Album Review
Haste The Day - Dreamer
With their fouth major release, Haste the Day has seemed to have gotten back to its roots. After straying into more commercial radio-friendly territory on their previous release, 2007's
Pressure the Hinges, it seems as if the band has decided that's not were they want to be. While they do grow and show forward progression with the album, they at the same time, manage to put in bits and pieces of what made them famous in the first place. Stephen Keech has most definately settled in as the bands new front man and one can tell he's no longer concerned with filling the shoes of previous frontman Jimmy Ryan. This is Keech's band now, and he is doing his best to move the band forward in a possitive manner, while keeping their old school fans and the infamous Indy sceensters pleased. The album features less cheesy predictable breakdowns than previous releases, but still manages to advertise most of its vocal swaps between Keech's robust and front-heavy screams into guitarist Brennan Chaulks singing vocals fairly obviously. Instead, most parts that could be misconstrued as a breakdown take on a sort of progressive feel. Adding dynamics to songs rather than boring one to death with chugging. There is a fair amount of chug-a-lug on the album and it is complimented by none other than its best friend, double bass kicks. But hey, we're still talking about Haste The Day here they are still a metalcore band.
'68' is a great opening track that screams "We're back!" within seconds. They were obviously trying to send a message to their listeners and old fans who were not happy with the last release. 'Haunting' and 'Resolve' are both stand out tracks, keeping the mood of the album alive and kicking. Washing away any doubt that '68' may have left you with. 'Adult Tree' is one of the weaker tracks on the album, not enough to deter you from listening on, but does not stand up to the stature of the first three songs. 'Babylon' is one of my favorites on the album, nice and heavy with good undertones provided by Brennan and a great chorus melody. 'Invoke Reform' and 'Sons of the Fallen Nation' are two nice heavy tracks that follow nicely. Up to this point we still haven't heard anything too repetitive or overly generic. 'Labyrinth' is by far the biggest departure Haste The Day has ever done, it pulls a complete 180 on everything we have heard thus far, yet it adds to the album rather than take away. Just when it seemed like things were starting to get repetitive and bland, they throw in this indie-rock sounding gem and pull you right back into the mix. The intro to 'Porcelain' follows up the mellow track nicely, but the song soon explodes into complete madness and we are back rocking on another track that proves to sound like a real progression for the band. Progressive elements can be seen on this track, as they use dynamics very well to add more to the album yet again. 'Autumn' is the albums closing track. An acoustic piece that I saw performed by Brennan at of their shows a couple years back, I'm so glad to see this get recorded finally. Although it's slightly longer and changed a bit thanI remember it. It's a fantastic acoustic track that adds yet more dynamics to the record. 'Autumn' is the most stand out track on the entire album, and closes beautifully.
All in all I think this is one of HTD's best overall releases. Maybe even the best, next to
When Everything Falls. But there's no denying that the band as travelled a long way and become a much more refined and in-touch band. This album pleases all.
8/10