All That Remains – …For We Are Many
Prosthetic/Razor & Tie 2010
In the early 2000′s metalcore explosion Massachusetts quickly became the epicenter, launching the careers of Shadows Fall, Unearth, Killswitch Engage and of course All That Remains, among numerous others. Such close proximity, often paired with the identifiable production habits of Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz, led to a sound that was instantly definable by region.
However, it was Killswitch Engage who were to become the reigning kings of the genre and All That Remains who were seemingly left to always be next in line. With the latter outfit having moved towards more melodic territory on recent albums, much criticism has been leveled at them for being the musical equivalent of Killswitch Engage‘s hard rocking kid brother (Dutkiewicz once again helms the production here.) If anything “For We Are Many” essentially finds the band owning up to that title.
The searing technically oriented riffage and ruthless barks and screams are served as mere entrees to the often radio rock oriented choruses and the bland ballad driven instrumentalism that accompanies them. It’s readily apparent that the group are perpetually driving towards some grand melodic payoff and a few ripping solos or crushing breakdowns are hardly enough to mask that eventual conclusion.
In fact, the only real unexpected moments on this album come in the form of the deathcore bellows featured on “Some Of The People, All Of The Time” and the Richie Sambora-like soloing featured on “Won’t Go Quietly“.
To be fair “For We Are Many” exhibits the bands refined chops but that’s not to say it makes any real use of them. The groups abilities have certainly improved but often seem wasted on the predictable songwriting and overwrought sappiness of the cleanly sung choruses. These thinly veiled attempts at cracking the commercial rock radio market aren’t necessarily poorly written, so much as they are overused and entirely commonplace.
There often comes a time in a bands career when they sound like they are straddling the line between doing it to get something off their chest and doing it for a paycheck. Sadly, right down to the clichéd acoustic ballad that closes out the album, it’s become increasingly harder to tell which side All That Remains firmly stand on.
- USER RATING
- ( 28 votes, 3.00 stars )
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COMMENTS
Not as heavy overall as the last album, but in terms of songwriting, well better than “Overcome”. I’d give this a 3.5 if I could but am reduced to 3 since it doesn’t justify a 4/5.
I can appreciate it… But I wouldve rather had the new madball instead – too bad I live in da stix n gotta wait to get to a goodolplace!
@cma3585 — Agreed, I’m just happy that this album is a step back up from Overcome, which was by far their weakest effort. 3.5 seems about right.
I’m surprised by the mixed reviews of thIs album. But i pretty much agree with everyone with the 3.5 when comparing to their other efforts. When it comes to the album in general, it kinda sucks that this is one of the better albums hat I’ve listened to for a good amount of time (compared to recent releases in music…) /rant
i think 2.5 is appropriate, this is just cookie-cutter metalcore and these guys could have tried harder
I just yesterday downloaded this and Overcome, but haven’t gotten a chance to listen to the new one yet. I’ve never paid a lot of attention to this band (I’m not too into their perceived subgenre) but damn I’ve heard a couple catchy ones lately.
Oh, and props for taking All That Remains’ advertising money and then sticking them with a mediocre review. Good to see there’s no bias in this bitch.
@mjclementz nigga b trying to put food on his table bro…its a rough world out there
Album is boring, Band is boring, over all I give it 1 star.
It’s very uneventful. I don’t agree with “thinly veiled attempts at cracking the commercial rock radio market” because they already did that with Overcome. There were four songs that got plenty of radio play with the last album. To me it sounds like they think they screwed up with Overcome, then decided to go back to the basics, but fucked that up as well. They are too talented musically to release an album as mediocre as this. I actually liked Overcome, or most of it anyway, and I enjoyed that it sounded less metalcore, but this album is about as dumbed down and boring as an Unearth album. I do appreciate that the vocals sound a little more old school ATR, but there’s no melodies, no hooks, nothing catchy. I gave it three stars because it may eventually grow on me, and to me they are skating by on their past success. It just sucks because it’s been a pretty mediocre year for heavy music and they did nothing to help it.
it’s ok nothing speacial…2.5
All things considered, I’m still looking forward to checking the album out. @buttcrackguy – I’m not sure where you set the bar, because I think it’s been an awesome year! Just saying.
I guess everybody who is posting negative comments on here does not know what a good fuckin metal album sounds like. This album is great from front to back!!!!
Last album blew so hard, I remember listening to tattered on my sleeve thinking fucking yeah, and now this is fucking terrible with clean vocals over dubbed on screams and shit, sounds garbage.
