DEGRADEAD
A World Destroyer
[Metalville Records]
Verdict: 8/10
Having previously never heard of Degradead, I cannot compare this album to their past two. However, I can tell you that A World Destroyer features some damn good melodic metalcore. While this may bring to mind some scene bands very popular right now, you should ignore those thoughts as best you can. This isn’t one of THOSE kind of metalcore acts. No, instead Degradead more closely resemble classic metal with a touch of soaring vocals and hard rock sensibility (think of Destrophy in that area). The main vocals may be screaming, but there is a bountiful amount of clean singing that impress throughout. Really, the only problem with A World Destroyer is that it blends into itself a bit too much. This means it has such a good flow that it actually compromises your ability to hand pick tracks that stand out as “better” than others. Others may even go as far as to say it makes too many songs sound similar, which is kind of true. Nonetheless, A World Destroyer features a lot of great instrumental work that will reel in rock and metal fans alike. There are some hardcore elements here, but they aren’t nearly as prevalent. The screaming is what makes one think of the genre more than other element.Think of the a for mentioned Destrophy blending with A Plea For Purging or Endwell. This may more accurately describe the sound of Degradead. Whether this gives you a better idea of what to expect or not, look up A World Destroyer. Fans who like the combination of hard rock and metal should really become excited to hear Degradead if they haven’t ever before. – by Nathaniel Lay
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[REVIEW] Destrophy – Cry Havoc
DESTROPHY
Cry Havoc
[Victory Records]
Verdict: 8/10
For their second Victory release, Destrophy have returned just as strong with Cry Havoc. Back with their brand of hard rock, these tracks are full of big riffs and soaring choruses to boot. Things kick off with the title track, which is an instant favorite with its beat and well written chorus. Like this song, Cry Havoc is very uplifting at times, giving you that “rise to power” energy surge as you play it loud. In a way, it’s like the underdog coming to his rightful place. Destrophy could even be described this way as a band. They’re still fairly underground, despite having a mainstream rock appeal to them that should sky rocket their success. Not only that, but they keep the writing process all very close within the group (lead member, Aris, produced the album and more). Tracks like “We Are Alive” and “Seven Nights” ring in your ears long after they have ended, but this isn’t to say Cry Havoc is the perfect album. As it plays through, the formula does feel a little worn at times. It doesn’t become uninteresting, but some of the tracks do blend together. Despite this, Cry Havoc still keeps you pretty hooked (especially during the first half). The second half has a more hair metal approach to it, so fans of that style will probably prefer that section of the album. As a complete work, Cry Havoc is ROCK, no doubt about it. Prepare yourself for another successful outing from the underrated Destrophy. (Stream “We Are Alive”) – by Nathaniel Lay
