Nothingface have constructed what could best be described as a aggro metal mortar with this highly impressive release. Taking the definition of heavy to a new depth, the band have made one extremely vicious record that has so much bite, it could make a bear trap look inferior. Grating guitars mesh with a snarling low end and take shape with incendiary vocals and a touch of electronic ingredients to create a highly enraged progressive metal beast.

Matt Holt's explosive vocals assault the ear with a gravel throated intensity and shove down disturbing lyrical content that will no doubt incite panic from protective parents, if they are ever able to decipher it. There's also the other side to Matt which makes the band the juggernaut they are today, his remorseful, emotional side which emphasizes a more passionate aspect as he serenely croons out touchingly melodic verses and choruses that soothe the listener, luring them into the constant frenzy of verbal batterings. Guitar wise the record is tight, large chunky riffs which are satisfyingly downtuned jut out sheer intensity as they wind through ferocious chord patterns and squeeze the listeners head like a vice grip. Bass is also downtuned to a moderate degree and swats out thick meaty basslines that work closely with the guitar to make the stringed aspect of the CD all the more damaging. A good deal of variation is put into playing throughout the various part changes, and although they mainly follow the guitars lead, the extra low octave they add easily makes the music that much more lethal. Drums swiftly beat out relentless onslaughts of percussive fury and utilize off timed beats, booming floor tom hits and crushing double kick to get their point across in an unruly, yet tightly calculated manner.

The music contained here is soaked with pure heaviness and although the band may have stepped out a bit from the electronically influenced direction they took on their last effort, "An Audio Guide To Everyday Atrocity", they have made up for its near absence by turning up the levels of everything else to eardrum shattering proportions. The constant shifts of tempo within the songs showcase the bands able song writing ability, and the full fledged attack on various emotions make this a sleekly rounded effort. Still though, there seems to be something that lacks a bit from making this a breathtaking release, almost like the band missed a minor step in the evolution from their last record and although it's hard to pinpoint exactly what it is, the radiant use of electronics is probably the culprit. Despite this though the band still incorporate everything from the occasional sample and programming to acoustic guitars and this latest batch of songs may be a bit more streamlined and less experimental, but still make up what is a smoldering album that will undoubtedly be embraced by the heavy music crowd and rocket the band to the top of the pack. Nothingface couldn't have picked a better title for this release, as it embodies one of the most ambitiously violent collection of songs recorded to date, but don't expect to walk away from this record with only bruises, not even an exit wound would justify the experience of being exposed to the music contained within, instead this album is sure to leave no less than a scorched crater where the listener once had ear canals.
(4.5 / 5)