Review: THREAT SIGNAL – “Vigilance”

Threat Signal - Vigilance
released September 8, 2009 on Nuclear Blast

What’s that? A metalcore album that sounds fresh? Yes, my friends, that is what you have found in Threat Signal’s sophomore effort, Vigilance. It is not innovative by any means, though it also does not sound like your typical album in said genre. The vocals are kind of like what you might find if M. Shadows (Avenged Sevenfold) and Phil Anselmo (Pantera, Down, Superjoint Ritual) melded their styles. Basically, what I am trying to say is that it sounds like a whinier version of Phillip.

The most intriguing part of this album lies in the breakdowns. Most people can probably think of a few breakdown rhythms that get recycled from band to band with minor changes. The only way I can describe the ones you will find on this album would be as progressive. They confuse the hell out of me. It’s not a weird time signature or polyrhythm or anything, they just are so syncopated and unpredictable that it messes with your head.

Overall, this would rank as my favorite metalcore album of the year. The occasional oddball (the opening riff of 10 sounds like ZZ Top) that gets thrown in makes it fun and interesting. If you are looking for a break from All that Remains and Shadows Fall, give a listen to Threat Signal. It is a nice differentiation from the norm.

FCC OK
Try 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12

01. Afterlife
02. Through My Eyes
03. The Beginning of the End
04. United We Stand
05. Beyond Recognition
06. Another Source of Light
07. Hate Machine
08. Severed
09. Lost
10. Revision
11. In Repair
12. Escape from Reality
13. To Remember

Rating: