All That Remains - The Order of Things
Having first got their foot through the metaphorical door back in 1998, the last fifteen years has been a rollercoaster of a ride for Massachusetts based All That Remains. We saw their last album released back in 2012 (A War You Cannot Win) but 2015 brings forth their seventh album, The Order of Things.
The album kick starts with the calming piano keys of This Probably Won’t End Well then quickly erupts into something tougher with the chorus containing moments of melody as guitars rumble through. There is a much heavier tone to No Knock with vocals much deeper and more on the aggressive side. This continues to flow through A Reason For Me To Fight, Victory Lap and Pernicious with gruffer vocal yelps syncing in with some edgier ones.
Bite My Tongue begins as a fast paced number, but it is the core what makes it tough. The fats paced nature ceases and gentle strumming kicks in, building on suspense and eventually guitar riffs rip through to a powerful ending. With speedy guitars running through Tru-Kvlt-Metal like a whirlwind, it combines gruffer vocals with some cleaner cut tones. Fiat Empire sits between the tougher tracks - those that rampage through with sharp guitars and gruffer vocals and those that are a little lighter on the ears.
There is a more sing-a-long style to Divide, the upbeat and melodic style is much catchier and more memorable as it gets your feet tapping and your head bopping. A similar path follows The Greatest Generation with the added powerful guitar riffs standing out. For You though adds more heart to the album, bringing an emotive feel through the lyrics and vocals as well as the music and leaving an after impression on the mind.
As the album draws to a close in a similar fashion as it opened, teasing with something a little calmer, Criticism And Self Realization strengthens all elements you have just listened to; fast and slow guitars and melodies, gruff and calm vocals as well as moments that get arm waving. This track was the perfect way to close the album.
The one thing that is common throughout each track is the emphasis on the guitar solos that without a doubt will always get noticed and makes way for a big finish. There is an abundance of passion for music emitted through the tracks and with a running time of just under an hour this album will have you whisked away.