Morbid Theory
Harbinger

October 2010
Released: 2010, Self Released
Rating: 2.0/5
Reviewer: Robert Williams

Sarnia, Ontario Canada's melodic death metal outfit Morbid Theory return with HARBINGER, their second full length and fourth release overall considering the band has two previous EP releases.



"Going Under" is pretty uniformly thrashy with tons of catchy riffs, crunchy guitar tones and a rhythm section with plenty of punch. The vocal phrasing and delivery from vocalist Korie Sheffer is fairly abstract, leaving many sections without vocals and coming in to deliver his throaty vocals seemingly at random. "Ruination" is mid tempo and slightly atmospheric with the use of minimalist keyboards and synth over harmonized clean vocals passages. An acoustic guitar bridge provides a folky backdrop before kicking into some melodic leadwork. "Facing Fate" starts pleasant enough with the throaty vocals delivered in a lower register similar in feel to vintage Chuck Billy. Once the clean vocal section hits though the song becomes something of a suck-fest, lacking in both power and aggression and causing the track to fall flat.



Judging from what I have heard from Morbid Theory, I would have to say that while the musicians in this band seem tight and well versed, I can't say the same for vocalist Korie Sheffer. Korie's approach is a cookie cutter reproduction of everything that is wrong with modern rock bands who want to sound metal. The throaty metalcore vocals lack originality, the clean Emo-esque or pouty, pop punk tripe is tired and consistently nauseous. I don't hear anything reminiscent of what I would call a metal vocalist on this release, but like I said the actual music sounds good and heavy enough and well produced.