“I don’t agree with “thinly veiled attempts at cracking the commercial rock radio market” because they already did that with Overcome.” – buttcrackguy. That is an awesome quote man, so true, seriously this band just needs to break up and Howard needs to raise his porn star baby and Phil needs to take over. PHILLSWITCH ENGAGE
The album is great, better than the last one. I understand why everyone here seems to be slamming them/the CD – it is not some masterpiece, nor is it overly complicated. But I don’t look to be blown away every time I buy a CD (though that is an added bonus). I like All That Remains’s sound – and this CD delivers if you also like their previous efforts. 4/5 from this guy. (haven’t decided if it’s better or worse than their other CDs…)
I happen to love metalcore – the good bands anyway. And All That Remains is one of the best
I am also happy to see a decent album after Linkin Park and Mushroom Head put out lazy CDs this month… (not terrible… just lazy… well Linkin Park was pretty bad…)
These types of bands put out good albums earlier in their careers. Like… “Alive or Just Breathing” by KSE, and “The Oncoming Storm” by Unearth… but these guys always sounded like they were trying too hard to fit into one spot, or genre, which makes it come off cheesy and boring fast. Now, It’s just about the money, and that makes them even worse… there’s better music to be heard today.
I love it when people say “it’s all about the money” just because a band decides to go the melodic route. Dude you aren’t even in the band so you don’t know shit really. I listened to All That Remains back before this album and Overcome…and imo they actually sound better these days, not saying their older albums were shit…but I just don’t dig them as much. And I am not a huge fan of KSE (I don’t hate them, they are good at what they do…but they bore me pretty much) so having this band as a “substitute” works well for me. Really though its just the elitists pricks that complain about them becoming more melodic…seriously the dude doesn’t need to be screaming all the damn time. Even if Unearth were to go the melodic route, who the hell cares?! It doesn’t matter…at all. If you want to listen to nothing but screaming with zero melody, then go listen to Cannibal Corpse or Napalm Death or some shit like that. Metal/death-core has become the new nu-metal in the sense that there are people out there who think that EVERY band in that genre sucks. Well, you are wrong. If nothing else forget about the lyrics and just concentrate on the music itself. That’s what I do with nu-metal most of the time, since I can’t really identify with the lyrics in the first place…thank fucking god. And as far as emo goes…well…emo is just teenybopper pop with loud guitars and screaming.
So where was I going with this? Oh yeah thats right…All That Remains have improved, they can’t sound the same all the damn time. Maybe in their next album they will do away with melody entirely and come out with something utterly relentless…but for now, just deal with the fact that they incorporated melody and it doesn’t sound that bad. Some of you need to quit being so jaded, just sayin.
4/5, damn good album…but it did have its weak points. The last song “The Waiting One,” felt a bit out of place due to its lyrical content. But songs like “Some of the People, All of the Time,” and “Hold On” are both completely different in their structure but both are awesome tunes. I really liked the deathcore growls, which were missing from the previous album. I am not a huge fan of deathcore, but with a band like this who uses them sparingly, instead of constantly (it gets boring after awhile, seriously…) it’s fine.
In my opinion, its a lot better than the album before this. I’d say almost as good as their early stuff. I love this band. The song Some of the people, all of the time, is great. Thats my 2 cents
^^^ pretty well spot on dude, a gripping read indead
Unearth is the best out of the Massachusetts scene by far nowadays and if they ever go the melodic route I will shoot myself in the head.
Unearth fuckin rules but if they went the melodic route I very much doubt they would overuse it. Hey they are a badass band anyways, they can do what they want and pretty much get away with it anyhow:)
I’d have to agree re: Unearth. They mix several styles of metal, and do it damn well. And to be honest, I always considered them a “melodic” band anyway (guitar-wise). Pop radio doesn’t hold a monopoly on “melodic!”
@peanutbuttercrunch You’re right, when you say I’m not in the band. Let’s pretend it’s not about radio play and/or money, or even the next single for a video game like guitar hero… You are right that there are great aspects of this band, and great parts of their albums. I guess my biggest problem is sitting through the pointless parts of their albums and songs just to get to the parts I enjoy. No, I’m not saying there must be screaming all of the time. Their transitions going into choruses is always a bit forced, with less feeling. This style of music is cookie-cutter metal music. I listened to it when I was in 6th grade, and that’s not to offend you; We just have different taste, and at least I can admit it without taking things personal. There was a time when I loved these guys and KSE, but you can’t tell me that either band has brought anything new to the table since their first albums. With that said, there are too many bands doing the same things, so I search for my favorite band in each genre, and forget the rest. It’s okay to be picky and critical, unless you want to waste time filling your head with just anything.
Both All That Remains and KSE have done things differently. Especially in recent albums for both. Bands need to mature or whatever it is they do, but…. In my opinion, they are failing at it. I agree, alot of this feels forced and just isn’t what it was… honestly, All That Remains and other bands should sit down with the Deftones and ask them how to continue being badass, and not drop off the map.
“and at least I can admit it without taking things personal” I never took it personally, don’t flatter yourself there buddy.:)
Haha, nice.
Theres a mathematical formula to the reviews at theprp.com…review any album yourself and subtract it by 1.5 stars.
Isn’t it strange how the only people who ever come on this site and defend the shit out of an album don’t have an avatar next to their username? It’s like they just troll the internet looking for websites talking about their favorite bands, look at the comments, and register for the site just to make their case. Newsflash: your bullshit opinion will not change anyone’s mind here. Especially here. If we think your band sucks it’s already over.
