Grayceon - All We Destroy

The West Coast metal scene as a whole, has been a rather eclectic mix of styles that for reasons unknown, work well even with the “throw things on the wall and see what sticks” approach.  The latest band to gain recognition is San Francisco’s Grayceon, who count an electric cellist among their ranks.  Those unfamiliar with Grayceon’s style of music would be well served to begin with their latest album All We Destroy, which already has album of the year contender written all over it.

In listening to All We Destroy, one of the first things that grabs the listener and doesn’t let go is the emotion that emanates from the band’s sound, where much of the credit goes to electric cellist/vocalist Jackie Perez Gratz.  Though much of the music is centered around the cello, it is Gratz’s vocals that make the music better than what it is, which is saying a lot considering that the music is already great.  Taking their cues from fellow Bay Area and Profound Lore mates Ludicra, Grayceon weave all of their musical elements into an avant-garde sonic quilt that not only sounds pleasing, but also complex, as evidenced on “We Can.”  “A Road Less Traveled” is the band’s shortest song on the album, yet it is also one of the best examples of Gratz’s range in vocals, where it can be calm, yet hypnotizing in one moment and harsh the next.  “War’s End” is one of the most diverse songs on the album, as it shows the versatility of the guitar on the album to go along with the cello and the vocals, with the drums providing the glue that holds it all together.  In fact, the drums are reminiscent of those found on Agalloch’s Marrow of the Spirit, where they have a more black metal feel to them, as noted on “Once a Shadow.”  Even with the influences of the Bay Area bands, Grayceon retains its uniqueness in the sense that its music stands on its own. 

Grayceon is a unique entry into the metal scene that has gained new fans with every release and it’s not difficult to figure out why.   Its style of music is surprisingly easy to grasp despite the many quirks that they throw out there, and the vocals are as ideal as it gets when it comes to the progressive metal genre.  Those who seek to get into the style of music or the band in general will find All We Destroy a nice way to get into either one.  Just be warned that once you do listen to the album, finding another progressive metal band worthy of its press clippings will be difficult to do.

Release Date: March 11, 2011
Label: Profound Lore Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Dreamer Deceived
2.  Shellmounds
3.  We Can
4.  Once a Shadow
5.  A Road Less Traveled
6.  War’s End

Total playing time:  50:56

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*Comments:

Reviewer: Peter

February 28, 2011