyed these guys at any point during their career, and to make matters easier, Im sure Century Media will attempt ubiquity with this one. It is irksome when these Germans mirror influential Swedes too much, plus 57 minutes is really testing the listeners patience, but overall they rise above mediocrity and consequently pull off a shaky win here.
Official Fear My Thoughts Website
Official Century Media Website
Century Media Records 77557-8 January 15th, 2007
By Jason Jordan
Germanys Fear My Thoughts have finally made the jump to a major label, so expect to see Vulcanus all over the place once the release date arrives. The quintet are far from newcomers, however, as their discography now holds five full-lengths 23 and Vitriol on Let It Burn Records, The Great Collapse and Hell Sweet Hell on Lifeforce, and of course the latest on Century Media. Their previous effort was a good offering, even though Ive seldom returned to it since I reviewed it back in August of 2005, but I envision myself replaying this now and again despite its flaws.
FMT although their location screams metalcore (Caliban, Heaven Shall Burn, etc.) dont stick to one specific brand. Instead, they prefer to wave the flags of metalcore along with Soilwork-inspired melodeath rather than letting one or the other monopolize their sound. The highs are all but obvious, and the opening number Accompanied by Death capitalizes on just about everything the band has in its arsenal. Besides the speedy tempo, which is bolstered by instrumental chops, the keyboard effects (courtesy Anubis Gates Oelsen) enhance the song tremendously, and theres an unmistakable At the Gates vibe present during certain moments not quite unheard of, huh? Its more difficult for me to get exhilarated when Fear My Thoughts parallel Soilwork, however, as in Blankness, Culture of Fear, Soul Consumer, among others, though they avoid dwelling on the style for too long. In truth, theyre at their best when theyre at their heaviest Accelerate or Die, Stamp of Credence, Both Blood, and more.
I dont often mention lyrics in reviews simply because not many speak to me personally, but there are a few lines on Vulcanus that hit home by appealing to issues that I struggle with on a regular basis, even if the lyrics below arent in the exact context FMT intended.
Blankness: I feel the emptiness in me
Gates of Nowhere: I cant be saved / I cannot hide / My time is running out / I cant be saved / I cannot hide / Im running out of life
Essentially, Vulcanus is a safe bet if youve enjoyed these guys at any point during their career, and to make matters easier, Im sure Century Media will attempt ubiquity with this one. It is irksome when these Germans mirror influential Swedes too much, plus 57 minutes is really testing the listeners patience, but overall they rise above mediocrity and consequently pull off a shaky win here.
Official Fear My Thoughts Website
Official Century Media Website
