Grade: 4.5 - This is Nocturne on steroids, flying on a magic carpet between a serene wilderness and a thundering battlefield.
Label: eOne
Genre: Progressive Metal / Metalcore
Release Date: March 8th, 2010
Site(s): http://www.myspace.com/thehumanabstract
High Points: The return of A.J. Minette.
Low Point: The wanton desire of more tracks after those 37 minutes are over.
It's been over a month and a half since I wrote my On the Radar post about this bands imminent return, but that day has finally arrived. Ladies and gentleman, The Human Abstract are back, and they're back with a vengeance.
As I pointed out in my original post, fans of the group have often been split because of the differences between the bands debut album Nocturne and their sophomore release Midheaven following the departure of guitarist A.J. Minette. Regardless of where you may have found yourself as a fan of this group, Digital Veil will have you proclaiming your allegiance loudly and proudly.
I tried to find a simple way of describing this album to people who are familiar with THA, while also leaving it open to those who may not be so familiar with them. The easiest way I could do this was to do a stylistic comparison using their past work, and some kind of visual metaphor.
Whether it makes sense or not, Digital Veil can be summed up as: Nocturne on steroids, flying on a magic carpet between a serene wilderness and a thundering battlefield.
The Human Abstract have always been known for their eloquent use of the strings, head-manned by A.J. Minette's use of classical technique and forging melodies. If you've been a fan of the group since Nocturne then you'll be innately familiar with the blinding sweeps and guitar solos that you've grown familiar with over the years, because they're back in full force in Digital Veil.
But just as equally prominent are the thundering, hard charging rhythms, and breakdowns which also go a long way to accompany the performance of The Human Abstracts new vocalist Travis Richter. Vocally the album is much changed compared to the groups previous releases, but a change of pace that is both welcomed and well deserved.
Richter demonstrates his ability to cover a wide range, from deep low growls and screams, to clean vocals that fit the more melodious and calm areas of the album.
Fused together, the elements of Richter's vocals, the thunderous carnage of the groups more than capable core of stringsmen (Minette, Herrera and Selva) and the percussionistic (that's totally a word) proficiencies of drummer Brent Powell, help forge a sound that carries both familiarity, and a sense of renewal for a band that truly are virtuosos of their craft.
So what's the downside? Well the wanton desire to have more is the primary downside I've gotten from all of this. At eight tracks and 37 minutes in length, it's on average 3-4 tracks and 10 minutes shorter than their previous outings. But considering the album has been barely out for a day, and it's been near the top of my most wanted list for over a year, it's hard to judge. Especially when the final product meets expectations, and more.
The Human Abstract are currently on the Atticus Metal III Tour sharing the stage with As Blood Runs Black, in support of Born of Osiris and Darkest Hour.
And as always a parting gift, in the form of some Digital Veil:
Pull me... from the gallows... of this fiber-optic nation!
- J
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