As any appreciated reader of my reviews knows I cannot stand this mallcore or ‘screamo’ sound because it all sounds forced and similar to a million bands forming in the alleyways behind suburban shopping centers; that throaty yelling gets on my nerves more than that stupid haircut and smug superiority of Justin Bieber, so when I first heard Lethal Halo I was less than impressed. In fact, as I recall I was nearly bored to tears with a sound I found both disgustingly rudimentary and nothing more than a passing fad sullying our fine genre. I’m also very much against this melodic sing-songy style meshing with the aforementioned screaming that is also a dime-a-dozen. It simply infuriates me to no end.

But what kind of honest reviewer would I be if I couldn’t be moved even slightly?

The first EP, as I said, did nothing for me. The first full-length sits in my hands in Process of Progress that is still very heavy in the scream style, but actually has a sort of hardcore feel to it smattered throughout. Granted, I’ll once again state that some of the vocals leave me flat, most notably the clean tone that often sounds as if vocalist Duke Nolan might be belting out through a pinched or broken nose. Now, on the other hand, his ‘screamo’ style here is less irritating than what I’m used to. In fact, it’s not really too bad, but again nothing like what you might not have heard from other bands. What is an undoing for me is the clean tone that is simply not very good. It’s off-key (or is that the purported style since it all sounds off to me), but musically the band is much better than what was on the EP. There’s some very tight structure and ability in here; nothing amazing, but certainly capable. I’d be completely remiss if I don’t say the one drawback, again, is the vocals. I could put up with the screamo parts throughout simply because it could then be a borderline hardcore album that would be somewhat passable, but the mixture of forgettable clean-and-scream simply destroys what might otherwise be a vast improvement.

Musically the band has found a better niche from the EP. The one track I really dig is “Apathy”, especially the beginning, and what eventually builds into a pretty damn good song. I can even forgive the bad Maynard crooning in favor of what is a pretty damaging track. Even “Lost in the Labyrinth” is pretty good, indicating that the Lethal Halo has some chops that might just need a few additional turns of the wrench here and there. Also, if my opinion is worth anything, the clean, yet booming vocal in “Sovereignty” is very good…if not for that female voice that does nothing for the song. You really don’t need her, and unless she’s Tarja or Doro she can only detract from the music.   

TRACK LISTING

*By clicking "Submit" you agree to the following Terms of Use. You agree not to post any material that is obscene, slanderous, or threatening, or that may violate any law of your country of origin or the United States or of international law. Should you wish to restrict viewing of your email address by third parties, you must select "Hide My Email." You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Metal Psalter from any claims, actions, suits, damages, or other costs arising out of any breach of these Terms of Use.

*Comments:

1.  Descension
2.  End of Days
3.  Infected
4.  Struggle
5.  Constantine
6.  Apathy
7.  Lost in the Labyrinth
8.  Sovereignty
9.  Necessary War
10.  Why Bleed for You

Total playing time:  56:17

Release Date: April 15, 2011
Label: Band Self Released

Lethal Halo - Process of Progress

Reviewer: Chris

July 4, 2011