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Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Make Them Suffer - Neverbloom (2012) [Review]


Make Them Suffer
Album:  Neverbloom
Genre:  Symphonic/Progressive Deathcore

                I’ve never done a true review of an album before, but I feel like Neverbloom warranted it – enough people seem to be missing what I perceive as the point of the album that I’d like to help you guys hear what I hear, and hopefully you end up picking up something you may not have heard or noticed before in the process (or at least gaining a little more respect for what Make Them Suffer has accomplished with this release).  Since this is my first extended review, try to go easy on me ;)

                Let me just start by saying this…as I’m sure a lot of our visitors know, bands that use generous servings of chugs generally bore the ever-loving fuck out of me, almost as a rule.  I really don’t like them at all…I don’t see the point, and they usually wind up being a creative cop-out rather than an effective artistic device.  I can see some of the appeal of breakdown-heavy tunes – at live shows they get the crowd going, there’s an enormous amount of energy and pent-up anger release associated with them, and they’re really easy to bang your head to…but bands who’ve mastered the breakdown/chug such as Whitechapel, Carnifex, Chelsea Grin, Oceano, and even Vildhjarta/Meshuggah to a certain extent just don’t do it for me.

                Enter the Australian symphonic/progressive deathcore sextet Make Them Suffer.  Their latest release, the impeccably-produced musical sojourn they’ve titled Neverbloom, shows the band maturing on a number of levels from their 2010 EP Lord of Woe – more technical, diverse, and balanced in every conceivable way.  Neverbloom explores one man’s heartwrenching sorrow and grieving process by taking us along on dream walk through a darkened forest.  Is this a literal dream-walk, or is he simply in a reality so terrible it feels like it could only be a dream?  I leave that for you to decide.

In the orchestral opening “Prologue”, the listener is introduced to the dream-state which permeates the rest of the album.  I imagine the start of the track as an “awakening” – scintillating, barely-there brushes on the keys wherein our dreamer opens his eyes and finds himself dropped in the middle of a gloomy forest.  The strings are plucked as his anxiety ratches up…he’s beginning to realize just where he is, and he pushes himself to his feet.  His heartbeat quickens as, in terror, he grasps that he is alone in this world.  When the violin section starts around 50 seconds in, he remembers what brought him to these woods in the first place – his sorrow and anguish builds and builds towards a crescendo as we reach the end of the track, and….BOOM.  The howl at the outset of the title track signals an explosive emotional release and the start of his grieving process.  We’re introduced to his mourning when we’re told that this forest (and now its singular inhabitant) has only ever known sorrow, as the final drop of joy left in this world falls from a tree as a single tear which disintegrates as it touches the ground.  With this last gasp at joy, all that’s left to keep him company is the moaning of the trees, and our dreamer starts the first stage of grief – denial.  He’s lingered in his garden of woe for so long in hope that the tear would ignite the growth of another flower of happiness…but that bloom never comes as a result of the curse of an entity named Morrow.  I could continue examining the lyrical content of each track, but if you look at the album through this lens you’ll realize that the other tracks on Neverbloom are taking you through the other stages of grief as a progression between denial, depression, anger, and acceptance.  By the end of the record, he has come full circle and realizes that his sole purpose is now to take the suffering inflicted on him by Morrow and visit it upon the world a thousand-fold.

Clearly, Make Them Suffer is adept at writing beautiful and poetic lyrics (sit down and give the album another couple listens while following the lyrics booklet if you don’t believe me).  What you might be thinking, though, is that woe is an theme better left explored through black metal or funeral/doom metal, or maybe you even think it’s an emo thing for teenage girls whose parents “just don’t understand them”.  THIS is where MTS separates themselves from essentially everyother deathcore band…they realize that atmospheric/orchestral touches can be used not only to transport and relax the listener, provide a contrasting “calm before the storm” or eye-of-the-storm effect, or even to alter the feel of the music by making it sound more massive/theatrical, but also to completely change the MEANING – passages which before were simply pissed at the world become a touching lashing-out, parts that may have been seen as whiny post-hardcore bitching are transformed to a baleful sorrow.

