Review

Blacklisted - Heavier Than Heaven, Lonelier Than God

30.06.2008 | Cam | 2 Comments

Genre: Hardcore/Punk/Metal
For Fans Of: No Warning – Cancer Bats - Bars
Favourite Songs: I Am Weighing Me Down – Canonized - Wish
Running Time: 19:26
Year: 2008
Website Link: http://www.imwithblacklisted.blogspot.com
Myspace Link: HTTP://www.myspace.com/blacklisted

Score: 84

Heavier than heaven and fucking pissed…

REVIEW.

My exposure to Blacklisted prior to this release was fairly minimal. What I did know was that a hell of a lot of people were talking about this band like they were the second coming and I for one could not work out what the fuss was all about. That aside, I approached Heavier Than Heaven, Lonelier Than God with an open mind and to be perfectly honest, the first few spins of this disc didn’t really do anything for me, however, with each listen I’ve found something new that I enjoy.

The opening blast that is “Stations” doesn’t stray too far from the standard hardcore formula but that’s not to say that the song doesn’t show some promise, the bouncing breakdown that kicks in at the sixty-second mark more than makes up for the lack of individual flair. The machine gun riffing that punctuates “Touch Test” is only a small portion of the band’s arsenal, the heavy grooves of the song’s midsection packing as much of a punch as Blacklisted’s more up-tempo moments.

Although “I Am Weighing Me Down” is a mid-paced number when compared to the other songs on HTHLTG it’s no less powerful, the southern rock inspired guitar work coupling with George’s abrasive vocal style in a seamless fashion, while “Always” conjures up the energetic performances of New York legends Sick Of It All.

By this stage of the record it’s becoming apparent that Blacklisted are more than a one trick pony, their musical performance taking its cues from bands as diverse as Pantera and The Hope Conspiracy, and it’s this ability to fuse these differing styles of heavy music together that makes them such a unique proposition.

“Memory Layne” is about as fast and furious and things can get, that is until the blistering pace halts suddenly to make way for an almost Every Time I Die styled interlude, while “Circuit Breaker” is laced with as many quiet passages as there are aggressive moments, the shimmering guitars and driving bass lines guiding the track through four solid minutes of unorthodox but intriguing song writing. It’s almost as if Blacklisted felt the need to remind the listener that they are capable of kicking our collective arses, as “Matrimony” and “Self Explosive” are minute long shots of pure adrenaline, while “Burning Monk” isn’t too far behind.

“Canonized” starts things off with the album’s best riff yet, one that is perfectly coupled with the sleazy rock n roll swagger of George’s vocals while the meandering “Wish” closes the album out, the whole thing clocking in at less than twenty minutes.

CONCLUSION.

It took a few listens but Heavier Than Heaven, Lonelier Than God is one hell of a record. The music is raw and un-polished yet it still displays a sense of maturity that many bands are sorely lacking, and the vocal performance is second to none. Bring on their shows next month!