The Famine

Those who fondly remember Embodyment — an ill-fated Christian act who were playing "deathcore” long before the recent insurgence of Red Chord imitators — will be pleased to see three of the original members reunited on The Raven and the Reaping. Infinitely more satisfying and passionately delivered than Job For A Cowboy or similarly styled acts, the Famine rely on fluid songwriting and memorable riffs, as opposed to including unnecessary mosh and retch-inducing attempts at art-grind. Pummelling mid-tempo groove fuelled by merciless double bass anchors most of the tracks, occasionally introducing some progressive flourishes that bring to mind Decapitated’s recent work. No riffs are misplaced, the choruses (not clean) are in full effect, hell, there are even a handful of solos and Southern-inspired licks to boot. While the occasional fist-throwing beat down does occur, these moments are used tastefully and the venomous, Zao-esque vocal approach keeps this album’s hardcore elements firmly grounded in the late ’90s. This is a welcome change from predictable modern metalcore and the best record Solid State has released in several years.