Album Review: The Human Abstract - 'Midheaven'

You have to

give it to The Human Abstract, Nocturne (the first full length release

and the album prior to Midheaven) was released at a time when metalcore

was thriving and solos and guitar sweeps were a foreign concept in mainstream

metal (apart from the mighty BTBAM mind you). They have now developed

a decent fan base and are currently on a tour with the mighty Metallica

cover band Trivium in the states. 

So, let’s

review the checklist for the sophomore release Midheaven: Sweet packaging,

obscure picture inlays included, fantastic production and an extremely

talented bunch of gentlemen who excel at what they do.  Now, one

would think that with the above listed and checked off and confirmed

Midheaven should prove to be a pretty mint CD, a resounding wrong should

be echoing through your brain at this very moment.   While

the stage may be set for Midheaven to be a fantastic release, unfortunately

there is definitely something amiss which would mark any improvement

on its predecessor. 

The album

opens with A Violent Strike, which shows off some of the more

prominent solos of the album but is far too drawn out,  which

appears to be a reoccurring theme plaguing Midheaven at every turn.  Procession of the Fates picks up pace and finally provides a much

needed kick in the arse with a slow intro leading into some solid sweep

picking and double kick.  Breathing life into devices has an enjoyable and catchy chorus given the chance but still suffers

from the same overdone vocal lines which weigh Midheaven down substantially.   

The highlight

of Midheaven rears its head at track five titled Metanoia. 

The clean vocals sit back in mix well (at last) and has a stand out

breakdown that highlights both guitarists ability to have a fresh shred

given the chance.  It’s a shame the pace cannot be carried through

to finish of the album and after this point it becomes quite a chore

to distinguish one song from another.   

It’s hard

not to be annoyed with the sophomore release from the human abstract. 

It’s nowhere near as captivating as its predecessor Nocturne and at

times had me wonder what went wrong.  But at the end of the day

at least it’s not the new Bury Your Dead album.

01. A Violent Strike 

02. Procession Of The Fates 

03. Breathing Life Into Devices 

04. This World Is A Tomb 

05. Metanoia 

06. The Path 

07. Echoes Of The Spirit 

08. Cal