Focus Reviews

Dead Man In Reno - Dead Man In Reno
Style: Metalcore
Running Time: 43 Minutes and 30 Seconds
Label: http://www.candlelightrecords.co.uk/


While I can't exactly base my thoughts of an album around a title or even a name of a band, I can usually tell what something is going to be before i put it in. With Dead Man In Reno's debut self-titled album on Candlelight Records, I was skeptical that what I was about to hear was a metalcore blunder of an album. Thankfully to my surprise what I heard over the next 45 minutes of playing time was a welcome, refreshing and hopeful listening experience.

Metalcore is synonymous these days with great production and not so fantastic playing ability anymore. Dead Man In Reno aim to take that last little note out of the equation and replace it with fine arrangements and great musicianship all around. While everyone and their cousin continue to play out the painfully old Swedish metal of 'Slaughter Of The Soul'-era At The Gates, Dead Man In Reno choose to, instead, pull away in not so typical American metalcore fashion. While they do indeed rely on the double Swede guitar melodies to pull through the majority of their album the way they do it seems more mature than the standard. Opting more of a breakdown heavy album doesn't usually play out well for most bands, but every time you think that Dead Man In Reno is done for, they seem to whip out something from their bag of guitar tricks. Solos, interweaving melodies intricately played with style and what seems to be ease for guitarists Chris Penuel and Stuart Ogran.

However, like most metalcore bands, for one reason or another Dead Man In Reno sends you into a panicking moment of 'what the hell'-esque feelings with the song 'Given A Season Of Sun'. The brief instrumentally sappy feeling of this song is quickly shoved aside as 'Goodbye Tommorow, Hello Dead Letters' technical performance rears its head and you are treated to what it is Dead Man In Reno does best that sets themselves apart from the entire pack of metalcore drones. The five songs thereafter are hit or miss unfortunately. While the 8 minute long 'Cursed' is a refreshing piece of musical achievement, incorporating an orchestrated arrangement throughout its middle and nearing end bursting into solo performances that leave your jaw on the floor. The remaining two tracks leave something to be desired and almost kill the albums momentum in terms of energy and ingenious playing ability, instead of using more technically proficient styling Dead Man In Reno take us into territory we know, clean vocals thrown about and typical guitar-work.

When it's all said and done though Dead Man In Reno's self-titled album has honestly pushed them to the front running for metalcore for this year. Nearly every aspect of this album leaves you wanting more from this band, and the next album is sure to be more precise and outstanding.

Score: 7.5/10