At All Cost Circle of Demons

Circle of Demons, At All Cost's debut for Century Media, causes enough stirring in my head to warrant the writing of a review, which is a genuine rarity for me. It's not because the band has created some untouchable and brilliant gem of a record - moreso they've unearthed a few rare stones that you don't get the chance to see very often. Utilizing elements of aggressive thrash, catchy melodies, and poppy choruses, At All Cost pairs these characteristics with an experimental approach - something that works both for and against their songwriting methods. Going straight for the throat, the title track begins the album with snarling vocals and a thrashy verse before a groovy part appropriately leads into a heavy chorus backed by clean vocals. While it's easily the angriest sounding song on the CD, thick-toned keyboards and a sweeping guitar part segue into the next track, "Get Down for the Revolution". Providing a preliminary glimpse into their unique style, the growled vocals progress into an anthemic chorus consisting of processed clean-singing. After a slightly altered verse and another chorus, the song drops into a quiet passage before launching into a full and almost atmospheric ending. Every track on the record stands on its own hind-legs and remains memorable in one way or another. Whether it's highly singable songs like "The Message", or gritty and unabashedly angry like "Let It Rain Death," not a single track is worth skipping over. As with anything, there are portions that stand out above others, like the transition between the violent thrashing verse and powerful chorus of "Ride Through The Storm," or the theatric cello on "We Won't Give In." Through a number of quality songs, the CD peaks on "Eating Lightning (Pt. 3)," a song which features roaring verses backed by a layer of sweetly sung falsetto and 60's psychedelic organ, a galloping rhythm, and a chorus reminiscent of Faith No More. The track eventually breaks apart into a quirky spaced-out vocorder and feedback laden segment before unleashing a highly enjoyable arpeggio, more screaming, and softly sung backing melody. It should be mentioned that it's obvious by the amount of variation that there are a lot of different influences at play on Circle of Demons. This works in their favor to shake up what could be monotonous, but also works against them as a lot of listeners who seek consistency might be put off by the changes. There are beautiful acoustic interludes, synthesizer effects, intelligent and actually audible basslines, and great harmonies both within the vocal lines and guitar parts. Miraculously, the music always remains intelligent and talented and avoids coming across as silly or overly playful. Bottom Line: At All Cost haven't created a flawless record. Certain areas are hidden and under-produced, while others sound distinctly out of place. Not to mention the fact that their sound will alienate anyone too set in their ways. There truthfully isn't a market for At All Cost; too structured and conventionally heavy (at times) to break into the mall-metal world, but too palatable for the rest. However, for those with patience and an open mind, this is a great opportunity to hear something different and at times, remarkable.