IV: Constitution of Treason

As I have been a fan of Metal for several years, I have never heard anything like this before. Being categorize as a metalcore in most cases, God Forbid, is among the few New Wave of American Metal group to sound directly influence by old school metal. Their chugging sound, complex solos, creative drumming style and infectious thrashy riffs. Any metalheads who can't see tha, its either blind or a fool. Though there is a sufficient amount of hardcore mix in with it, still, they are metal enough to make any metalheads go headbang like a fucking demon.

Their fourth entry, "IV: Constitution of Treason", is probably one of their first steps into achieving an epic sound. Before their Earthsblood album which was released a month ago, this album was consider to be their most innovative album of the lot. It is also their first concept album and I must say my headbanging brothers, it is a great fit. The story tells a tragic story of mankind from rising from the ashes of a great Apocalypse to their rise again and reacting their same mistakes again and again which lead our people to their imminent downfall. In short, a theme that reflects on how our mankind were destined to fail and succeed and fail again in the process.

Now, lets check out their sound. My first impression was WOW. Seriously, with all the new stuff mix in, it made Gone Forever a picnic in comparison. The riffing on this album is unmistakable. Its highly infectious. As their trademark, almost every riff they play in their past are memorable. It sticks to your skin permanently. As you might know, the Doyle bros. are always and I mean always have a riff for you. No kidding, every song in their past albums, the brothers never seem to go stale or lack in creativity. Every riff they created is always fresh in sound. Get a load of "Better Days", "Broken Promises", "Washed Out World"," Gone Forever" etc. The solos are incredible. Almost remind me of those hard rock sweep the classic bands played and the melodies here are a killer! Every solo stands up on its own. The simliraties are very distinctive. Another added bonus to this, is the backing vocals from Dallas Coyle. What really distinct God Forbid from other Modern Pure Metal bands is the use of backing vocals.The melodic vocals that Dallas sang were incredible even though he sometimes go off tune. He clearly represents a more melodic side of the aggressive/melody type of metal bands that many now are known for. He even got the chance to sing parts that Byron doesn't have a part for it and the chorus. A norm but one of the rare ones who really sang with their heart out. Bass lines sounded ignore. But drum works here are really gut pounding. It never grew old. Byron's voice here has since been improved. Probably thanks to the training that Melissa Cross provided. He literally meant every word he wrote from the lyrics and he flesh it out really well. And to my surprise he can get really evil with his voice at some point in their songs. Eg. "End of The World", "Crucify Your Beliefs".

I've notice here at Metallum, some people gave mediocre ratings for this album. I think that proofs how underrated God Forbid were as I heard many people have always said they were very underrated. But anyway, I recommend this album for all those Metalheads out there who are clearly looking for something very fresh and never goes out of style and yet still keep their original sound intact.

Recommended songs: "End of The World", " Crucify Your Beliefs". "To The Fallen Heroes". " Under This Flag", " Welcome to The Apocalypse"

Even though they are one of the founders of the modern metal movement God Forbid have never really achived the commerical success their peers have. The inner turmoil that delayed 2004's "Gone Forever" caused the band to miss out on the big MTV2 Headbangers Ball explosion that catapulted bands like Lamb of God, Shadows Fall, Unearth, and Killswitch Enegage into the metal spoptlight.

Obviously not wanting to waste anymore time, God Forbid headed back into the studio in early 2005 and recorded an album that not only blows away their last release, but is also head and shoulders above any of the new releases from the bigger selling bands in their genre. Simply put "IV:Constitution of Treason" is an album that will be discovered, and loved by many young metal heads for years, and while its current slaes don't match that statement, it's hard to argue the sheer brillance, and talent of the compelling songwriting featured on this album.

A chilling concept album about the fall of civilization "Constitution of Treason is divided into 3 sections, "The Twilight of Civilization", "In The Darkest Hour There was One" and "Devolution". The music and lyrics in each chapter enhance the story with "The End of The World" and "Into The Wasteland" being skull crushingly heavy, destructive songs that would be the perfect soundtrack to the destruction of the world. While "The Fallen Hero" and "Welcome To The Apocolypse" are more melodic, reflecting songs that reflect the somber mood in the aftermath of the destruction. The album ends where it begins with the ferocity at a high as society destroys itsefl yet again.

The attention and detail that went into every song on the album is staggering. If more metal-core bands put this much effort into their songwriting perhaps it would be a more respected genre. While many metal bands are mimicking washed-up 80's acts, it's nice to see a band in God Forbid's position stick to their guns and deliever an album void of any trend hopping or sappy ballads. It's not often we get to witness such a display of songwriting, talent, and integrity. IV:Constitution of Treason is an instant classic that will stand the test of time and be talked about many years after metal-core collapses.

