The Blank Theory hit hard from left field, running over the listener like a steamroller with a refreshing blend of bands like Helmet, Quicksand, Failure, 6gig and more clashing together with emo and new metal tendencies. Filled with large nasty grooves and vocals as concentrated as a laser beam, the music instantly commands attention and warms the heart with rigorous usage of melody and talent.
Indeed band front man Nathan's vocals are nothing short of awe inspiring and with a melodic charm akin to Page Hamilton of Helmet fame, they seem to manage to skyrocket upwards with each shifting pitch, giving the songs the momentum and ability to ascend to fantastic new heights. There's no jarring screams or grating grumbles here and quite frankly there doesn't need to be. Instead you'll find sparkling verses and choruses spun with an impressive range and an emo meets post New York hardcore sensibility that is entrancing with gorgeous croons and drawn out notes backed up by chunky distorted guitar work and a firmly focused rhythm section.
At more aggressive times, the instrumental portion of the album can bring to mind Helmet styled guitar solo's and volatile breakdowns, but this is for the most part the minority as the bulk of material included here is serene and touching with an alternative metal/emo sensibility that rests somewhere in between Failure and 6gig. Flush with intriguing backdrops which almost shimmer underneath the heartfelt vocals, this effort is an amazing collection of songs from a group who will unquestionably be making big waves in the near future. There's enough aggression and emotion here to satisfy both the emo and new metal crowds and even though a few songs on the album can sound a bit too ambitious or ambient, tracks like "Vanish" and "Broken Glass" are surefire jaw droppers that will please the ears of thousands. In fact, after listening to this disc, the only thing left blank will be the listeners mind as they try to come up with reasons as to why this act isn't signed and spreading their gifted music worldwide already.
