Synopsis:
As Artifacts, formerly Sink This Ship!, is a post-hardcore band from Walnut Creek, California. Sink This Ship! was initially formed in 2008, and changed their name in 2010. The present lineup includes vocalist Travis Bartosek, vocalist/guitarist Rudy Rosatti, keyboardist Joey Webb, drummer Michael Yankovich, guitarist Kevin Arquines, and bassist Stephen Mallory. Guitarist Matt Yankovich left in early 2011 to pursue other musical avenues. After consistent local shows and touring, the band signed to InVogue Records in December 2010. Their debut InVogue release, “Reclamation”, was released February 22nd, 2011. The band embarked on the Gnarlie Sheen Tour with A Faylene Sky in May 2011, and spent the remainder of the year writing and recording for their full-length album, due out in 2012. After departing InVogue in late 2011, As Artifacts recently announced the release of a new single, Bilbo Swaggins, with a release date of January 3rd, 2012.
Review:
This album threw me for a loop at first glance, but in this overpopulated universe of post-hardcore where does As Artifacts land? The choice of song titles definitely worried especially since so many awful bands follow this route. Titles like "Generations of Swine" and "Embrace the Plague" had me expecting some awful metalcore in my future. However what I was graced with was an interesting narrative with themes revolving around love and loss. The lyrics identify with someone struggling to keeps the pieces together and will certainly relate to almost everyone. I was mainly attracted to the variety of instruments though to be fair I have a soft spot for pianos.
Post-hardcore is stuck in this rut of stereotypical breakdowns and drum/guitar solos. However "As Artifacts" wiggles in some nice piano solos and mixes things up with the drums and bass. A prime example is "For The Lost Lenore" which consist of some many solid instrumental elements and showcases a talented crew of musicians. The lyrics did get repetitive towards the end, but consistency truly made it seem as though this was a story being told and not just words being spoken. The vocals are well established having some resemblance of other major bands in their genre. Both the cleans and heavy vocals certainly lend cadence to the instruments.
"As Artifacts" doesn't change the genre, but shows that there is room to grow. There aren't any crazy gimmicks and genre mixes, this is strictly a venture in the world of post-hardcore/metalcore. When I first heard "Bilbo Swaggins" I knew this band had talent and i'm glad I stuck around to see the final product. As Artifacts won't be changing anyone's mind about the genre, but they are a set-piece for progression in a stagnant genre.
Post-hardcore is stuck in this rut of stereotypical breakdowns and drum/guitar solos. However "As Artifacts" wiggles in some nice piano solos and mixes things up with the drums and bass. A prime example is "For The Lost Lenore" which consist of some many solid instrumental elements and showcases a talented crew of musicians. The lyrics did get repetitive towards the end, but consistency truly made it seem as though this was a story being told and not just words being spoken. The vocals are well established having some resemblance of other major bands in their genre. Both the cleans and heavy vocals certainly lend cadence to the instruments.
"As Artifacts" doesn't change the genre, but shows that there is room to grow. There aren't any crazy gimmicks and genre mixes, this is strictly a venture in the world of post-hardcore/metalcore. When I first heard "Bilbo Swaggins" I knew this band had talent and i'm glad I stuck around to see the final product. As Artifacts won't be changing anyone's mind about the genre, but they are a set-piece for progression in a stagnant genre.
Track List
1. Generation Of Swine
2. Dissension
3. Chugs Ahoy
4. 1119
5. Embrace The Plague
6. Threat Level: Midnight
7. Bilbo Swaggins
8. Sons Of Corvinus
9. For The Lost Lenore
10. Strong Hands
11. Retribution
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| 4/5 |
Article by: Larry Harris
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