Continuing along the path set forth by their immensely popular previous effort “Gone Forever”, God Forbid delivers yet another compelling album that solidifies their position as one of the better metal outfits on the scene today. Production by Jason Suecof (Trivium) gives the music of God Forbid the punch that it deserves and the expert studio wizard also chips in axework on four tracks, including a ripping solo on “Into The Wasteland.”

The strongest track you'll find here is the highly tuneful, somewhat skull-bashing “Chains Of Humanity”, a song that binds Megadeth-style guitar riffing with an intensely melodic chorus that is extremely ear-catching. Byron Davis’ chants of “Strength Beyond Strength” during the songs bridge resonate with a commanding force, a call to arms for young metalheads to rise up against the injustices of the world. Um, sure.

God Forbid attacks with a bit of viscosity on “Divinity”, delivering a hell-hammering riff that pounds most other bands into the dirt as Davis lets loose with an unforgiving vocal onslaught. The crushing guitar tones that reside in songs like “To The Fallen Hero” and the album’s title track remain some of the heaviest tones to grace an album this year, courtesy of some of the best studio production that money can buy.

One question remains at the end of the record – Is the band’s bragging and the wall of hype that’s behind this album in the media completely justified?

Not really. While this band enjoys heaps of praise each time the advertising machines roll around, and certainly enjoy their share of fans, albums such as this simply will not be taking over the world any time soon. At least, we should hope not.

With their latest release IV: Constitution of Treason, God Forbid just may have released what is so far the album of their career.

This is a very catchy record. Nothing overly technical, but everything grooves and the listener doesn't get bored. Amazing vocal performances by Byron Davis help make it that much better.

The opening track "End of the World" is killer. Heavy riffs with groovy double bass drums and harsh vocals give it an intense feel that is just right for this style of music. The Coyle brothers are tight with their riffs and harmonies, giving a very "pro" feel to it all.

This is a concept album about the end of the world, and a messiah like saviour who is killed for sticking to his beliefs. A constitution is then created, which would be based on the treason commited by the offenders. This concept makes for very sound and logical lyrics. The themes flow very well from song to song, making the concept part of it a success. But this isn't your typical concept record in that the songs aren't necessarily trying to fit a certain mold or anything.

The first three tracks are definitely killer, all being very groovy and yet surprisingly heavy. "To the Fallen Hero" has a very anthemic like chorus that pushes one to sing along rather easily. Welcome to the Apocalypse is a slow and very depressing ballad that leads into what is arguably the best song on the record in the title track Constitution of Treason. This song has the right riffs at the right time and the attitude is all there from Davis on the vocal tracks.

The closer "Crucify your Beliefs" keeps going where the previous track left off and leaves you feeling content.

There are no super standout songs rather that the album is very balanced and always leaves you wanting more. The only weak point might be Dallas Coyle's vocals, which don't exactly match up with Davis' delivery very well.

A very solid record all in all.

I'd always been a fan of God Forbid, since I bought latest Shadows Fall CD last fall and got a Century Media sampler with Antihero on it with the CD. I really liked that song. It totally owned. It was catchy as hell. But I didn't read into them much, and it took me a couple months to get Gone Forever from my friend. It was a pretty cool CD, catchy, but it didn't really hit me very hard, and I listened to it every once in awhile. I also looked back into their catalog, and downloaded Determination, which was pretty badass, but I still preferred Gone Forever.

Then, I heard that this CD leaked. So I downloaded it, and listened, and it was pretty good. It wasn't as catchy as Gone Forever, but it was good. I figured I'd buy it, just because it was a concept album and I have a thing for concept albums. There was one nitpicky thing that really stood out for me though: in the liner notes, describing the storyline, they spell “dissent” “descent”. That made me cringe.

Fuck DualDisc, by the way.

Track 1, The End of the World: Not surprised by the slow, quiet intro that gradually gets louder and harder. It just seems predictable for a concept album. The riffs are pretty good; they make me want to headbang. Lyrics are decent; they fit with the storyline and effectively let me know that humanity's basically dying off. Byron's scream is cool. So is the harmonized solo (and the solo that takes off from it) about 3:50 into the song. In the breakdown, I appreciate the bass doing something besides just following the guitar, even if it is just a slide every now and then. 7/10

Track 2, Chains of Humanity: This song is pretty catchy, I think it could be the single (if it isn't already, that is). Solos are sexy. This song features Dallas' voice more, and it's decent. There are better clean vocalists in metal. Juicy breakdown. Very juicy. And what's this!? A pretty acoustic part!? Seems kind of random, but it doesn't kill the song. 7/10

Track 3, Into the Wasteland: I like the verse riff. Couldn't tell you why, but I like it. I think Jason Suecof (of Capharnaum/Crotchduster fame) does a solo here, and from what I heard on the DVD, I'm disappointed (at least if his solo is the first one). He could've done more. But it's ok. This song sounds like the last two. The lyrics seem to be describing the advent of a new society from the ashes of humanity's downfall... leading up to the second part of the Messiah figure I guess. This band has a penchant for harmonized solos. 6.5/10

