Very refreshing listen and everything else you'd expect.
EarAssault | 08/12/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"A multitude of metal acts have failed to re-invent themselves after their initial major release, but Winds of Plague emerges again, to bring you another auditory assault that shines with improved song and lyrical structures. This release makes it apparent that the band has reached its musical maturity and that Decimate the Weak was a pre-mature attempt that only hinted the full potential of this band. From the introductory seconds of the album until its ending, you are presented with constant pummeling barrage of sound and passages of epic proportions, that remain embedded in your mind long after your listen. Every element of this release is crafted with accuracy to ensure equal proportions, where nothing becomes boring or over played. The signature mighty break downs are tastefully sprinkled throughout and keyboard pieces emerge just at the right time. The most impressive element of this album is that each and every exposure has the ability to present you with a constant influx of new sounds which in turn enhance the overall listening experience. Moreover, it is that which keeps you coming back for more and eventually experience the album in its full glory. Definitely give it about 10 listens until forming your final opinion.
The only reason I am not awarding it 5 stars is because nothing is perfect and there is always room for potential improvement. The Great Stone War is a very strong and convincing effort that only reinforces the fact that Winds of Plague remains as one of the more promising forerunners of this genre.
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The Death ov the Core
C. M. Gillum | Michigan | 09/14/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The style known as Deathcore is one that is far from my favorite sub genre of Heavy Metal. Most bands in the genre regurgitate the same low riffs, abuse the same ideals in their lyrics and seem to all use the same three vocalists. The only aspect of the genre as a whole that adds something to the table is the normally chaotic time signatures and lead guitars. Winds Of Plague proved with Decimate the Weak that they have their own voice and do not intend to simply follow in the foot steps of those before them.
The Great Stone War simply continues that tradition and broadens their originality. From the atmospheric opener 'Earth' you know right from the get go that the band intended to experiment more this time around and the end result at least in my opinion is successful. As on their previous release the duel axe shredding persists to be a focal point, only this time around subtle melodic moments of guitar and keyboard take a worthy passenger seat.
You get the whole range from just to the point brutality as heard on the chaotic second track 'Forged In Fire'. The more symphonic/anthematic tracks such as 'Chest And Horns'. However the track that really took me for a ride would be 'Our Requiem' which is basically 4:14 of leads beginning to end and even includes a very nice solo. The part of that track that really hooked me was the subtle use of atmospheric arrangements through out, which is where Winds Of Plague truly conquers over the competition.
All in all a great release by a relatively new band rapidly rising to fame in the genre. They've been on tours with the likes of Behemoth, Dimmu Borgir, Hatebreed and several other big names in the modern Metal scene. As fans we can only hope that a band so obviously interested in experimenting with their sound will continue to do so but I can safely say I will no longer be calling this group Deathcore. They have risen above, proving they are more then a one trick pony.
For an after thought, I am torn between which album I prefer, this or Decimate The Weak. However both albums are brutal, original and yet hold a familiarity that will continue to gather fans. Thanks for reading and I hope that I encouraged you to purchase this album as well as Decimate the Weak."
Blackened Symphonic Deathcore
Mark Carver | China | 09/02/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I was a big fan of "Decimate the Weak" but as one reviewer put it, it was prematurely mature. But now with "The Great Stone War," most of the elements that needed tweaking and refining have been tweaked and refined, and we are treated to a metal monster the likes of which we have never seen.
I felt that the songwriting on DTW was a bit haphazard at times, and the inhaled vocals were often hoarse and lacking oomph. The lyrics at times were a bit juvenile and bullying as well. Now with TGSW, Winds of Plague have taken a turn towards battle metal, amping the symphonic effects to epic proportions, and maximizing the "death" and minimizing the "core." Of course the breakdowns are still inhumanly monstrous. I don't know how they do it, maybe it's a sound effect or a super-heavy bass drop, but every time they unleash a breakdown, the first chord literally explodes in my ears. This is one thing I like about deathcore that hardcore and metalcore can't match- the sheer punishment of the breakdowns. Winds of Plague is like James Bond- nobody does it better.
TGSW reminds me a lot of "Declaration" by Bleeding Through. Yet I would consider "Declaration" to be blackened symphonic hardcore while TGSW has a lot more metal in its diet. "Declaration" is one of my favorite albums of all time so if you are a fan of it or black metal and death metal subgenres, get "The Great Stone War" immediately."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1