American Standards record review of Anti-Melody by The Pitmaster
American Standards, an Arizona based quartet are set to release their forthcoming full-length album, Anti-Melody today April 28th. Forming in 2011 and releasing their first record in 2012 on We Are Triumphant, the band quickly became known for their intense live show, tongue in cheek demeanor and relentless work ethic playing over 250+ shows to date.
Not every day in the office is filled with me pouring over hundreds of photos to be shared in The Pit. I also get a measurable number of records to review. I do not get to all of them and sometimes they get unapologetically ignored. But this Anti-Melody by American Standards grabbed my attention because they are heavily influenced by hardcore and metalcore music that brings us a hybrid metal sound to your auditory nerve. The band carries a good melodic voice where needed and still gives a hearty chunk of hardcore vibe.
They remind me of a young Suicidal Tendencies, Terror, and Stick to Your Guns with a heavy dose of screaming thrash metal. There are some clean vocals with a heavy dose of hardcore screams in such songs as Church Burner and Chicago Overcoat.
The melody contained in Bartenders Without Wings has the feel of Hexagram by the Deftones and vocalist Brandon Kellum carries his vocals well enough in Chino’s range. He did not break loose too much into screaming while still maintaining some hardcore vocalizing. This American Standards song is one of my favorites based on the midsong breakdown that puts emotion into an otherwise strong metal song.
Anti-Melody grabs American Standards influence from real-life situations and the divide our society with eight songs that focus on their disappointment. The record is filled with commentary ranging from the current health care system, mental health reform, and racial justice bias. If you are a fan of Everytime I Die, Norma Jean, and Dillinger Escape Plan then you should be sure to buy this record.
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