Beyond Dishonor – Signs of a Struggle EP

Jeff brought this CD to the show back in Episode 6: I Want a Beer. We didn’t play it on the show, but Jeff’s quick review was that it was metalcore and the vocals sounded like a mongoloid. So, I took the package and said I’d do a proper review. Firstly, the envelope it came in has a well-executed graphic of a “BD” and the great state of New Jersey (I like presentation, it goes a long way!) Inside is a DVD case, which is also well designed, but a little misleading, because there is no DVD in the case, just two CDs. I think it should’ve been a CD case instead of the DVD for this reason. You can do a lot of things with a CD package to make it stand out and have it still be recognized as a CD.

Onto the music! I think I liked this a little more than Jeff. The music is heavy, has some groove and very well produced. The big issue that Jeff has, and I’m not completely against his thoughts here, are the vocals. Most of it is what you expect from metalcore, growls and screams. There are brief moments when you hear the singer Reese Dunlap sing. The singing actually reminds me a little bit of Corey Taylor from Slipknot. I wish the percent of growling to singing were reversed. That would help make Beyond Dishonor a more memorable band. For me, I like to know what the song is about (or at least a general idea). With vocals that sound so intense at every second of every song and without being able to discern the words, it looses some of the connection with the audience. I know that Jeff and Angus don’t really care about the words or vocals or butterflies or other mind-numbing wonders, but some of their disconnect might be that the vocals here are what you expect.

So, for Beyond Dishonor, I’d like to hear the next recording show a little more diversity in the vocals. Anyone that is into metalcore should check these very talented guys out, but for anyone else I don’t know how much they would enjoy it.

Sorry it took so long to post this review, but I was caught up in my antique smashing business. I always enjoy going to antiques stores and breaking as much old crap as I can before the authorities get there, but it can become overwhelming if you don’t stay on top of it. PEACE!

www.beyonddishonor.com

www.myspace.com/beyonddishonor