Madhops are back in action after a well received EP that impressed the ears of many and helped the band create quite a buzz. This, their debut album features 4 brand new tracks along with 4 re-mastered ones from their previous effort "The Generation Killer EP". An evolved style is put on display throughout the new material, soulful and hurting with thrusting guitar riffs and aggression laced song structure Madhops have really taken it to the next level with a toughened attitude and liquefied stance on this album. Hard to compare, the band features quite a unique sound with their passionate vocal drenched brand of grooving heavy noise. Vocally there's an abundance of heart and soul put into this record, lead vocalist Dan has an accomplished range and an extraordinary talent that he takes for a complete work out, skewering the listener with raw guttural screams or crooned out melodic repetitions. Catchy with its weighty nature and prying with its brute force and authority, Dan's voice is the workhorse of the CD and with his self reflecting, honest lyrical content its hard to not be hypnotized by his overflowing ability. Guitars grind out steady riffs and rhythms without sounding cliche or boresome. Stylish variation is implemented along with some interesting experimental squeaks and squeals keeping everything fresh. There's a constant change of tempo at play which seems to usually be led by the guitar like a general calling his troops to war. Melodic when called for and murderous when necessary its dynamic usage fits like the missing piece of the puzzle in bands sound. Bass is a bit downtuned with a growling sneer, closely linked to the guitar and solidifying the mixture, it doesn't become too innovative yet does serve an integral role in the bands compositions giving each guitar riff all the more weight behind their punch. Drums are moderately tuned with a numbing snap to them, a lot of snare improvisation is implemented and consistent cymbal work is in place. Although not entirely impressive the parts played do fit snugly under the basslines and sharpen the flow of the songs. The group has definitely come along way on this album shedding their once rapcore styled nature and heading on a immersive new course of sonic release. The straight faced lyrical content and deep rooted emotion goes along way to float this CD to the top of the pack. Still though some slight blemishes do hinder the overall progression of the album, one of which being the startling contrast of songs as their new material is like night and day when compared to the groups older material. Another thing that can stand out in a slightly negative way is the almost flat feel of the guitar, whether it be the mix or choice of distortion the riffs are great, but the sound lacks an certain force to it. But perhaps the most darkest checkmark against the group could be the album is to short, almost teasing the listener leaving them salivating for more. Madhops's full length debut impacts the scene with earth shattering force with some of the strongest material created in recent years, This is just the brand of hurt needed for those looking for melody coupled with a knockout punch of loud intensity, it's new, its powerful and its a definite must have.
(4.5 / 5)