All That Remains has succeeded.The Fall of Ideals is easily the most well rounded, strongest release by a metal band this year. This in a year that has, up to this point, seen few solid metal releases, amongst a variety of sub par ones. ATR throws down right out of the gate with "This Calling", a track that immediately sets the tone for the albums solid lyrical content. The album forges ahead with probably one of the best songs on the album, "Not Alone", with a chorus proclaiming, "I'm not alone/with a touch of your hand/I am whole again". This song also adds a nice technical aspect musically with some of the guitar work. Don't let this being one of the best songs fool you though. Other stand out tracks include, "Whispers (I Hear You)", "Become the Catalyst", and "Empty Inside".
The entire outing from ATR is solid from start to finish. Some of the dual guitar work and intricate leads are what set this album apart from your standard, run-of-the-mill 'metalcore' release. In addition, Phil Labonte's vocals run the gamut between a growl, a scream, and the occasional singing, again, without falling into the standard clichι many metalcore and screamo bands are so well known for.
You can definitely hear influences of some of the band's New England counterparts, ie-Unearth & Killswitch Engage. With Adam from Killswitch turning the dials for this release, however, it is a little bit inevitable that the crossover influences would exist, as the bands are so closely tied together through the local scene. Even with some apparent influence, ATR still stands apart and stands tall on their own merits, turning out an album that begs to be heard.
You can catch ATR on tour this fall with HORSE the band and Dragonforce.
