| Right from the start The Human Abstract's name is a shining light into their obviously complex state
of mind. They are one of those bands that bend the genres that they tend to inhabit, creating
sub-genres such as "progressive metal," the goofy "neo-classical metal," and the funnier still,
"Mathcore." Thus came the shock when I learned they signed with Hopeless Records to put out their
first album "Nocturne"(which was rated fairly high) because it felt like this metal band would do
better at a house built with a foundation in harder things and the last time I checked Hopeless is
enjoying the proceeds from pop rock bands such as All Time Low and The Dangerous Summer.
Surprising still were the different events that changed The Human Abstract that we knew then to the
band and their new album "Midheaven" that we know now. Founding member and guitarist A.J. Minette
left the group at a crucial time in recording, The band kicked producer Toby Wright (Korn, Slayer,
Alice in Chains) out of the producers position and fully redid everything with the help of Leonard
Simone and Jesse E. String, and that is all before any music hit peoples ears. It is amazing this
record even saw the light of day.
The band released a comment saying that totally changing their sound would be "like a smack in the
face to all those that had been coming out and supporting the shows." Back when I read that, I felt
reassured that the band I had come to know and love through "Nocturne" would bring forth something
just as intricate and interested with "Midheaven." I would like to call shenanigans on The Human
Abstract as soon as possible. I expected changes, hell everything changes (change is good) but this
deviation from their original sound is so awkward it almost feels like another band completely.
Of course there is fretwork present that ranges on the quick and swift, that may remind you of the
past, but a more alternative and radio friendly sound has taken over. A compliment of singing,
shouting and growling switches between itself as well as nudges from their "neo-classical" metal
roots which both have a progressive tone to it, but sadly it mostly ends up sounding like new
Avenged Sevenfold. And that isn't very good. Even songs like "Breathing Life Into Devices" that
start off nice and chaotic, still have bland choruses and an overwhelming sense that hard rock is
strangling this once mighty beast. "Midheaven" as a whole is a giant step away from where they once
were and for a band to tell me they intend on not changing too much and do, they piss me off.
In fairness the more commercial sound is pretty catchy but I already have bands that fulfill that
genre like Chris Daughtry (hah jk). It is a shame that the chaotic and intricate guitars as well as
the powerful shouts from the past THA had to go away.
~ Pernell
August 30 2008 |
