Written by Alex Stojanovic TRACK LISTING F.P.C. Hang 'Em High Dogmaniacal Intention To Deceive Ingsoc Masterplan Peace Is In Pieces Claiming Certainty Wake Up Circling The Drain Release Date: March 10, 2017 Label: Century Media Records Website: www.havokband.com www.facebook.com/HavokOfficial |
David Sanchez - Vocals & guitars Reece Scruggs - Guitars Pete Webber - Drums Nick Schendzielos - Bass
While the subject matter in the lyrics shouldn't come as a surprise, they're issues that constantly need addressing, like politics, religion, the media and society in general. We hear the band tackle these issues on tracks like "Hang 'Em High", "Dogmaniacal" and "Intention To Deceive". One of the best examples on the album as far as musicianship goes is "Ingsoc". The track is a festival of riffs and some quirky grooves, giving off a progressive vibe. It's one of the better showcases of the guitar prowess between David Sanchez and Reece Scruggs, as well as the drum acrobatics from Pete Webber. At the same time, Schendzielos gets several chances in the spotlight with his impeccable bass chops. "Masterplan" is where things begins to go downward. The decent riffs seem to be scattered throughout the entire second half, with only one to be found in each of the songs, making them more like fillers, which is kind of disappointing. However, I would have to say that "Peace Is In Pieces" contains the best of all the single decent riffs found in the second half.
It's a bit upsetting that Conformicide isn't the jaw-dropping juggernaut we were anticipating from Havok four years after Unnatural Selection. Except for "Hang 'Em High and "Ingsoc", it unfortunately fails to conjure up excitement and raise eyebrows in amazement. Aside from these two tracks, the rest of the first half isn't as strong, but it's still enjoyable. The second half just suffers from mediocrity. Now, this isn't Havok's weakest album by far, but it certainly doesn't live up to the majesty of Time Is Up and it only surpasses Unnatural Selection by a notch.
Highs: "Hang 'Em High" and "Ingsoc".
Lows: The second half is mediocre.
Final Rating: 6/10
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