Facedown Records
Released July 17, 2012
Reviewed by Anthony Peronto
It’s been two years since Your Memorial’s debut album Atonement and it seems only natural their sophomore album would be titled Redirect. After we are reconciled with God we must direct our lives toward Christ. This “redirection” is beautiful and powerful, which is what I would also describe the ambient metalcore Your Memorial brings on their new record. And from the hauntingly beautiful C.S. Lewis introduction “Transfiguration” to the military-drums of “Cadence For A King” you’ll know you’ll get your money’s worth.
One problem I had on the band’s debut was that their sound was so similar to their labemates Hands that they needed to differentiate and grow musically. Thankfully they have done so with ever-increasing intensity (ex. “Shipwreck,” “Eternity,” and “Anthem”), good use of clean vocals (“Transform” and “Trial & Triumph’), and even tribal drums on the chaotic and soaring “Change The World.” As always, the interludes are pointless fillers but the standout “Redirect” with it’s spot-on lyrics and melodies make up for this minor hiccup.
So far my favorite Facedown Records release this year, Your Memorial has made a very good sophomore album that not only improves on their debut but also continues a spiritual theme that any Christian can relate to. Definitely recommended if you like your metal with a hint of ambient melodies thrown in for good measure.
Grade: 4.5
Tracklisting:
- Transfiguration
- Redirect
- Shipwreck
- The Substance of Things Hoped For
- Eternity
- Change The World
- Transform
- Anthem
- Evidence of Things Unseen
- Trial and Triumph
- Cadence For A King
