Saving Vice has the potential to reinvigorate your interest in metalcore with their unique blend of gothic and symphonic elements. One of the standout features of this album is the prominent use of synths, which help create a dark, eerie atmosphere that adds a layer of depth and intrigue to the overall sound. The synths’ presence throughout the album brings a haunting, almost cinematic quality that sets this band apart from many of their peers in the genre.
Tyler’s vocals are another significant aspect of the album. He showcases a wide range, from raw, powerful screams that deliver intensity, to softer moments that almost border on melodic. While his talent is undeniable, there are moments when the vocal choices feel a bit mismatched with the rest of the composition. Some transitions between vocal styles seem forced, and in certain parts of the album, his delivery doesn’t fully capture the energy or emotion the track requires. Despite this, there are still strong moments where his performance truly shines.
The guitars, while competent, sometimes lean into more familiar metalcore territory. They’re not necessarily groundbreaking, but every now and then, they break away from the norm with some fun riffs and clever licks. These moments show that the band has the potential to craft something more unique if they explore different avenues within their sound. However, for the most part, the riffs can feel generic and don’t always push the boundaries of what’s expected within the genre.
The bass, unfortunately, is often buried in the mix, making it difficult to fully appreciate its contributions to the overall sound. That being said, there are brief moments where the bass manages to shine through, offering some much-needed weight to the music. When it’s present, it adds a solid foundation to the tracks, but it could definitely benefit from more prominence in the mix.
Perhaps the weakest link on this album is the drums, although it feels like the real issue lies in the mixing rather than the performance of the drummer. The drums are often overshadowed by the other instruments, and the presence of the china cymbals is notably missing in most songs. This creates a somewhat flat and unbalanced feel in places, which detracts from the energy the band is clearly trying to convey. The production, while decent, could use some tweaking to bring out the drums more effectively and achieve a more dynamic, full sound.
While Saving Vice has a lot of potential, some of the tracks do drag down the overall experience. Certain songs feel like the band is still in the process of finding their distinct sound, experimenting with different elements without fully committing to a cohesive direction. There’s a lot of promise here, and if they refine their mix and explore new ways to balance the various elements of their music, Saving Vice could develop into a truly standout force in the gothic, symphonic metalcore scene.
RATING: 7/10
NOTIABLE TRACKS:
Endgame
Echoes From The Gutter