Were it not for the ever-present haunting keys, violin notes, or synth samples, MTS would probably be just another outrageously talented Australian band squandering the gifts they’ve very obviously been given…but the various elements and influences combine to ensure that this doesn’t happen.  The background orchestration adds an atmosphere of constant turmoil which, while not always entirely audible, is always there tugging relentlessly on the listener’s heartstrings.  The impossibly heavy chugs, djent tempo-shifts, breakdowns, and blast beats employed by MTS would be bland, generic, overdone, and monotonous in any other band, but when coupled with the ever-shifting emotion conveyed by their symphony and pummeling vocals, become an entirely unique vehicle for traversing a landscape of anguish.  Each chug and double-kick punctuates what I can only imagine as a wracking breath which has come harder than the last.  Each breakdown is the dreamer falling to his knees, pounding the ground and screaming in unrelenting agony.  Each growl and wail is a siren’s song for the soul of his lost loved one and for his own tortured sanity.  The brutal, droning, sludgy style forges an extraordinarily effective instrument for forcefully dragging the audience through these mires of oppressive sorrow and simultaneously illustrates an unbridled rage at the entity Morrow for causing such pain.  The interludes provide both a respite from the raw passion in the previous tracks and a transition into the next stage of grief.

In summation, Make Them Suffer might sound generic and chuggy at first, but trust me…when taking the music and its message as a whole and really giving yourself the opportunity to understand everything this album has to offer, you might be surprised…or even blown away.  Neverbloomis one of the best deathcore albums of the past couple years, and I’ll probably wind up looking back on this album as doing for deathcore this year what Erra’s Impulse did for metalcore last year.  I’d give this album a very-nearly--perfect rating of 4.99 out of 5.  Why did it miss out on the final 0.01?  Only because I’m a little disappointed that they didn’t have their brilliant symphony a little higher in the mix since I enjoyed those parts as much if not more than anything else.  Make Them Suffer has a gigantic future ahead of them.  PLEASE buy this album and keep them around <3

40 comments:

  1. Its okay, hes just a music critic, he doesnt actually know how to play a instrument

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  2. Pretty sure you can hear the "brilliant symphony" in the mix buddy, if it was higher in the mix then it would drown everything out hahaha god im tired of these little teenagers thinking they can right good music reviews lol

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    1. You shouldn't have the right to *write a comment criticizing someone else when you can't spell words a six year old could spell correctly.

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  3. I never once said chugs are shit. Did you read the review at all?

    I said they don't usually do it for me. I also said I could see the appeal for a lot of people...so apparently you glossed over that. It is duckcore, true, but I like a little variety in my -core. If that makes me a hypocrite, then so-be-it I guess.

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  4. Next time I write a review, I'll make sure I agree with every one of you guys' opinions. You'll enjoy that more, I think.

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  5. Awwww the lil critic cant take critisisum without saying anything back. you fail.

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  6. Ignore the anons, good review Josh.

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  7. Menudo pepinazo de disco¡ Buena review y excelente CD.

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  8. Admirable review Josh:) I agree with EVERYTHING,and it's understandable that some people would not agree with the review too,but when they express their concerns and opinions in such childish and ignorant ways;they're completely discredited. Yet again,great review.

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    1. Thanks...I really appreciate that. I didn't realize how freakin difficult reviewing would be, lol

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  9. hahah awesome review. Agree that the symphony parts were a little toned down from lord of woe. still fucking sick, and I like how there's someone bitching you out for giving it a 4.99 out of 5. Grow up. Anyways great review josh!

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  10. Nice to see there are some who liked the review! Hope I enlightened some of the haters too :D

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  11. Good review man. Obviously some people don't know how to read because you never once said "chugging is shit." I agree with most everything you said... Make them Suffer is one of my favorite new bands.

    -Opeth

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  12. Again I am totally lovin the reviews! this one made me go back and give these guys another chance....after initially only seeing the neverbloom video i wasn't too impressed but evidently they DO have alot more to offer. I'm listening now and I can already say they'll be in the playlist rotation for a while.......thanks!

    also whats that one dudes problem?? what does he mean duckmetal? I almost can't understand his problem......there is metal and core here, in many varieties. oh well some peoples form of entertainment is complaining....i prefer music :D

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  13. didn't really like the album first listen through. but this review makes me wanna listen to it again. because you know some albums take a few listens to settle in good review man fuck these little kids that think they know everything about music. keep up the good work my nigga

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  14. Why are you all complaining about a review? He's just letting HIS OWN PERSONAL OPINION OUT. Jeez you guys have to be so harsh on just a review like its the end of the world. And for the anon whose saying that "this band blows major dick," why are you on this page anyways?

