So, as the first track began with the roaring growls of Chris Whites voice, the Metalcore sound of ‘Erase the Mind’, blasted out. The opener has some good riff-chugging in the essence of Pantera and the breakdowns will shake your speakers. The same can be said for the second track ‘Constructing the Demon’, which, guitar-wise isn’t too dissimilar from Bullet For My Valentine. Surprisingly, your ears are given a break from the angst as the melodic, clean sound of ‘The Addictions Dirge part 1’ rings out, showing that there is more to these guys than just aggressive, progressive metal and if they can get this balance right then maybe they could really be onto something.

The album does start as it means to go on and is a very strong effort from Coerced Into Battle. Tracks ‘Enemy Mine’, ‘Fall in Line’ and ‘Buried in Desolation’ continue in the same theme with pounding drums, blistering riffs and growling vocals. The only thing that is really missing is a guitar solo or two, which would have transcended some of the songs from one another, and added another dimension to the album as a whole.

The good thing about this album is that the song lengths don’t ever hit the 5 minute mark and are mostly under 3 minutes. Albeit unusual for a band like this, but proves quite a refreshing take from the over-indulgence received from some metal albums, especially when it’s not needed. However, ‘The Addictions Dirge’ parts 1 and 2 would have made an epic song if put together, instead of, for some benign reason, being split into two parts - an opportunity missed to show their technicality as musicians and what they really can do.

Towards the end of the album it does begin to fade a little and it feels as if you’ve heard the majority of the last two songs earlier on the album. Songs such as ‘The Addictions Dirge’ could be deemed no more than filler. Nevertheless, I would definitely recommend tracks, ‘Enemy Mine’, ‘Buried in Desolation’ and ‘Constructing A Demon’ as essential listening.

Overall, the whole album harks back to the 80’s Bay Area Metal scene with the likes of Exodus et al, which is ultimately their downfall. Although, the album is well produced and every chugging note, riff and lick is audible. The band don’t push the boundaries far, other than sounding just that little bit heavier than their predecessors; there’s nothing really new that comes from the album.

Personally, I really liked the songs and music, except for the singing. Growling just isn’t my thing. Nevertheless, if you’re one of those that like to feel pure fear, rawness and death pulsing through their veins with every roar then this is certainly for you, however, those of a nervous disposition should probably not listen.