Knights of the Abyss
Juggernaut

September 2008
Released: 2008, Candlelight USA
Rating: 1.5/5
Reviewer: Waspman

Oh yay, another American band playing deathcore. What an original concept! These guys formed in 2005, and include the ex-drummer from MySpace sensations Job For A Cowboy. In actuality, JUGGERNAUT is the band’s album from 2007 re-released, as they already have a follow up called SHADES out in 2008. That’s about it for background on these California scenesters so let’s get to the music.

Actually, y’know what – I can’t be bothered. This is deathcore – pretty well everyone reading this knows what that means. So, since there is actually nothing original about this band, I not going to put the effort in to write a review. Instead, here is a cut & paste of a previous deathcore album I reviewed (with the names changed):

As I said, deathcore is merely a harsher version of metalcore, thankfully avoiding the whiney piss-ant clean vocals that so many bands feel the need to employ these days. Therefore, the growled death vocals the dominate JUGGERNAUT are actually refreshing, as even the band’s choruses maintain the intensity. Sadly, in the musical area the band sticks to a largely metalcore-based sound, throwing around standard riffs and breakdowns like they’re exciting (they’re not). Sure the band is competent and all, but they have not yet learned how to write an exciting riff. I’ve listened to this album multiple times and not a single song sticks with me – its background music and little more. There’s just too much metalcore here and not enough actual death metal.

Despite my disdain for Knights of the Abyss’ heritage, I actually kind of feel like I’m short changing the band a bit with this review. I just can’t get excited about JUGGERNAUT. I’m not even sure who this will appeal to – maybe a few adventurous mall kiddies looking to expand their horizons? Whatever the case, I’m just not on board.