Track 4, The Lonely Dead: Headbang-worthy riffs. Catchy lead about 1:15 in. That thing got stuck in my head. Not sure what purpose the lyrics serve here... I guess just mourning the previous apocalypse? More Dallas singing here, and his vocals are fine; they let Byron just scream certain words or phrases for emphasis. Pretty cool riff after the solo. Kind of disappointed they haven't thrown in that riff from 1:15 again. Hopefully it'll come back. And yes, it does indeed. Around 4:30 in. I am satisfied. The piano outro is pretty. Apparently it's played by Dallas and Doc's dad. Oh, those Coyles certainly are a musical family, aren't they? 7/10

Track 5, Divinity: I think this song is on their setlist for their headlining tour, and it is certainly worthy. It's sweet. Lead under the fourth stanza is good; they should've brought it up in the mix more. Octave chords seem to be aiming for an epic kind of feel... It doesn't totally work. Then there's a soft clean part with whispers and singing. It's decent. Then another harmony comes in. It's a good thing I love harmonies. Breakdown is pretty cool. I like the riff following it. And the outro breakdown is cool as well. 6.75/10

Track 6, Under This Flag: More of the same...punishing, pummeling riffs. The “chorus” (the only part repeated in the song) has a sexy breakdown. They should've taken it farther, though. Then it gets slower, and then a new riff is introduced. They probably couldn't think of a better transition, but it's ok. Byron's vocals are solid, as always. The next repetition of the “chorus” uses the breakdown longer (I think) and I am joyous. The slower part is also repeated, and my previous statement about just being a way to transition to the next riff is void. Then they have a solitary guitar on the right, along with low sung vocals, and we're in the slow, eerie part with lots of tension and rung notes. And then we go to the massive guitars and screaming. Predictable, but it always works on me. Theres a lot of repetition in this song. 7/10

Track 7, To the Fallen Hero: Nice intro. I like the rolling drums. Verse is appropriately aggressive. The chorus seems to be kind of flat; I expected more massiveness. However, it's still awesome, and it gets in my head. I like the meandering guitars throughout. The bridge is pretty sweet, too. The solo is nice. I like the buildup to the breakdown and the breakdown itself, as well as the lead in it. After the twinkly part, the chorus is given its due; the massiveness is extremely apparent. That part makes it one of my favorite songs on this album. 8/10

Track 8, Welcome to the Apocalypse (Preamble): Reminds me somewhat of “Lost in Hollywood” off of the new SOAD album. In fact, the vocals sound a smidge like Daron, too. It's a break from the brutality, setting us up for what is supposed to be the climax of the album. The lyrics seem to describe the inevitable downfall of the new society, and as an ever-so-subtle hint, they include a couple sentences from the Constitution, if we didn't know this album was political already from the CD cover (Statue of Liberty's hand falling off) and title. 6/10

Track 9, Constitution of Treason: Here's where the lambasting truly begins. Byron points fingers at the government and at society. I'm not too sure whether he's saying that the US Constitution was a failure from its inception (to me it seems to be a pretty damn solid way to form a democratic republic), but regardless he thinks the US has lost its way, and makes that very apparent (especially with his repetition of “lies”). The music is good; they up the ante on br00tality and there is not a clean part to be seen. I like the drums in the bridge (right before the breakdown). I like the palm-muted riff after the breakdown. Byron lets us know we're living in lies again, and the song ends. 7.5/10

Track 10, Crucify Your Beliefs: Kickass title, in my opinion. You can tell it's supposed to be epic by the clean intro that is started by one guitar, and gradually all the instruments join in. It sounds like they're using the Gypsy scale for it; that scale brings all kinds of awesomeness. Then they bring in a sweet riff, and half-return to the Gypsy scale before heading back into riff punishment. I love those palm-muted triplet 16th things... (like 16ths in threes). I can't explain it very well. But they're awesome. The lyrics are aggressive, and seem to be sneering at society, telling us to “Crucify [our] beliefs for the great contradiction” and to crucify our beliefs “to save [our] own skin”. Then it mocks the religious influence in our government “A bullet and a Bible is all we need” and the song goes into quiet piano outro with some atmospheric sounds and noises, like an epic closer should. Follows the rules to a T, but it's still badass. 8/10.

All in all, this album is damn good; my eleven bucks were well spent. It won't make a believer out of you, and it won't change your world, but it's in my top 20 for the year. Plus, the DVD is pretty good (though I don't understand why they left out the bass recording). The songs are all pretty much even, there's no real weak link, but there's nothing that will blow your mind either. So buy it, like it, listen to it, it's good.

DualDisc sucks.