Cry Of The Afflicted, The Unveiling Album Review
The Christian Metal Band's 2nd LP Breaks New Ground
Dec 7, 2008
Christian metalcore fans have an opportunity to experience a new sound that won't make the average mother cringe at the screams and growls while still maintaining a face-melting hardcore presence. The first track of The Unveiling grasps the listener with a classic crescendo backed up by thundering drums and an in-your-face frontman, leading to the first intense verse.
Where a new listener must open his or her mind and embrace a new sound is the harmonized chorus. It sounds almost "too nice". One might even say it is out of place with this seemingly hardcore record. If disappointed with the heaviness of the first track, presumably with the vocals, tap the eject button.
If the consumer's poison is a consistent, brutal scream performance that can be felt in his or her own throat, be forewarned that the first track is the closest it will get. The majority of the release is wrapped in clean, melodic vocals that most casual listeners can appreciate.
Instrumentally speaking, Cry Of The Afflicted is truly an enriching listen. Two guitars always make for an ear-filling sound, and most metal fans prefer the five-piece setup in that regard.
Cry Of The Afflicted's Christian Representation
Cry Of The Afflicted most likely won't be slotted in the Christian section of the local music store. Do not be discouraged, however, for the evidence of Christ's influence in their music is potent at the very least. Every band member thanks their Lord and Savior in the album booklet, but that is merely the assurance of what is already found within the lyrics.
As any popular Christian metal band, there are some metaphors amongst the lyrics, however most are very clear, as are the other more direct biblical references. A simple detail includes capitalization of the word, "You." In this form, "You" is a pronoun, and the only instance in which this is ever used is in addressing God. That alone is a clear indication of the band's direction.
In its entirety, The Unveiling speaks of trials, tribulation, and most importantly, triumphs. The clear vocals as opposed to the growls contributes to the listener's understanding of the lyrics on the fly, making for a deep, inspirational and uplifting musical experience. Cry Of The Afflicted does not waver in their Christian approach, and for that alone they deserve much respect from fellow believers.
The Sound-alike Question
Who does Cry Of The Afflicted sound like? Due to the rare mainstream airplay of Christian metal, it seems most fitting to compare the band to one from the secular music sector. The album's second track, "Read Between," immediately triggered memories of Bullet For My Valentine.
Not only instrumentally, but vocally, Cry Of The Afflicted can be the "Christian substitute" for Bullet For My Valentine. However, while Bullet's lead singer is rough around the edges in melodic vocals, Cry Of The Afflicted sounds more polished and pure. The comparisons between the two will be numerous, although they are not mirror images of one another.
Scoring The Album
Their second installment is well-produced, has a strong Christian presence, clean vocals with a touch of hardcore screams, and instrumental mastery. Ten tracks for 36:14 is a bit short, but the album contains no solely-instrumental tracks. It is a thorough album if nothing else, and although most would at least like to see it break the 40 minute barrier, it is still a satisfactory output.
- Vocals: 3.5
- Instrumental: 4.0
- Length: 3.0
- Lyrics: 5.0
- Overall: 3.9 / 5.0
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