Reviewed by Graeme Crawford

With their first release on Facedown Records, California's xDeathstarx attempt to "leave you ravaged yet uplifted." Musically the band are technically adept, if a little unimaginative in their efforts. The title track provides the best riff on the album, and is the most immediate song with its gang-style vocal refrain. However, the four vocalists trick wears thin very quickly, as you realise that they all shout in the same style and they rarely provide anything different. The only exception is the chorus of "The Great Opiate", when they prove that they can actually sing after all. Overall, it all feels a bit generic and nothing makes this album stand out from the legions of metalcore acts currently gigging across the US. According to their website, the band are recruiting three new members. Here's hoping the new faces bring a fresh injection of creative ideas.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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