Well in keeping up with bands that were part of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal I thought I’d take a look at the band God Forbid. Now out of the previous entries ie Chimaira, Shadows Fall, etc. this is one that I really don’t know that much about. So let’s take a look…..
Reject the Sickness- so I guess most of the bands that are part of the 2000’s/late 90’s, took a lot of influence from the Gothenburg that was made popular by bands like At the Gates. On this album, you can definitely hear that influence. I mean it’s pretty obvious in the vocals like I could picture them being an At the Gates cover band that’s how close Byron Stroud’s vocals are. Overall, not a bad first album. The guitars are heavy and the vocals are brutal. I give it a strong 7/10
Standouts: Assed Out, N2, Dark Waters
Determination- ah so now we have very similar vocals on this record but now we are starting to hear some groove to the music. This album has a lot more flow to it than the first album. And while yes you’ve got that At The Gates vocals, there is a little bit of clean vocals and melodic ness to this album. I give this 7/10
Standouts: Nothing, Broken Promise, Wicked
Gone Forever- so here there is definitely more of a thrash sound to this album with some death metal mixed in. Not sure if maybe they were influenced or listening to more bands like Metallica or Slayer but there is definitely a thrashier sound to this one. I think I remember seeing the video for the song Antihero on Headbangers Ball back in like 2004 and remember liking the song. Anyway, this album feels more focused and the band is definitely tighter than before. I give it 8/10
Standouts: Antihero, Better Days, Soul Engraved
IV: Constitution of Treason- here we have a concept album and it’s about the end of the world and the fact that humanity doesn’t learn from its mistakes. Even though this came out in 2005 with all the shit that’s going on in the world right now, this album seems relevant more than ever. Anyway, as far as the music goes, it’s definitely a continuation of the thrashier sound that was present on the last album. I give this 9/10
Standouts: Chains of Humanity, Into the Wasteland, Crucify Your Beliefs
Earthsblood- this one starts off like some big epic production then goes right into the next song which is what we all like and expect from this band. On this album, the songs seem to be a bit slowed down but not by much. It really seems like the band took their time making this album. Musically, the Coyle brothers guitar playing is badass as usual and they really complement each other. Now while I personally prefer Constitution a little more, this is a great follow up. I give this 8/10
Standouts: The Rain, War of Attrition, Shallow
Equilibrium- I remember seeing them live with this lineup at the Mayhem Festival and remember wondering where Dallas was only later reading that he had left the band. It’s kind of too bad because I would’ve liked to have seen them with the original lineup. it’s really too bad that this would be their last album because it’s actually a great album. Original guitarist Dallas Coyle left the band and was replaced with Darkest Hour guitarist Kris Norris and for the album, they got Matt Wicklund from Himsa. Now that’s not to say that Matt does a bad job as he actually does a great job and he and Doc play off each other quite well. I feel like this is one of those rare occurrences where something didn’t feel like it was missing. And as far as this being their last album goes, it’s pretty good. I will say that there does seem to be a lot more clean vocals compared to other God Forbid albums. I give this 7.5/10
Standouts: Move On, A Few Good Men, This is Who I Am
If each of the bands who broke up from this scene would get back together and play then that’d be awesome. This is one of those bands who I wish I would’ve seen more especially when they did the No Fear Tour with Lamb of God and Municipal Waste. Hopefully one day we can get a reunion but with Doc Coyle being in that band Bad Wolves, it might be hard. Oh well, one can hope.
Final Grade: B
Album Rankings:
- IV: Constitution of Treason
- Gone Forever
- Earthsblood
- Determination
- Equilibrium
- Reject the Sickness
Sinister Reviews 