Album Review: Shipwreck a.d. - 'Abyss'

Since releasing a 7 inch on the

prestigious Deathwish label in 2006, Shipwreck has become

one of the most talked about bands in modern hardcore. Due to the amount

of hype surrounding the group I opted to ignore them and didn’t give

them a proper listen until I received a copy of their recent full length, Abyss. Having played the album countless times I cannot for the

life of me work out why Shipwreck are held in such high regard. Sure, there are some impressive moments

on display however these are heavily outnumbered by mediocre riffs and

uninspiring songs. 

Shipwreck’s bio claims

that they are “driven by their contempt for humanity and true hatred

for mankind”, and while that may look good on a press sheet I was

expecting something far more aggressive to come out of the speakers

when I pressed play on Abyss for the first time. That’s not to say that the album lacks merit,

but I feel the band’s thoughtful lyrics and the conceptual approach

to their artwork and song titles could have made more of an impact if

the music had been up to par. 

For all my criticisms “Squall”

is an amazing song. The slow amble of the drums creates a mood that

many bands would struggle to re-create while the harder edged guitar

work is surprisingly cliché free… not to mention the inclusion of

the album’s most poignant lyric: “Find me a reason, to not sink

in these waves”. Call it want you want but the passionate delivery

makes this a standout moment. 

Before I knew it the record had

already made its way to the fourth track and no, it wasn’t because

I was talking shit on the forum. The reason being that both “Nereus”

and “Samur” share exactly the same problem… they are both boring.

It’s as simple as that. Shipwreck demonstrate a willingness

to break free from the restrictions of the hardcore songwriting rulebook

but just as I think I might hear something slightly original the band

falls back into its comfort zone. Here, I’ll show you the formula: 

Slow, drawn out intro (with more

than a hint of Slayer worship) + repetitive down stroked riffs

+ the same vocal patterns on at least eight of the songs = Shipwreck. 

I’m not trying to be an arsehole

here (because I really wanted to like this band as I’m a sucker for

impressive artwork and lyrics) but of the eleven songs on Abyss

only four of them caught my attention. “Beached” has some promising

moments but it’s another song that starts well and ends poorly. The

aggressive guitars and drums of “Helix” make for a welcome change

as it’s the first track that really moves past an amble, the creative

riffs throughout the song’s mid section saving it from the same fate

as the rest of its comrades.  

With the band rumoured to be touring

our shores later this year I hope that their live show can prove me

wrong.

1. Squall
2. Nereus
3. Samur
4. Beached
5. Helix
6. Miasma
7. Lotus
8. Erebos
9. Thaw
10. Ascent
11. Zenith