BATTLECROSS - Pursuit Of Honor CD Review

ARTIST: Battlecross
TITLE: Pursuit Of Honor
YEAR: 2011
LABEL: Metal Blade
REVIEWED BY: Caroline Restiaux

What I love most about metal is that it is quite diverse. You have so many bands out there that are made up of distinct characteristics, elements, and qualities. Where some bands lack in musicianship they gain in vocal ability, some have stronger guitar solos and others kick ass when it comes to drumming. When you find bands that encompass all of these strengths it's hard not to turn the volume up and crank it to 10. This is the case with Detroit's very own Battlecross.

I admit to sleeping under a rock when it comes to these guys because I had never heard of them before and this is their 2nd full-length release however it's their debut with Metal Blade. The band has only been around for 4 years now and they already have a mature sound about them and they bring out brutal technicality in their music. The best way for me to describe their sound is to say that it's extreme death/thrash/tech metal. The release is full of juice and by that I mean it's dynamic and filled with tons of energy.

There really isn't a dull moment on this cd. Gumby's screams are so commanding that they could put any shit disturber in their place. I can see him at the frontline of a boot camp giving out orders with ease. His vocals are powerful and pleasing to the ear all at the same time. Tony Asta and Hiran Deraniyagala are shredtastic! What else can I say, these guys know their strings and how to use them to their full capabilities. The drumming on the album is majestic and combined with the bass playing it becomes an unstoppable rhythmic duo. One of my fave tracks on the album is 'Push Pull Destroy' followed closely by 'Breaking You'. I can sit here and honestly say that every song on this album deserves your undivided attention.

Truth be told if I saw this album in the record store I may be a bit reluctant to purchase it based solely on the cover. It does the band no justice even though it does have that whole old school feel about it. I would probably choose something else. You see that isn't the case here because it's my job to listen to everything (or try to) that crosses my desk and give an opinion on it. The verdict is in "Pursuit Of Honor is one damn good album!".

TRACKLISTING:

01. Pursuit Of Honor
02. Push Pull Destroy
03. Kaleb
04. Deception
05. Man Of Stone
06. Breaking You
07. Rupture
08. Leech
09. Better Off Dead
10. Misery
11. Forshadowing