Old Scars, New Wounds is the second studio album from extreme metal super group, Act of Defiance. It will be released on September 29, 2017 via Metal Blade Records and was produced by Dave Otero who also worked with Cattle Decapitation and Allegaeon. There are pre-orders available in multiple formats online at http://www.metalblade.com/actofdefiance.
Act of Defiance formed in 2014 after the founders, guitarist Chris Broderick and drummer Shawn Drover, ended their musical careers with Megadeth. Their first album, Birth and the Burial, released in August of 2015 and helped them make a name for themselves. Their debut album was written mainly by Broderick and Drover bringing in vocalist Henry Derek (former Scar the Martyr vocalist) and bassist Matt Bachand (Shadows Fall guitarist) during the final stages of completion. Old Scars, New Wounds was developed by the entire band, giving it a more rounded sound and allowing the strengths of all members to shine.
Act of Defiance is:
Henry Derek – Vocals
Chris Broderick – Guitar
Matt Bachand – Bass
Shawn Drover – Drums
With all members of this group being seasoned touring artists the listener can expect a clean, polished album that will appeal to many metal lovers, young and old. There are times when this album feels like an old school metal band and times when it’s like a brand new sound yet to be named.
Broderick’s amazing guitar shredding is featured in a solo on every track of the album. The talent that this man has with a guitar is just incomprehensible. The intricacies and speed of each riff will leave the listener stunned.
Old Scars, New Wounds track list:
- I.A.
- Molten Core
- Overexposure
- The Talisman
- Lullaby of Vengeance
- Circle of Ashes
- Reborn
- Conspiracy of the Gods
- Another Killing Spree
- Broken Dialect
- Rise of Rebellion
“M.I.A.” is the opening track on the album. It starts out with an intricate guitar riff and breaks out into strong and controlled vocals. The title is an abbreviation for “Mis-Information Age” and carries along a pretty deep message. Almost a reminder to the world today, we aren’t always informed of everything and that we can’t believe everything we see or hear in the media.
“Overexposure” is the third track on the album. The vocals in this track are amazing with a sweet melodic sound at times. Right around two and a half minutes in there is a beautiful guitar solo. There’s so much emotion in the notes of this track. You can also watch a full performance video of this track on http://www.metalblade.com/actofdefiance that was put together by Robert Graves.
“Reborn”, track number seven, has a unique beat and an almost chant-like quality to it. And, as to be expected, another killer guitar solo. The vocals are playful and tauntingly delicious.
“Rise of Rebellion” finishes off the album nice and strong, leaving the listener with the need to push repeat.
Over all this album is a fine follow-up to their debut. Stronger, faster and much more put together, Act of Defiance is ready to rock the ears off of whoever listens to this album. It remains interesting and fresh, surprising the listener with beauty in the midst of anger.
This album is getting a rating of 4/5 and a big HELL YEAH! Rock on guys, can’t wait for what’s next from this super-group.
