With this short 4 song EP, Allegaeon have established themselves as a powerhouse in the Colorado metal scene. Allegaeon plays a mixture of melodic death metal and technical death metal. Though their skill is phenomenal, they do not create boring music like so many technical bands. They really know how to create catchy riffs and choruses, filled with speed and melody, plus intricate and beautiful solos. In this respect they are similar to Mors Principium Est, though they play melodies more akin to Arch Enemy's work.
The EP starts out with the powerful anthem “The Weeds Will Prosper” which will surely draw your head to bang and give you that special sense of invincibility. Each song has a slightly different feel and is fantastic in its own way but none hook you so deeply as the first one.
Though the two guitarists like to showcase their years of mastering the instruments, their difficult lead-lines and solos never seem excessive and pointless; they always seem to keep with the focus of each song. The package is lifted to the next level by the rest of the band. The bass and drumming are very precise and forceful, and the vocalist offers good mid-ranged growls to amplify the mood.
Allegaeon sound great on the album, but can they really sound this good live? The answer is yes. Their live shows are very entertaining, and every ounce of technical ability comes through. They seem to be playing shows a lot, so catch them the next time they are in your town. October 24th they play at the Sparxworx Art Studio in Casper, Wyoming, October 30th they play at Hodi's Halfnote in Fort Collins, and on November 28th they play at The Toad Tavern in Littleton.
9/10
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