Restruct
Built Back Up From Self Destruction

August 2010
Released: 2010, Independent
Rating: 4.0/5
Reviewer: Metal-Rules.com UK Team

This has a little more bite than first expected! I figured that it would be another Nickelback or Theory of a Deadman re-hash, but I’ve definitely been proven wrong!



It’s not just a radio rock album that covers all the bases and it is actually a really good listen. It’ll always rest in the middle ground where there are, admittedly, a lot of bands now. But there are only a few who boast this combination of heaviness with technicality.



The make-up of the songs is great, precise and well written and extremely well produced. Most of the songs, if released could make an impact on the top twenty charts if pushed, for example ‘Sex Slave’ is very dirty rock and roll, and could have written by anyone from ‘Velvet Revolve’r through to ‘Buckcherry’ and ‘Nickelback’. The vocals are of a high calibre, hitting all the right notes, even if at sometimes they are reminisce of Scott Stapp or Chad Kreoger. But there are hints of Cobain-esque raspy croon and screams with even a little but of Sully from Godsmack.



The lyrics are typical radio friendly sadness and foreboding, sung with harmonies as well during most of the tracks, just to get that epic sound. They deal with the choice of self-destruction or re-building ones life. This album tends to reminisce of a crop of great post-grunge bands that came out in the early to mid nineties, like ‘Puddle of Mudd’ and ‘Seether’ to name just a common two with elements of later bands such as ‘Theory of a Deadman’ and ‘Nickelback’ (but with a little more balls than the later!)



I think "Peeling Skin' is a decent track, featuring a blistering opening with a solo that was made to melt the skin off fingers! "Rain to Snow" shows Ault’s skill with the guitar during the solo with grace. Although it has to be said that some of the lead work gets lost in the mix. The drums have great production, reminding me of The Black Albums drum production.



All in all, this is a very well written and well produced album, I don’t think it’ll end up being a classic, but you’ll defiantly be singing along to the songs the more you listen to them.



(Danny Draper)