IT DIES TODAY „The Caitiff Choir”

Metalcore
45.12 (11 songs)


Cool songs: The Radiance, Severed Ties, Defeatism, A Threnody for Modern Romance
www.itdiestoday.com

I didn’t know much about this band prior to ‘The Caitiff Choir’, but having signed to the ever reliable, and might I say increasingly trendy Trustkill label (not to mention the added help of Sony’s $$$), I was sure that Buffalo’s It Dies Today would make a strong impression. And in part, they have.

Be assured, It Dies Today are another American Metalcore act. Reeking of the framework and formula that has seen many of their contemporaries hit the latest Ozzfest dates, It Dies Today make no secret of their desire to achieve the same status.

IDT play part Emo/part modern American metal/part Hardcore – the blend, the mix resulting in a sound that, while being nothing original turns out to be a quite catchy and moderately half-convincing affair. Think melodic clean choruses ala ‘Atreyu’, thick chunky stop-start riffage ala ‘Lamb of God and the heart-felt aesthetics of Poison the Well and you’ll have a fair understanding of the type of music IDT conveys.

‘TCC’ is a nice listen. It sticks to the current day, standard fare Metalcore structure, but nonetheless it has some great moments. Yet, I find it to be a very frustrating album to listen to also. On the many occasions when IDT unleash their hard edge, metallic riffs they sound fantastic and authentic in their delivery. However, when they revert the more melodic aspects of their music (particularly the clean emo-like choruses) IDT come off a little contrived and hollow in my opinion. Look, it’s not unlistenable by any means (it’s all catchy as fuck really), but for me, they seem a little uncertain as to which direction they want to pursue – Atreyu or Unearth? Based on ‘TCC’, I know which camp I’d prefer.

Aside from the direction hassles I have with this, almost everything else about ‘TCC’ smokes. There are a few production issues at times, in that it sounds a little compressed in the guitar mix. I’ve a feeling they could have a real ‘Lamb of God’ presence with some help – maybe next time. All up, if you love current day Metalcore then It Dies Today offer up a decidedly solid mix – nothing overwhelming, but solid enough with potential to grow.

note: 7.8/10

Tracklist

01. My Promise
02. Severed Ties Yield Severed Heads
03. The Radiance
04. The Depravity Waltz
05. A Threnody for Modern Romance
06. Marigold
07. Freak Gasoline Fight Accident
08. The Caitiff Choir: Revelations
09. Our Disintegration
10. Naenia
11. The Caitiff Choir: Defeatism