With Survival, the Dutch band’s metalcore sound is fully intact. They change things up from fast and brutal to mid tempo and groovy. The aggression never abates, but neither do the catchy riffs. The dual guitars of Karl Fieldhouse and Dominik Stammen run the gamut from simple fills to fast thrashy riffs to creative solos.
Franssen’s vocal style is more hardcore than metal. The lyrics on Survival are very politically conscious, so it fits very well. The choruses are punctuated with gang vocals, and of course breakdowns are frequent and crushing.
There are some very well-written songs on the CD. Some of the standouts are “Sons Of A Dying World,” which combines great hooks and plenty of aggression, and “Zeitgeist,” a relentless and potent song that eases into a catchy groove. Born From Pain’s music remains rock solid, and the hardcore influences of Franssen adds even more punch to Survival.
(released November 11, 2008 on Metal Blade Records)
