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Band Name: Still Remains
Album Name: Of Love and Lunacy
Rating: 4 / 5 User Rating: 4.3 / 5
Label: Roadrunner Records
Buy Album: Amazon.com
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Tracklist
1. To Live and Die by Fire
2. Worst Is Yet to Come
3. In Place of Hope
4. White Walls
5. Bliss
6. Cherished
7. With What You Have
8. Kelsey
9. Recovery
10. I Can Revive Him With My Own Hands
11. Stare and Wonder
12. Blossom, The Witch
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When a highly skilled producer such as Ggarth Richardson is working a band that performance-wise, is as extremely dynamic as Still Remains, it is truly a treat to hear. The adept studio magician really does bring out the magic in the varied stylings of this group, emphasizing key parts in the album's vastly layered arrangements. Ultimately, he ends up coming off with some truly fantastic tones on the well authored tunes which grace Of Love and Lunacy. This fact alone more than assists in making this album an addictive as well as an illustriously powerful listen. Vocalist T.J. Miller keeps the entire affair intensely interesting with a multi-faceted stylistic approach and proves himself to be a highly competent vocalist, whether issuing cold, raspy growls or smooth, flowing harmonies. White Walls stands out with its stark, memorable chorus that is assuredly emotive and altogether engaging. Miller gives a superb performance here. You'll find that a patently aggressive vibe surrounds the album's leadoff track, To Live And Die By Fire', as Zachary Roth's keyboard accents make the track sound indelibly unique without being overbearing, taking nothing away from the bold heaviness that guitarist Jordan Whelan consistently accomplishes . Roth's accompaniments are a welcome accent the group's material; pushing the band's wall of sound forward, while drummer A.J. Barettewith a technically sound depth and a significant degree of formidable fortitude. When The Worst Is Yet To Come kicks in, you'll first think that you're listening to a full on black metal band but the song winds out into massive choruses and cyber hardcore breakdowns as the track progresses. In the echoing, driving In Place Of Hope could be the most accessible of the tracks, but the verses are certainly not lacking in aggro emotion. Bassist Evan Willey shines here, with Richardson's keen production highlighting the tone of the four-stringer. Throughout the record, the band maintains a flow in their songwriting, yet each track stands out as distinct. Still Remains hold the listeners direction in each of the different directions the group cares to travel. Sonically exhilarating in its variety and content, Of Love and Lunacy will capture both the ear and the imagination of many a metal listener.
Review by: EF
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