The second EP by Ohio deathcore metallers Death of an Era starts out pretty strong. The first track is a polyrhythmic, syncopated chugfest that fans will instantly gravitate towards. Near the end of that first track you get some almost painful sounding background lyrics, and one might wonder if that’s a sign of things to come. The second track picks up where the first one did, and keeps the energy going with the djent leanings and punishing breakdowns.

But it’s the third track, “Shapeshifter”, where about two-thirds of the way through the clean vocals kick in, and this album takes a sharp left turn into Whineville. It’s not the new All That Remains level of whine, but it’s damn close. They try to right ship towards the end, but unfortunately continue the awful clean vocals throughout the remaining three tracks.

In the band’s bio they notes the album is about the problems an average teen might face, and that’s exactly who this album is written for. And looking at the fashioncore pictures of the band, I should have known what I was getting myself into. The breakdowns are pulled off well, and the musicianship over all is strong, but that’s about all I can say about this one. Give it a listen, and if you can stick with this one through the sapfest of a final track, “A Mother’s Love”, then you’re a stronger person than I.

[Visit the band's website]

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