SPEAKERS FOR THE DEAD are a cross between nu-metal and metalcore; they have plenty of melody, but are also able to pummel the listener at will. The vocalist alternates between singing and screaming, and has an impressive range, which is best displayed in “Far”. “Long Way” slows things down a great deal, and has an ALICE IN CHAINS-type melody, and “Again” sports a harmony that is also reminiscent of that band, but in a good way.
“Pest” is one of the heaviest songs on the album, and it closes with a killer thrash session that only stops once the song completely fades out. “Resignation” has female vocals that provide a duality to the harshness of the lead singer’s voice. As far as the vocals go, the screaming is a bit grating, but the vocalist has tremendous talent when it comes to melody. If they were to lessen the amount of screaming, they would be even better, but if you like metal that isn’t brutal all the time, and expands into lighter territory, then you should enjoy this release.
