BoySetsFire

There aren't any surprises on BoySetsFire's first full-length in seven years: there's the heavy hardcore opener that makes way for a melodic, sung chorus; a second song that's more melodic, catchy and totally powerful; and then a third that gets more aggressive again, with more screaming and less power. It's the opening trio we've seen on most of their albums, and it works, except when there's more screaming and chugging hardcore — these guys have always excelled at melody and mid-tempo, with the vocals soaring and singing in that unique way (i.e., "Phone Call (4 a.m.)" and the amazing "Never Said" and "Altar of God"). "Reason to Believe" is one of the tracks where BSF do stretch out a bit; it's a longer, building melodic piece that works great as a mid-point for the disc. Excellent closer "Prey" yet again proves that the band are most powerful and moving when they are being melodic — never sappy, just always pulling the right heartstrings in genuine of ways. This album has everything that's made BSF one of the better acts of our era, including some line-up changes, not that the casual listener will notice, and it continues along the path their last few full-lengths were on, which was a pretty amazing one. Seven years? Two years? These guys don't miss a beat either way. One of the very few bands that can combine melody with hardcore and make it pack a huge punch, BoySetsFire have crafted another excellent release.