Fate – Vultures

A few years ago, it seemed like every other release that came across my desk was black metal in style. But these days, heavyweight labels like Century Media and Metal Blade Records are signing a new metalcore band every month. The latter just sent me Vultures, the debut album by California upstarts, Fate which falls in line with my observation. From the 1, 2 punch of “Apostasn” and “Psychopathic Diary,” it’s easy to point out the characteristics. The chugging, down-tuned guitars, the hybrid of death metal and hardcore styled vocals, the European laced guitar harmonies are all present. Originality is obviously not their strongest asset but we’ll move on to the positives first. Kyle Fishman and Brice Vuson prove that despite their age (they formed the band in 2003 when they were in middle school) they are capable of twisting and turning a vicious riff at the drop of a dime. Their fret board party on “Your Creed is Greed” is proof enough that they can hold their own around some of their older heroes.

Actually, the other players also put in a solid enough performance on Vultures but their songwriting never takes them anywhere that exciting. The huge moments always seem to be around the corner but they never really come to fruition. There were entire sections in songs that I could have sworn I heard before on another band’s record. I’m probably wrong but the similarities are so strong that it’s difficult to hear a difference sometimes that you start to lose focus and ultimately, interest. With the band’s young age and very impressive instrumental skills, they could go on to craft some interesting stuff. But they need to spend more time building their songs, from start to end and not just concentrating on a few dynamic parts in every track. I know this metalcore gets a black eye from most people over the age of 25 (I’m 33) but I try to review these releases with as much open-mindedness as I possibly can. There are actually a lot of bands who do the style well but most of the scene is riddled with the whole “style over substance” cancer that plagues many scenes that are close to their demise.

Rating: 4
Label: Metal Blade Records
Website: www.myspace.com/fate

By Carlos Ramirez

(+53 rating, 16 votes)

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