Better Left Unsaid

Better Left Unsaid are still finding themselves on their sophomore album, Only the Dead to Witness. They display skill across the 13 tracks, but there's a lack of cohesion. "The Messenger" begins with a frenetic guitar riff that leads into a typical hardcore breakdown. But when the vocals enter, the song switches back and forth from chugging sections to thrashy drums and screaming, which lack transitions and comes across very choppy. "Vindication" adds clean vocals that are forced, taking away from what would have been a noteworthy song. From the guitar squeals to drum patterns and deep vocal roars, everything is lacking impact and presence. But there's enough talent, particularly in the guitar playing, for the quintet to quickly rebound, hopefully.