Altars - Conclusions

There was something special about Altars debut ep Opposition. It was metalcore with a european twist that wasn't really anything new but it was fresh to a scene full of copycats and sound-a-likes. The band's new full-length, and Facedown debut, Conclusions, doesn't carry over those european elements.

Conclusion is still a killer record. Altars proves themselves to be one of the best new bands in heavy music with Conclusions.

In place of the great harmonic guitar riffs that Opposition had are more melodic guitar riffs. And while it's a turn that the hardcore scene has been taking over the last couple of years (how many melodic hardcore records have I reviewed this year?) but Altars does it better. The band is heavy though and though and when I say that the melodic riffs replaced the harmonic riffs, that's exactly what I mean. Altars didn't soften or bring ballads into their sound. They just changed their riff writing a little.

The instrumental piece, Portlen, is the only misstep on the record. It doesn't serve much purpose and the record has enough movement and breaks in the songs that needing and instrumental piece to create a rest isn't really necessary. Even Realizations, the albums other instrumental piece, serves as a bridge into the album's title and final track, Conclusions.

From top to bottom, Conclusions is an excellent record (Ya know.... Minus that one song). Opposition was a great introduction and Conclusions is Altars letting the world know they're here and they mean business. This is not a record to miss.