Symphony In Peril

Those interested in Symphony In Peril expecting Shawn Jonas to repeat his vocal performance on Zao’s seminal The Splinter Shards The Birth Of Seperation will be sorely disappointed. In fact, his style has shifted almost completely, abandoning his higher, screeching range for a more focused growl akin to Hatebreed’s Jamey Jasta, and occasionally approaching death metal. His support is a solid, if slightly unoriginal metalcore band that combines the spirit of Hatebreed, Terror and the like with the crunchier, Gothenburg-laced strain purveyed by Unearth and As I Lay Dying. Breakdowns abound, and the prerequisite slower, contemplative tracks drenched in vocal effects make their predictable appearance. What sets Symphony In Peril apart is their knack for structure — not a moment sounds forced, and the album flows effortlessly. There is the occasional lacklustre groove or unnecessary section, but they are few and far between. Unfortunately, the album ends on its weakest track, hindering the overall effect of a record that is otherwise well composed. All complaints aside, The Whore’s Trophy stands well above the increasingly vast competition and is one of the strongest offerings from Facedown yet.