Wovenwar – “Wovenwar” [Album Review]

If you’re a metal fan then you’re undoubtedly aware of how Wovenwar came into existence. So, after the collapse of metalcore heavyweights As I Lay Dying due to the incarceration of vocalist Tim Lambesis, all eyes are on the core of the band to see how their new group featuring lead vocals from Oh, Sleeper’s Shane Blay shapes up. Well, having already heard the cleaner tones of lead single “All Rise”, where the band cast off their past, it’s safe to say the new album delivers on the promise the opening track hinted at.

Wovenwar is a massive-sounding record in every sense. From the soaring, defiant “All Rise” to the more thumping metalcore chops of “Tempest” and “The Mason” to the haunting, emotional sounds of “Father/Son”, this album appears to be the sound of a band casting off their shackles and really showing the world what they can do. Of course, part of that is down to their superb choice of frontman in Blay. Handling both the epic material and the more metallic side of the band with consummate ease, Blay really is the finishing piece to this jigsaw. Delivering a more polished, cleaner style than that of the imposing frontman he took over from, Blay’s vocals add that final ingredient to this musical pie and the end result, as displayed on tracks like the pounding “Profane”, is simply mouthwatering.

At thirteen tracks (plus intro/outro) you could argue that trimming a couple of songs off Wovenwar might be a plan but, as the album finishes as strongly it starts with the double metalcore whammy of “Identity” and “Matter Of Time” before closing up with the epic “Prophets”, you’ll quickly find yourself hitting the replay button before settling back to immerse yourself in this immense record all over again.

Track Listing:

01. Foreword
02. All Rise
03. Death To Rights
04. Tempest
05. The Mason
06. Moving Up
07. Sight Of Shore
08. Father Son
09. Profane
10. Archers
11. Ruined Ends
12. Identity
13. Matter Of Time
14. Prophets
15. Onward

Run Time: 54:23
Release Date: August 5, 2014

Check out the song “All Rise”