STYLE: Hard Music RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 104183- LABEL: Facedown FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1 RELEASE DATE: 2011-02-01
Reviewed by Peter John Willoughby
Facedown founder Jason Dunn stated, "I always say that I don't think Facedown Records would be around today without Overcome. They were the cornerstone of the label in its early years and teaming up with them instantly put our name out there for hardcore fans worldwide, both Christian and non. It's an honour to be able to still work alongside these guys and to be able to release the new album as Facedown number 100. I could not have dreamed of a more appropriate release for this landmark in the label's history." Initially Overcome were signed to Tooth & Nail Records and released 'Blessed Are The Persecuted' (1996) and 'When Beauty Dies' (1997). Then they joined Facedown and released 'Immortal Until Their Work Is Done' (1999). The band split up in 2000, but re-united for Facedown Fest 2003. Afterwards three of them formed a death metal band called Indwelling and released their only album 'And My Eye Shall Weep' (2003). Fast forward to 2010 and Jason Stinson has revived the band for 'The Great Campaign Of Sabotage'. Thomas Washington is the new vocalist and rarely strays from raspy screams, whilst Jarrod Norris emits the lower growls. The standout "Profession" has time changes aplenty with "This song is my profession/These words you hear are mine/This life is not my own life/This is my heart's resign". The epic "Campaign Of Sabotage" has a large melodic section where a lengthy quote from "Mere Christianity" by C S Lewis is whispered so that it is barely audible above the gently chiming guitar. I feel it is worth mentioning that three tracks have been previously recorded and are re-worked here. This does make me wonder whether the band was short of new material. Therein lies its strengths and weaknesses; either you are going to enjoy the classic hardcore or rather you will be wanting to hear something fresh.
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