The music industry has evolved into a large
amorphous blob of cookie cutter bands screaming their stagnant messages and
over played tunes. Now, more than
ever, it is imperative for bands to break themselves off the ravenous mass, and
Escape the Fate has stood out
as one of those bands with their new album
Issues. With their metalcore fusion of lyrics and music, they send
listeners through different emotional lands. Even though themes teeter on the side of dark melodrama, they’ve
put together a CD with a lot to offer.

One of the most riveting effects
of this album isEscape the Fate’s ability
to manipulate the senses through music. 
In songs like “Lost in the Darkness,” the band develops a
provocative setting with their fleshy dark sound. In the beginning of the song, monstrous gurgles can be heard
in the background and techno tones make you feel like Jabba da Hutt from Star
wars has just thrown you into a pit were his hungry monster waits. The sense of helplessness is then
carried along with the lyrics as well when lead vocalist,Craig Mabbitt, sings in a melancholy voice, “Crying out in
pain but no one knows how to reach you / you’re lost in darkness.” They put you in a really treacherous
place where you are alone and frustrated, it was just amazing what they did
with the music.

Escape the Fate out did themselves with the darkly riveting
song, “City of Sin.” Gloomy hums dominate
the beginning. Then vocals meet face to face with the music. “Come on, come on shake your money
maker,” is the first phrase you hear jumpstarting the song to a new tone. Quickly this song builds up with edgy
beats and a shredding guitar riffs that makes you want to
get down and dirty. Before you
know it they are singing “welcome to the city of sin.” The song
harbors so much energy you feel like you are in the midst of a rave where you
can get away with anything. This song would be amazing to experience at a show.

Despite the emotional quality of most of
their songs there is one area Escape the Fate could have disappointed some
listeners. Many of their songs had
slightly melodramatic themes which were draining after a while. Tracks such as
“Zombie Dance,” were hot metal guitar opens to a grungy beat has an almost
ritualistic affect on listeners. 
The progressions are sticky and rough, an effect that breaks down the
essence of the song and creates a pacing that makes you move to the music like
your dancing around a tribal flame, but was littered with sappy messages like,
“Girl every time we touch you know you got me on pins and needles.” This
bittersweet dimension beats you down after a while. You don’t always want to
wallow in deep, moody darkness all the time.

Escape the Fate is a prime
example of setting yourself apart from the pack. They have successfully accomplished what a lot of other metalcore
bands haven’t, and that’s making good quality music. Effectively, they use their sound to convey strong human emotions,
but more could be developed than just sad themes and dark tone. In the end,Escape the Fate’s album Issues is worth the buy if you are
looking into thrifty and inciting bands of the hardcore metal scene, and they
would definitely be worth the time to go see in concert no matter where your allegiance
lies, but there is more to be done if this band ever wants to be a truly epic
band.

3.5 stars