Reviewed by Graeme Crawford

The second album from Greensboro, North Carolina's metal/hardcore warriors sees them in uncompromising form. Driven by the thunderously intricate drumming of Phil Chamberlain (yes, his brother is Spencer from Underoath), the band unleash a vicious aural assault on the listener. Dirty, intense, often frantic guitars provide the backdrop to the harrowing bellow of new frontman William "Gage" Speas and the melodic vocals of guitarist Corey Doran. Speas' lyrics are deeply personal, covering subjects such as his parent's divorce ("Hivemind", "Oregon"), failed relationships ("Vertigo") and the death of his grandfather ("Dialysis Dreams"). The final track, "Rearview Memories" is one of the most gutwrenchingly emotional and difficult-to-listen-to tracks I have ever heard. It describes the emotions surrounding the suicide of the father of guest artist Levi The Poet and his sister Bree. It also shows a different side to the band in terms of the instrumentation with the stark piano and the electronic elements. This does provide a welcome distraction as the tracks do get a little blurred at times, and the vocals especially are somewhat limited in their range and scope. Another guest on the album is Micah Kinard from Oh, Sleeper, on "Stand Alone Complex". Overall, To Speak Of Wolves are a powerful and emotive band.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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