A Plea for Purging

With two EPs and full-lengths already filling their discography, it would be easy for A Plea For Purging to continue their metalcore offerings without feeling the need for much change. However, with The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, the Nashville, TN five-piece unleash their heaviest and most engaging material yet. Andy Atkins controls the album with his gruff growl, which bridges the gap between hardcore and metal to near perfection. "If I were God we'd all be dead," he screams on "Shiver," a spine-tingling moment as guitarists Tyler Wilson and John Wand provide buzzing riffs to accent Atkins. Drummer Aaron Eckermann takes hold of "Finite," blasting double beats and driving the song forward. Thankfully, it's one of the few songs they've included clean vocals on. Their melodies are fine, and upon first listen a good diversion from the mayhem, but after multiple spins they sound out of place, lacking impact. The album ends on its highest note with "The New Born Wonder." The song changes direction, going through different movements ― gang vocals during the chorus, breakdowns, screaming guitar interludes ― completing a very impressive record.