Fear My Thoughts

Man, those Germans know their metalcore. More likely to bring the metal without sounding contrived or more watered down than their American peers like Caliban and Heaven Shall Burn, Fear My Thoughts are muscling their way to recognition in a musical climate finally ready to accept them. The fourth full-length from this oft-overlooked quintet is an absolutely airtight bombardment of European songwriting craft, combining equal parts Darkest Hour, Fear Factory and all eras of Soilwork in a well-woven tapestry of "thrash-tacular” musicianship. There is not a moment of boredom nor a breakdown misplaced, as the group skilfully slip a dollop of industrial/electronic influence into the mix to balance the aggression, and the crystal clear production renders all of these conflicting elements into a neat, well-oiled riff machine. Many will complain of the band’s tendency to wear their influences on their sleeve, but when it’s all compiled and delivered so convincingly, it’s irrelevant. Those disappointed with recent releases by their aforementioned countrymen should already have their wallets out.