As We Fight Black Nails And Bloody Wrists

Since I have been writing reviews for Lambgoat, I have noticed it is becoming increasingly difficult to find words for mediocre bands. I feel that I can sum up albums with two sentences. However, it is my love for the dedicated Lambgoat readers, that I will attempt to translate audio-mediocrity into words. After at least ten listens to “Black Nails and Bloody Wrists,” I am still completely unmoved. There isn’t much going on here that hasn’t been done to death. But rather than going on and on about what is boring about this album, I’m going to try and focus on the positive points that As We Fight has. In general, AWF plays a hybrid of metal/hardcore that is not unlike bands like Bleeding Through and Dead to Fall. There is an even distribution between the metal and the mosh. However, As We Fight has a more melodic sound, and the keyboards are minimal and apparently are only used in the studio. Every song is heavy on the double-bass kick and big breakdowns. There are two vocalists in this band, but I’m not sure why. Either these two guys sound very similar, or one of them isn’t very involved. There are some great death metal growls, which aren’t used enough in my opinion, and might be the work of the second vocalist. It’s hard for me to tell. I do enjoy the melodic side of this band, and it is because of the guitar work. The most intricate fretwork happens to belong to the melody of these songs. It’s slightly interesting, but nothing outstanding. I think these guys have mixed it up well throughout this album, because the energy isn’t just reserved for the breakdowns. The overall feel of this record is very energetic and probably results in a great live experience. The production of “Black Nails and Bloody Wrists” is outstanding, and I’m noticing more and more bands from Europe are releasing wonderfully produced albums. There is nothing special or new, as far as the production goes, but everything sounds extremely powerful and balanced. Bottom Line: When it comes down to it, As We Fight gets lost in the throngs of European metal/hardcore bands. The touches of keyboard-produced atmosphere, and death metal vocals, give this band a very slight difference, but more and more metal/hardcore bands are incorporating these elements. So who knows how much this album will stick out. I’m sure in Denmark this band is huge, but I just can’t figure out how anyone will distinguish these guys from any other band. This is another completely down-the-middle hardcore album.