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  15. actually this review was sort of directed at you, lol...i had a feeling that, even though you still might not enjoy it, you didn't really understand what made MTS a lot different than other bands...hopefully this clarifies :) thanks for the support!

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  16. i had actually checked these guys out but passed on them. your review has inspired a second shot. let's see if it sticks this time. i did like what i heard the first time, it just felt too drawn out. this time i'll give it a fair shake

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    1. If you discard the surface monotony, it's actually quite different from song to song...similar riffs/breakdowns wind up meaning completely different things. that's what i love about this band...they're subtle as fuck despite being so in your face.

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  17. DEATHcore is a mixture of death metal and hardcore though?

    Metal AND hardcore.

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  18. DEATHcore is a mixture of death metal and hardcore though?

    Metal AND hardcore.

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  19. Seriously what is with all these whiney anons? If you don't agree with the review's opnions the express them in a mature way. I didn't like the album too much, but I don't go around acting like a child because the review states a different opnion. Geez...

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  20. Velocity here: Great review Josh! I actually loved this album first listen through (I do like straight chug-core, as well as progressive core and interesting different core), but I think I'll need to listen to the album with your idea of it in mind, because it might make the process even more enjoyable!

    Don't let the stupid Anon who is clearly just posting over and over again ruin your mood...very good review.

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  21. I get it now dude. It really is a good core release, prolly the first one in awhile that has really got me grooving to it. Its good shit and ill defiantly be listening to it more from for sure and its all because of your review my man!

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  22. I liked the review! You described the album pretty good and I agree with you: Its just awesome.

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  23. Haha Ok this website really needs to stop with the reviews. Go make another blog strictly for reviews or join a review site or some shit. But no one, and NO ONE, comes to DuckCore for reviews, and as long as you post reviews you're going to get shit for it.

    Solid album and review, but this is the worst place to bring that. And you can't say I'm wrong, the comments above are all the proof ya need

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    1. Exactly, we all just want download links...and that's it. The less you promote bands the better! I mean, what band needs more listeners to give them a chance right?!

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    2. I couldn't agree more vinny! Reviews are fine, just not on the main page! - unna <3

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    3. I come here strictly for the reviews... Problem?

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    4. IM SO ANGRY THEY REVIEW GRRRR

      But seriously dude, this review was awesome. Made the album way better for me to listen to...I think you're right, this IS one of the best deathcore albums past couple years when I look at it like this :)

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  24. i guess its useless trying to tell people its his blog and he can do with it what hed like because you all dont give a shiyat

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  25. Since you have good enough taste in music to link so many quality albums, I more than hold your opinion in regard. If you wish to express a more detailed opinion about a band by providing a review, I will give it a look. Why shouldn't you go the extra mile to promote bands you thinks are worth a look? It's not that crazy you fucktards, just scroll down a bit more if you don't want to read someone's opinion. no one is twisting your arm. Oh no... You have to flick the scroll button a few extra times to download music... Cry me a river, self-entitled pricks.

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    1. I...I think I love you

      But seriously, what's a scroll bar? ;)

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  26. Steve I respect you but don't hate on core music. That's the only music I basically visit this blog for, because that's what this blog is mainly for, hence the name DuckCORE. This guy is a sad case but not because he likes core music. Core music is awesome and if you think otherwise, maybe you're on the wrong blog.

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  27. im not hating on core music just kids that only like core music and bitch when stuff other then core is posted here (aka death, black, reviews, ect...) Ducky THE OWNER OF THE BLOG clearly likes the variety. So if hes cool with it then idk why everyone thinks they have the right to say whats posted here. i like core but mainly older, not his new wave.

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  28. This review is really well written and developed, fantastic job! And don't worry about all the haters, it just shows that a ton of people not only peruse this site, but read the entire review or a part of it, which isn't a bad thing at all.

    Keep doing what you're doing regardless of what people say. I can't wait to listen to the entire album!

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  30. i've luvd these guys for years but there's literally nowhere (reasonable) to buy it, only place ive found was their label and amazon (both of which are way overpriced). Meanwhile they bandcamp watever is out o stock and itunes is limited to australia (all of which is damned expensive)

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