ALL SHALL PERISH - This Is Where It Ends CD Review

ARTIST: All Shall Perish
TITLE: This Is Where It Ends
LABEL: Nuclear Blast
YEAR: 2011
REVIEWED BY: Caroline Restiaux

All Shall Perish have recently released their 4th full length album entitled "This Is Where It Ends". I wasn't really sure what to expect because the band never really did it for me with their previous releases or even their live performances. I have now gained a bit more respect for the Oakland quintet as they have released the fury with their longest cd yet. I think the two new additions may have helped them push the envelope a bit, who knows? In any case, whether you are a long time fan or a newbie to their tunes it will grab you in and have you moshing in no time.

The cd is like a balance of good and evil, with fast and upbeat moments sprinkled with a spice of solitude and serenity. Although there is a fair share of breakdowns on the album it's obvious that the band is heading in a bit of a different direction with their music, it would be safe to say that they are heading down a melodic death metal path. There are moments that the music takes a turn towards a more black metal feel like in the beginning of the song 'Rebirth'. The vocals are understandable throughout the cds entirety which is a bit of a bonus, for me anyways. What really stood out on this release was the guitar work from new member Francesco Artusato. He has a way of delivering some solid solos that aren't too over the top but memorable just the same. He brings out a certain technicality but also focuses on a more melodic side of playing. My fave tunes on the release are 'Rebirth', 'A Pure Evil' and 'The Past Will Haunt Us Both'.

I really liked the cover artwork for the album, it's truly representative of what is inside the packaging. It's safe to say that here you can judge the book by its cover. With lyrics that are anti-government and politically driven it's no wonder someone would be tied down on the cover and seem hopeless. Great job with covering the theme on the album.

If you are a long time fan of the band you should like the album for it's aggressiveness, breakdowns and chuggy riffs. It's a bit more mature sounding and like I said before it's also more melodic. It's worth the pennies for your purchase!

TRACKLISTING:

01. Divine Illusion
02. There Is Nothing Left
03. Procession Of Ashes
04. A Pure Evil
05. Embrace The Curse
06. Spineless
07. The Past Will Haunt Us Both
08. Royalty Into Exile
09. My Retaliation
10. Rebirth
11. The Death Plague
12. In This Life Of Pain