The Human Abstract - Midheaven

25.08.2008 | allshallperish | 6 Comments

Genre: Metal/Progressive/Rock
For Fans Of: Protest The Hero – Between the Buried and me – Gwen Stacey
Favourite Songs:
Running Time: 43:15
Year: 2008
Website Link: htttp://www.thehumanabstract.com/
Myspace Link: http://www.myspace.com/thehumanabstract

Score: 65

Clip the clean vocals… more epic sweeps and solos

REVIEW.

You have to give it to The Human Abstract, Nocturne (the first full length release and the album prior to Midheaven) was released at a time when metalcore was thriving and solos and guitar sweeps were a foreign concept in mainstream metal (apart from the mighty BTBAM mind you). They have now developed a decent fan base and are currently on a tour with the mighty Metallica cover band Trivium in the states. 

So, let’s review the checklist for the sophomore release Midheaven: Sweet packaging, obscure picture inlays included, fantastic production and an extremely talented bunch of gentlemen who excel at what they do.  Now, one would think that with the above listed and checked off and confirmed Midheaven should prove to be a pretty mint CD, a resounding wrong should be echoing through your brain at this very moment.   While the stage may be set for Midheaven to be a fantastic release, unfortunately there is definitely something amiss which would mark any improvement on its predecessor. 

The album opens with A Violent Strike, which shows off some of the more prominent solos of the album but is far too drawn out,  which appears to be a reoccurring theme plaguing Midheaven at every turn.  Procession of the Fates picks up pace and finally provides a much needed kick in the arse with a slow intro leading into some solid sweep picking and double kick.  Breathing life into devices has an enjoyable and catchy chorus given the chance but still suffers from the same overdone vocal lines which weigh Midheaven down substantially.   

The highlight of Midheaven rears its head at track five titled Metanoia.  The clean vocals sit back in mix well (at last) and has a stand out breakdown that highlights both guitarists ability to have a fresh shred given the chance.  It’s a shame the pace cannot be carried through to finish of the album and after this point it becomes quite a chore to distinguish one song from another.   

CONCLUSION.

It’s hard not to be annoyed with the sophomore release from the human abstract.  It’s nowhere near as captivating as its predecessor Nocturne and at times had me wonder what went wrong.  But at the end of the day at least it’s not the new Bury Your Dead album.

TRACKLISTING.

01. A Violent Strike 
02. Procession Of The Fates 
03. Breathing Life Into Devices 
04. This World Is A Tomb 
05. Metanoia 
06. The Path 
07. Echoes Of The Spirit 
08. Cal