Genre: Metalcore/Hardcore
Label: Rise
Date of Release: January 15, 2013
FRANTIC METALCORE
The Plot In You is one angry band. After vocalist Landon
Tewers departed from metalcore group Before Their Eyes, he went on to focus on
this project in 2010, originally under the moniker Vessels. Initially signed to
InVogue Records, the band’s debut EP “Wife Beater” managed to land the group
into a deal with Rise Records, home of acts such as Bleeding Through and Miss
May I. They then released their first full-length album “First Born” in 2011. The
fusion of melodic metalcore and brutal deathcore and the angry story-weaving
lyrics attracted the attention of many fans of both subgenres. Later, in early
2013, The Plot In You returned to unleash their sophomore effort, unsettlingly
entitled “Could You Watch Your Children Burn.” This group has returned bearing
10 tracks, and they are as angry as ever.
Compared to The Plot In You’s previous effort “First Born,”
much has changed in terms of the band’s sound. Many of the chugging breakdowns
no longer make an appearance on this album, and not much of Landon’s visceral
low-pitched vocals are showcased, either. However, this was all compromised to
make room for even more ferocious antics. First off, the guitars display
infectious and feral grooves that rip the listener to shreds. They are catchy,
demented, wild, and hard to get out of your head. The vocals also deliver even
more splendor than in the album’s predecessor, consisting of more mid-pitched
screams and shouts rather than the low gutturals from before. This dispenses
even more angry energy, unveiling even more effort and vigor than ever, making
the vocals as much of a highlight as the guitar-play. The drums are also
greatly played out, with nice intensity and a very bold sound. Energy is what
defines the band’s musicianship and their frantic sound, and their whirlwind of
raging metalcore is delightfully menacing and memorable.
However, this does not mean all of “Could You Watch Your
Children Burn” is nothing but a vortex of violent grooves and metallic bludgeon.
There are a number of times where the band takes their steps into the cleaner
side of metalcore, especially in the tracks “Glad You’re Gone” and “Sober and
Soulless.” The light combination of soaring clean singing and melodic riffs reaches
towards alternative rock territory in order to balance out the rowdiness. The
only issue with this aspect is that it does tend to stray a little overboard
with the melodic pop sound, causing the music to lose a little bit of identity.
In other words, the positive tone of the lighter side of these types of tracks
does not sit that well with the savage characteristics of this record. Nonetheless,
it is clear that the band chose the right path to throw in some lighter songs
into the mix not just for the sake of balance, but also for underlining the chaos
and vehemence this album has to offer.
With such a harsh album title like “Could You Watch Your
Children Burn,” any passerby can expect the lyrical content to be quite cold.
The lyrics deal with topics such as revenge, murder, anti-religion, hatred, and
other vicious themes. Also, unlike the lyrics in “First Born,” the lyrics don’t
necessarily tie up altogether into one story. It is a bit of a shame, because the
way all of the lyrics entwined together to create a powerful story of domestic
abuse and violence was what really made them stand out. Even so, however, the
lyrics are completely packed with violence and anger, and although, on paper,
they are a tad silly to read, with loads of cursing and threats, it actually
boosts the music’s angry nature by a large scale. They fit with the music’s
tone incredibly well, and, despite the tad lack of lyrical originality, they do
a great job in constructing the utter violence of this album to even greater
heights.
The Plot In You has underwent much improvement since their
last release, and this is clearly revealed in “Could You Watch Your Children
Burn.” Almost every single aspect of the band’s system has progressed. The
instrumentation is more wicked and bold than before, and the vocals have grown
even more passionate and fierce. The sheer brutality of the album’s sonic
metalcore onslaught has become even more monstrous than in “First Born,” and it
can easily be observed that their razing sound has developed. As for the
melodic parts, although there are times when they seem a little out of place, they
certainly do justice in balancing out the extremity of the record’s wilder side.
In almost, if not every single way you turn, this band has become a much more
enraged entity. Fans of metalcore, hardcore, or anyone who is in the mood to go
listen to some crazy and rowdy music to swing their limbs violently to is
highly advised to give it a listen. The Plot In You is on the warpath.
Score: 8.5/10 (Great+)
Score: 8.5/10 (Great+)
