Shipwreck A.D.I have to start this review off by giving a proper hand job to those over at Deathwish Records. First off, they are far and away the best label in the hardcore scene right now and it is for far more reasons than just the bands that they release. You can tell they have ethics; whether you ordered something and got the wrong thing, they have no problem admitting their mistake and correcting it or their quick and friendly correspondence regarding pressings, availability, etc., they are always so willing and eager to help you with anything they can. And then on top of that they have the best roster of any label right now and are constantly expanding. And holy shit the last 4 months they have churned out one great album after another; 108, Trap Them, Bitter End, Pulling Teeth, and now this amazing album. And the last two are differently going to top the 1-2 slots on many peoples top 10's.
Now on to the review...
Shipwreck, who feature ex members of Guns Up! Hammer Bros., and Shere Khan are from Merrimack Valley of MA, which has given birth to Converge, Ten Yard Fight, Cave In. And incase you were wondering where the AD came from, they had to change their name to Shipwreck A.D. because a band got in contact with them letting them know they already had the copyright.
Previous to releasing this, their first full length, they released a s/t 7" and more recently the s/t 7" that Deathwish Inc released, which actually features the track "Squall", which is the opening track of this album.
While the core of their song writing has remained intact, using Integrity, Ringworm and Merauder as key influences, at the same time, however, they have definitely experimented with their writing a lot more, and for the better in my opinion. Believe it or not this is a lot more darker than "Mirage" and there a lots unexpected twists and turns that the songs take. I am extremely impressed with their ability to write an album that ebbs and flows perfectly while still constantly changing up song writing patterns.
The riff that starts at the 1:49 mark in "Lotus" sounds so much like 108 it's not even funny, and I say that as a compliment. And the dense, post-hardcore closer "Zenith" was completely unexpected. Oh shit and the riff at the 1:30 mark in "Thaw" is really reminiscent of Integrity, which is furthered by the vocalist who sounds like Dwid part two (and not only in this song either). To go further with the Integrity influence, the song "Nereus" starts off with a straight up hardcore riff and then slips into a riff that sounds like it was pulled straight from the song "Those Who Fear Tomorrow", complete with a solo that sounds almost like Melnick's in the aforementioned song. And damn did I mention already how similar this guy sounds to Dwid? Holy shit! And my God what an amazing performance by the drummer, his fills are so on point it's sickening.
Lyrically, this is a concept album which tracks a man's journey from the deepest depths of the ocean to the "zenith" of the highest mountain top. Not only is that an amazing concept to work with but it allows the vocalist to rid himself of any personal demons. Lyrically my favorite track is the closer "Zenith":
"So now I stand atop, atop the highest peak. Looking back at the voyaged path tailing behind me. From the deepest seas to the darkest nights. I survived but still the piece of the puzzle is missing from my mind. Searching for the worth in every ocean, in every land, the olive branch, a second chance, the purest dove to grace my heads. Instead all I have is the wonder of what's on the other side. Screaming, I pray to the Earth and the sky. "But what's the point? All I'll still find is nothing. Please say this journey has all been for something..." "Tell me, do the angels fly with icy feathered wings? Do the dead men of the heavens hear them when they sing? How are we to wake up without ever wondering? You won't always find an answer to everything. So now child, keep your mind from wandering and find the peace inside to let your restless mind sleep"
Recorded by Jay Maas (who has worked with tons of great bands and even provides some guest vocals on tracks 3,7 & 9) over at The Getaway Group. The one thing many people will be wondering is why does the linear notes say that drums were recorded in the fall of 06' when the rest was recorded/mixed in the spring of 07'? Well, the answer is quite simple, it was because the band went on tour right in the middle of writing/recording this album so they didn't have a chance until the spring of 07' to finish it up. But I digress, I would just like to say that every fucking instrument on here sounds immaculate, and that's all that needs to be said here. Much, much better than their last two seven inches.
By far, this is one of J.Bannon's finest layouts that he's ever done. I haven't been too into some of his more recent pieces but this makes up for it. I'm always down for a sweet matte stock layout. The choice of red and blue used were on point, the different shades of blue used to make up the sea looks awesome and the lighter red used for the serpent stands out perfectly over it. It would've been cool if they used some metallic ink here and there, that would've just made my jaw drop but beautiful nonetheless. The booklet folds out to display the name of the band and title over the sea background. The lyrics are printed horizontally over four panels that are decorated with contrasted images of the red serpent over the blue sea.
Rating: 5/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: Lotus, Erebos, Ascent and Samur
Synopsis: I don't think I have ever gotten two albums back-to-back from a label that could easily be considered the best release of the year. And even though I like the Pulling Teeth album more, it actually is a closer gap than you may believe. I would put this as 1A on my list. This album kills it on every level imaginable. The music is nothing short of spectacular, the lyrics are some of the best I've ever heard come from a hardcore band, the layout is one of Bannon's most stunning works. If you don't purchase this you might as well give up on listening to music. And the vinyl version of this album is absolutely stunning, plus it comes with a free digital download!