Alexisonfire

“Crisis” (Vagrant Records)

Compare to: old Thrice, From Autumn to Ashes

REVIEW: 3.5/5

In short: The Canadian quintet crafts a passionate, driving follow up to its breakthrough 2004 full-length “Watch Out!” without selling out to the masses.

With major labels nipping at its heels after the success of the band’s first two releases, it seemed Alexisonfire was poised to go the way of fellow screamers Thrice and Avenged Sevenfold in numbing its ferocious sound for mainstream appeal. Fortunately, with “Crisis” there would be no such concessions in continuing the brutal barrage of throat-shredding screams and anthem-like melodies that Alexisonfire does best.

With an arsenal of three equally capable singers, Alexisonfire maintains a consistent flow throughout without rehashing the same formula for every song.

The slithering guitar leads of Wade MacNeal build climactic crescendos that seem endless.

The problem with “Crisis” is, that like a luscious chocolate cream cheesecake, too much will make you sick. The layers of rich instrumentation and dramatic vocals, which at first are pleasing, begin to seem excessive after a while.

For those who can stomach 42 minutes of musical cheesecake, “Crisis” should prove delectable. For the rest of us, it would be best served in smaller portions – and maybe with a bit less screaming.

– Tyler Barrett