Reviews

I was originally going to give this record 1 lonely star.  Its blatant departure from FBTMOF’s old material was such cause for alarm with me.  I was expecting one of the hardest albums of the decade to make its way to me, but instead I got something very far from what I was hoping.
 
At first listen, some, including myself would say that this isn’t Fear Before The March Of Flames.  And it isn’t.  At first it sounds like cry for attention amongst other metalcore acts.  But upon 2nd and 3rd listen it gets better and better, and you realize that Fear Before the March of Flames are redefining themselves as well as the genres that describe them. 
 
While the screaming has died down a great deal on “The Always Open Mouth”, the craftsmanship and versatility have grown up and matured faster than ever before, and that in and of itself deserves more than one star.  Each composure speaks in a different voice (not literally).  Some of the Fear Before’s trademarks remain intact, such as intricate guitar lines and vocal trade-offs, and these traditions that the band has made for themselves have improved much faster than most bands could hope for.  Any “Art Damage” worshippers may have mixed feelings about this record, but fans of Isis, Seemless, and possibly Cursive will have nosebleeds of joy while they listen to this record and their basements and do their drugs.
 
It is my firmest of beliefs that this album is going to make a lot of harder acts jealous that they didn’t write “The Always Open Mouth” first.  And to all you up and coming hardcore poseurs out there, take notes, and give Fear Before The March of Flames the credit that they are due, by ripping off their sound, and causing them, yet again, to redefine themselves.