Haste The Day - Attack of the Wolf King

Artist: Haste The Day
Album: Attack of the Wolf King
Release Date: 6/29/10
Label: Solid State Records

Good things come for those who wait. That being said, Haste The Day have finally unleashed their follow up album to Dreamer, titled Attack of the Wolf King. What we have here is a big progression, musically and lyrically. The songwriting is great and tells the story of the Lion protecting a herd of sheep from bloodthirsty wolves. Musically, Haste The Day have also matured, putting together many of their good elements, such as the melodic vocals of Stephen Keech, both screamed and sung, along with the heavy breakdowns.

No one could have asked for a better opener than "Wake Up The Sun," as it introduces Attack of the Wolf King with a strong guitar intro, followed up by Keech's brutal screaming, progressing into the ever so melodic chorus. One of the most melodic songs off the album follows up and is titled "Dog Like Vultures." It holds together the album's theme very well, with some of the best lyrics as well. "Our eyes are upon you and we will protect you, be assured no fang will breech your fleece."The Quiet, Deadly Ticking" has an older Haste The Day feel to it, being very heavy and raw at the same time.

The album's first single, "Travesty," contains some of the best songwriting I've seen from Haste The Day to date. In fact, the lyrics nearly take for a worship toll, a cry out to God saying "You cover the darkest part of my, with a look that's sure to set the captives free, with love that the blindest eyes will see, You cover the darkest part of me." A guest appearance from Micah Kinard of Oh Sleeper is found on "The Place Where Most Deny." His vocals add some insight to the song's heaviness and accompany Keech's perfectly. The album slows down a bit with the ballad-like "White As Snow." It has vocals sung by bassist Mike Murphy, which are melodic and very catchy, not to mention that the song is all clean vocals. There is also a solo on it that seems meant for a breakdown or to lead into one, but in the end, does not.

The tempo is sped up with "Crush Resistance." The screams on this song seem like they could have come from Dreamer, but relentless, are much heavier. "Walk With A Crooked Spine" serves as the last full track on Attack of the Wolf King, where "My Name Is Darkness" is more of an outro. Mostly instrumental, "My Name Is Darkness" breaks into Keech's brutal vocals, before ending the album.

Rating: 10/10 I thoroughly enjoyed Attack of the Wolf King, the fifth studio album from metalcore act Haste The Day. A newly revamped lineup has added a progression to their sound, making it more mature. I'm sure that fans who were disappointed with Dreamer will be in for a pleasant surprise with this album. As of now, this tops my metal albums for the year and is sure to hold a spot there all year long.

Tracklisting:

1. Wake Up The Sun
2. Dog Like Vultures
3. The Quiet, Deadly Ticking
4. Travesty
5. Merit For Sadness
6. The Un-Manifest
7. The Place That Most Deny
8. White As Snow
9. Crush Resistance
10. Walk With A Crooked Spine
11. My Name Is Darkness

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