Codeseven

Division of Labor (TMC)
by Tim Den

As the album title suggested, what we have here is a (smart) band that realized its ambitious songwriting could only be actualized if each member shared duties equally, competent in their individual fields… even if it meant having two vocalists. Unlike other outfits who do the screaming-then-singing routine (I won’t name any names because it’s at least a respectable effort toward breaking precedents), Codeseven realize that, in order to pull off the artsy metalcore/screamo hybrid without sounding awkward, they need equal parts brutality and melody. And unlike other bands who force their ogre singer to croon like a (tone) deaf child, Codeseven know they need two frontmen. In the process, Codeseven broke another precedent. Two singers? I hope people pick up on that detail. Or at least realize, “Shit, my hardcore singer sounds like a punctured trumpet in comparison.”

Recorded by Kurt Ballou of Converge, Codeseven draws on everything from Far to Indecision, Sons Of Abraham to Converge (duh). It’s hectic, multi-layered, but never forgets the melodic bridges. Some of the singing is a bit Middle Eastern flavored, which warps the songs even more. Nice. The production is clean, heavy, and very live, a sign saying “We’re even better on stage!” This disc will be a great investment for all who still believe in the future of metalcore.
(106 West 32nd St. New York, NY 10001)