Icepick, Violent Epiphany
There’s not much to say about this one. If you like yourself some Hatebreed then you’ll love this release from the Jasta lead Icepick. It features a dual vocal attack from the Hatebreed front man as well as Lord Ezec (aka Danny Diablo) of Skarhead. While the one-two punch of this combination works fairly well, it’s hard to hear anything other than Jasta’s delivery. His vocal presence just over shadows Ezec’s raspy delivery.
Musically, the band sounds almost like every Hatebreed album out there, but it does make valiant attempts to separate itself with the injection of more traditional hardcore styles. There’s plenty of chug in each track for the diehard Jasta fans so have no fear if that’s all you want from this album. The overall sound of the release is pretty polished, but has a rawer feel than the last two releases from Hatebreed.
Devotion Measures Strength The album starts off with some Hatebreed inspired riffs as Ezec and Jasta trade off lyrics. The track is pretty basic fair for the album and acts more as an intro than anything else.
Bitter Twisted Memory This is a decent track. It’s got a good quick delivery from both vocalists and head bobbing riffs. You can definitely hear on this track that Jasta’s delivery just has more power behind them than Ezec’s. To complete the track you have yourself some crushing mosh. Sweet.
Tomorrow Is Not a Promise I love the riff that starts this one out. It’s got a much less Hatebreed feel to it. Jasta has an interesting change up to his delivery on this one as well. It’s a bit more melodic than normal.
Violent Epiphany The album’s title track starts hard and fast with a more old school feel to it. This one, vocally, feels a bit like a few of the tracks off of Hatebreed’s Perseverance.
Creations of Chaos Lord Ezec starts off as Jasta(?) speaks in the background. You’ll also find a few Slayer influenced riffs right before the pace picks up a notch.
With One Ideal This one starts off with some classic hardcore feel. Ezec is the primary on vocals on the beginning of this one before Jasta belts out the chorus. There’s some decent chugging mosh in this one as well.
Show of Force I love this track. It starts off strong with a decent beat and keeps the momentum in high gear.
This Can Never Be Undone This one is pretty high paced as well. Good riffing and pounding beat.
Nothing Without Loyalty Hatebreed flavored riffs start this one off before leading into some decent chugging mosh.
Real Recognizes Real I have mixed feelings regarding this track. It’s cool on one level, but mostly goofy on another. Ice-T’s involvement is interesting and not really needed for the track to be any good. The chorus has a decent hook to it and is catchy. The other guest on the track, including Al Barr and Roger Miret, are good but lack the life and forcefulness you would expect from these guys.
Onward to Victory I could have lived with this one not being on the final track listing of the album. It’s cheesy with its sound byte filled intro and offers nothing throughout the track.
Born to Crush You The closing track starts off much slower than the rest of the album with a darker riff. The overall feel to this one is pretty good. It’s heavy, dark and angry. Sounds like a good way to end any album.
While this album may not have been deserving of the hype that it had received prior to hitting the streets, it does have plenty to offer. Any fan of Hatebreed will find more than enough of that band in this release to almost call it a Hatebreed album. The more casual listener should be entertained by most of the album as well with the vocal deliveries and riffing.
Favorite Tracks:
Bitter Twisted Memory
Creations of Chaos
Show of Force
Born to Crush You
Additional Notes:
Comes with bonus CD.