DOWNPOUR

Downpour SELF-RELEASED Metalcore titans join forces to underwhelming effect

Downpour is about as good an album as you would expect from a band whose promotional photo looks like four mugshots Photoshopped over a still from 2001: A Space Odyssey. The debut disc marks a dream-like collaboration of metalcore giants by boasting performances from ex-members of Shadows

Fall and Unearth – frontman

Brian Fair and drummer Derek Kerswill respectively – but its pedigree is belied by a general absence of focus. Metalcore conventions that give the subgenre its popularity, such as exhilarating melodies, thrashing verses and anthemic song structures, are negated in favour of meandering tracks that can’t decide whether they want to emulate the frantic power of Hatebreed or the patient space rock of Starset and Angels & Airwaves. With a greater understanding of what makes their individual musical ingredients succeed, Downpour may be able to excel in the future, but they’re starting off on flimsy footing.

FOR FANS OF: FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, BREAKING BENJAMIN, JASTA