All That Remains
This Darkened Heart
On Prosthetic Records

Grade: ACreeping in the shadows behind well-known hardcore and metal groups such as Shadows Fall, Killswitch Engage and Every Time I Die, comes All That Remains, a band that is as good at what they do as any of their more popular contemporaries. Their connection to Killswitch Engage and Shadows Fall doesn't end with simply being in the same genre, as lead vocalist of All That Remains, Philip Labonte, also fronted for Shadows Fall before his departure in 1998. In addition, their sophomore release off Prosthetic Records, This Darkened Heart, is produced by Adam D. of Killswitch Engage. Since their debut disc Behind Silence and Solitude, All that Remains has reintroduced themselves with new guitarist Mike Martin and new bassist Matt Deis. Oli Herbert on guitars and Mike Bartlett behind the kit round out the band's lineup.

This Darkened Heart, which debuted in early 2004, opens with a melodic acoustic guitar line that lulls the listener into a tranquil mood. This short-lived bliss is then shrewdly interrupted by a shredding hardcore riff teamed with harmonious guitar, putting the listener in an entirely different but equally enjoyable place. This first track, entitled "Death in My Arms," is musically one of the best on the album. The track features no melodic vocals but rather all metal screams, roars and shrieks. The melody, however, is supplied by the music itself, which utilizes a variety of harmonizing guitars and catchy licks to keep the listener's attention despite the gruff vocals. Track two is one of the more harmonic and hook-oriented songs on the album and as a result turns out to be their first single. Titled "The Deepest Gray," this track delves into a mixture of metal riffs, hardcore screams, and for the first time, melodic vocals. At this point, Philip Labonte's range is displayed for the first time and the listener can conclude that All That Remains is more than just a mediocre metal outfit. As a whole, the album features unbelievable guitar solos, complicated musical structures, and some of the best guitar work I've heard in a while.

Track three, "Vicious Betrayal," is another example of a song with limited vocal melody but guitar lines that propel the song forward and satiate a listener's need for elation. "Focus Shall Not Fail" is the title of track five and is my favorite on the disc. This song has by far the best hook line on the album, echoing "Fear not at all my focus shall not fail/I shall not fall and nor shall I despair." The song is a hopeful anthem insisting that one can succeed as long as one is focused and hard working. "I find not distractions live life of single mind/and failure is not inherent for I will have what's mine/ I'll struggle and sacrifice should I find value there/I'll not be scorned by failure/ I'll not relent." This positive lyrical content is not the norm on this album however, as most other songs focus more on themes of betrayal, anger and personal anguish.

Another track that incorporates the aforementioned dark themes but also includes a rise against attitude is "For Salvation," the eighth track on the album and also one the best. "Wallow in darkness/and everlasting pain/this signals defiance/to bring forth mankind's gain/this nation's compliance/to what is fed to them/may lead to disaster/ unless a change is made." This song is the best example of one that mixes both melodic and catchy guitar riffs with a broad vocal range that includes a harmonious hook line. Dueling guitars roar in the background as Labonte sings "Now pride is our enemy/for salvation this we must believe." The ten song album is wrapped up by the title track "This Darkened Heart," one of the darker and harder songs on the already dark and hard album. "Now rise again for this darkened heart/it bleeds fast for all my family/now rise again for this darkened heart/it bleeds fast for all humanity" roars Labonte, noticeably angry at the world order. Although this song lacks a solid hook line, it is well placed as the last song on the album. By the time the listener reaches this track, he has already become acquainted with the vicious sound that the band portrays. This song becomes the track in which to project all your anger before being whipped back into the real world of tranquility and saneness.

Overall, This Darkened Heart is a must-listen for any real hardcore or metal fan. For those listeners who are into music that may incorporate some screaming but relies mostly on melody, such as fans of screamo and hardcore punk, I'd also suggest giving this record at least a cursory spin.

If you do not fall into one of those categories I'd suggest you stay away from this album and stick with your pop punk, nu-metal,or contemporary rock groups.

This album is not for the casual listener or for enjoyment at high school parties. It is, however, a beautiful example of artwork that may only appeal to a niche audience. As an enthusiast of this niche, I give the album a solid A.