Columbus, Ohio is at it again making its well-deserved mark in the metalcore scene with their latest full-length CD release from fan favorite: Like Moths to Flames. After receiving mediocre popularity from their debut album, “When We Don’t Exist” (2011), LMTF is holding nothing back in hopes of achieving a better response from music junkies all across the metal scene. With guest vocals on two different tracks from a couple big names in the music industry, Ahren Stringer (The Amity Affliction) and Shane Told (Silverstein), LMTF is catering to a larger crowd of listeners in attempts to create a cultic following for themselves. With their chest-caving breakdowns and their catchy melodic instrumentals, LMTF’s sophomore album has become one of the most anticipated releases of 2013. This 12 track heart pounding CD no doubt is guaranteed to make your head bang and body flail to the beats of their pristine breakdowns.
The CD sets the bar high by opening up with a high intensity piece titled, “You’ll Burn” which creates momentary excitement, but falls short of expectations by sounding all too familiar to a track that has been heard from them before. Following the ear blasting into and first verse, the listener is propelled into a section of moderate tempo that calls for a subtle headbang while listening to the transition from screaming to a bland attempt at singing. Throughout the CD this behavior continues as front man Chris Roetter shows off his limited vocal range which I am sad to say is less than appealing. Although the overall vocal talent has improved from previous material, it would take the function of a magnifying glass to notice on paper the slight change. Aside from the monotonic vocals, the lyrics express heart-felt topics that call the listener to craft out a meaning and ultimately come to the conclusion that LMTF’s writing ability is deep and demands respect.
As far as the bands musical contributions, they are good. Any improvement that must take place in LMTF’s music for them to reach a new level of greatness is not hindered by their musicality. From a drop-tuned deep feeling to mid-range riffs the band expresses talent on all ends. The most appealing aspect has to be the percussion which effortlessly transitions tempo and dynamics over and over again while maintaining an above average difficulty in the drum line. Hearing the common section of a melodic riff, to silent drop, to all out heaviness, LMTF will make you jump out of your seat and throw up your metal horns with nearly every track.
Production quality is another aspect that meets the criteria of a well-managed CD. “An Eye For An Eye” has a certain fluidity to it that allows the audience to comfortably listen to the tracks nonstop without losing much interest. The clarity on each aspect of the band is well-balanced to a place where the listeners can properly assess each note played by the guitarist while being able to clearly understand the vocals with limited strain on the ears.
Overall, “An Eye For An Eye” is LMTF’s best release to date and it becomes more and more appealing after every repeated track. The boys from LMTF’s have poured their emotions into their work on this album and they deserve esteemed attention. Be on the lookout for them on in Europe on “The Vans Off The Wall Music Night Tour” with Parkway Drive, We Came As Romans, and Memphis May Fire. Don’t forget to pick up LMTF’s latest release from Rise Records: “An Eye For An Eye.”
-Mayhem Marc
