Review of Black Crown Initiate - "Selves We Cannot Forgive"
NO SOPHOMORE SLUMP HERE
By: Geoff Teach
"The Sophomore Slump" is a real phenomenon, but thankfully, when regarding Reading, Pennsylvania's Black Crown Initiate and their second album, Selves We Cannot Forgive (eOne Heavy, out now), this does not apply at all.
Fully drenched in dynamic peaks and valleys, Selves We Cannot Forgive is a powerfully melodic sojourn into progressive death metal delirium. Continuing down the path whose initial foundations were established on 2014's The Wreckage of Stars, Black Crown Initiate have issued another stellar release that produces frisson in waves for those lucky listeners that are able to feel its chilling magnificence.
Starting strong, Selves We Cannot Forgive launches from the pad with an exceptional trio of tracks in "For Red Cloud", "Sorrowpsalm", and the beautifully progressive "Again", whose incredible vocals, rhythms, leads, and tap-bass display shades of Between The Buried And Me, thus naturally making it my favorite on the album.
Other highlights on Black Crown Initiate's Selves We Cannot Forgive include the nearly nine-minute ebb and flow of "Belie The Machine", the brilliant title-track "Selves We Cannot Forgive", and my other favorite, "Matriarch".
On the whole, Selves We Cannot Forgive is another excellent effort from Black Crown Initiate, who've managed to avoid the wicked "Sophomore Slump" by sticking to what they know best: dynamics, progressiveness, melodics, and out-and-out killer vocals over accomplished composure. Pick up a copy of your own at any major music retailer today. I promise you will not be disappointed!
To watch the official video for the title-track from Selves We Cannot Forgive, just press play below!
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