Okay you are an idiot, seriously. The fact that I don’t have an avatar beside my name means absolutely nothing…maybe its because I haven’t found a good one yet, you ever think of that smart guy? As far as the trolling thing goes, apparently you have the guilty conscience there buddy, because I am not doing that. Newsflash: Saying a persons opinion is bullshit simply because they dont have an avatar by their name makes you look like a fuckin fool. And for some it might already “be over,” but if I feel the need to make a statement about it, I will. Get used to it.
@pbc: oliver platt would make for a terrifying avatar
As you get older your willingness to rock decreases. It is in direct proportion to your testosterone levels. That being said, the last album was ho-hum, so I didn’t expect this one to do any better. Wook’s opinion is subjective just like the next person’s. I certainly haven’t always agreed with him, but at times I do. For the record I am a damned fool. Being a long time reader of this site I will say that I think each review takes into account several factors. First, I think the album itself, on its own, is judged. How does it stack up against what else is out there? How do the songs flow? Is it a complete album or a lumping together of songs? Is there any substance to the theme? ect.. Then I think the ablum is compared to previous work of the artist. In this case, I think Wook is on to something with this review in that the album seems a little lack luster when compared to the past two. Given that ATR are clearly excellent musicians loaded with potential, this album comes across as if it were “phoned in”. But then again I’s a damned fool….
captain nemo I respect and agree with your statement even though your avatar makes my butthole cringe. I’d rather you not have one at all.
Oliver Platt isn’t terrifying to me though…dude just looks a little weird is all. James Carville on the other hand…lol thats a thought.
One review is not the “be all end all”. This record has it’s sections. I like melody in music. And groove. What’s wrong with you people. Too many tweakers in metal nowadays!
My avatar is a metaphor. It’s the disturbing truth of subjectiveness. Ya dig?
@contra: I think you’re confusing tweakers with progressive visions/ abilities
@nemo – If by “metaphor”, you mean big annoying fag… then yeah, spot on.
@mjclementz Seriously dude chill. I just don’t give a fuck to have an avatar. I’ve been coming to this site since its angelfire days and you’re gonna bitch because you bothered to put up an avatar? Well good for you. I bet mommy’s proud to have such a proper internet user such as yourself. Oh, and I guess nobody can like an album since that would be a reason to defend it. Opinions are like assholes. And you’re just an ass.
I don’t even care enough to comment about this record/ band/ whatever.
@ robichaud1. BURN!!! dude I laughed my ass off. I was reading this thread simply to find a giggle & you provided that. hats off to you sir.
@glasspsyche…amen brother.
Yes! I meant fag. And I thought people on here would be too stupid to understand high brow humor, and would probably make a gay joke.
@ fishman. no you did not
@will – *takes a bow, waves to the crowd, and jogs offstage*
@ robichaud1
okay now it’s starting to get gay in here
It got ultra-gay around 4:22 AM on October 26, 2010…
Come to think of it, you’re right. It was hard for me to balance the keyboard on my lap with your tongue all over my balls, however I toughed it out and got it done, just like you did.
Aaaaaand scene!
hey dipshits if you dont like the music dont listen to it. I on the other hand like all of atr’s music and hope they rock on
we’re on an All That Remains message thread. when was it not gay?
I enjoyed ATR’s first three albums, but Overcome was my least favorite. This is a step further down from Overcome. I gave this album a good 5 listens or so, and only parts of songs stuck with me. I won’t be listening to it again.
@mjclementz HaHa your band sucks but seriously
@will it wasn’t until someone mentioned the word “fag” lol.
2 listens to this album and i down grade this album to a 1.5
i didn’t finish this cd. this darkened heart was the best thing they did, and why does it feel like metal bands are just writing songs to get on rock band these days.
This album just didnt do it for me. Listening to their old stuff and then this is like going back to hand jobs after years of sex.
i dub this new album metalica three following trivium. there’s a place in my heart for ‘this darkened heart’ but the only place this new album should go is the trash. this year sucked for music.
actually, i got to hang out with their former bassist a while back and he told me that they wanted to be more mainstream. that’s why he quit. he just wanted to be in a metal band and they wanted to make everything more digestable. even he was ripping on them. honestly, i can’t believe people ever gave a shit about this band. fuckin tapout metal…
I really likes ATR but in this record they went more practical they could do it better, it sounds good the album but thats all not like past albums that you ear over and over again, I aggree with some people here on comments with “HOLD ON” and The song Some of the people, those could be heard more than once, but they will overcome this record and made a kick ass new album.
……….. sorry, what was that?
wow. i can’t believe people don’t like this cd. i mean yeah, if you’re gunan say “it’s not metal enough for (you)” then i’ll shut up. i’ve listened to this cd 86 times since it came out according to my iTunes play count, and i still love it. it’s almost too soft for me, and i still stand strongly behind the following statement: possibly the greatest cd of 2010 : x
Amazing CD…. in my daily shuffle. 5/5
meh, it’s the same old tired sound, we need something fresh in this stale music world.
2/5
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