Let the horror commence
Never judge a band by their name. Six-piece Motionless in White are the antithesis of their pseudonym; their dynamic music almost as dark as the contents of a goth's wardrobe. The metalcore outfit release "Creatures" into the world and prepare to assert their presence within the fury of the musical genre.
Despite only being the band's debut album, there is already a convincing sense of character present. Opener 'Immaculate Misconception' perfectly illustrates that the band are able to transition from hellish verses to heavenly choruses with ease, immediately boding well for the Scranton sextet. The gothic horror theme is notably effective in songs like 'We Only Come Out At Night' and 'Creatures,' using these concepts to imaginatively enhance the juxtaposed brutality and beauty of their music.
Intrigued metal fans will be pleased to know that tracks such as 'Cobwebs' and '.com Pt. II' conform to a slightly more traditional sound, pairing deafening drums with glaring guitar riffs to great effect. However, 'Count Choculitis' (not to be confused with a similarly-named breakfast cereal) is a refreshing reminder that Motionless in White are far from your standard metalcore band. Like other songs such as 'Puppets (The First Snow)' the song intermittently hints at a rave-metal style, but the band balance the elements of electronica competently, fortunately not distracting from the belligerence being employed.
The contributions of keyboardist Josh Balz continue to aid the ensemble in their pursuit of a unique sound, but the piano in songs such as 'Scissorheads (The Last Snow)' vary from being beautifully effective to uninspiring simple. The gliding flourishes are sublimely executed, but the falling semitonal piano hook that later features, sounds as if it were written by a six-year old trying to compose a scary tune.
Pennsylvania-based Motionless in White have truly sunk their teeth into this album, injecting "Creatures" with strains of originality that will distance the gothic sextet from fellow metalcore acts. If you typically enjoy bands heavier than Trivium, but find your tastes diversifying to the likes of Pendulum, then Motionless in White will be right down your street. Just stick to the well-lit areas because you wouldn't want to meet this disturbed six-piece in a darkened alley.