Reviewed by Christian Cunningham

Another of Facedown Record's "family", Colorado Springs- based Altars are a hardcore/metalcore band of the down-tuned, bass breakdown variety, a la A Plea For Purging and August Burns Red. What is not in doubt is that Altars can make a fantastic sound, evidenced on tracks like "Lower" with its stop-start chugging and staccato riffing, or on "Scum" which, to me, is the album's standout track. The disappointment is that these highs are not consistently attained and sometimes 'Conclusions' descends into decidedly average riffing. With today's crop of so many excellent metalcore bands, such predictability is not a recipe for success. When Altars do hit their stride though, they favour crushingly heavy breeze block riffing that creates a stifling atmosphere. This release hints at a band capable of a truly excellent album. Clearly the potential is there. It just has not been realised yet. That can, of course, be forgiven as this is Altars' debut.

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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