Harangue's sound comes from a time when the word metalcore didn't mean the nullifying of the aggressive sides of its components, but rather accentuating them. There was and still is something to be said for the coming together of a sound so chaotic it sounds like it's about to fall apart. On By the Strength of the Mighty Atlas (the long title itself being a marker of the time it's modeled after), the Toronto group pay tribute to their forebears, and manage to do a pretty good job at it, too. The more brawny moments, such as opener "Denmark," bring to mind the pummelling of Coalesce, while others recall a more primitive Botch or Norma Jean.
Of particular note are the drums, courtesy of Masazumi Mitsuno (ex-Infernal Revulsion), which reflect his death metal background and bring a different edge to the sound. Although Michael Kopko's vocals occasionally get irritating — particularly during the calmer moments, such as "A Tale of Every City" — overall, By the Strength of the Mighty Atlas succeeds on its own power. Besides, who said listening to music like this should be easy?
(Independent)Of particular note are the drums, courtesy of Masazumi Mitsuno (ex-Infernal Revulsion), which reflect his death metal background and bring a different edge to the sound. Although Michael Kopko's vocals occasionally get irritating — particularly during the calmer moments, such as "A Tale of Every City" — overall, By the Strength of the Mighty Atlas succeeds on its own power. Besides, who said listening to music like this should be easy?