Opening calmly with a somewhat eerie atmosphere, it is clear from the first drum beat that Cancer Bats are not for hanging around. The guitar riffs and bass are as complimentary to each other as ever and Liam's ever happy rainbow dust style lyrics "There's a special place in hell for people like you!" are supplying the icing on this battering ram of sound cake.
One thing that Dead Set on Living does that previously I have not detected in the Bats' sound is groove! The presence and element of groove they add - not too much to alter their trusted style but enough to get noticed and impress - provides a whole new dimension to their music which prior to this people, including myself, thought their fusion of metal and punk was incapable of any other addition as weighty and fulfilling as this groove. It shows a degree of maturity, and also that, musically, these four Canadian's are on a very expansive path with possibilities that they are fully aware of.
The first track from this steel ripping album to blast my ear drums down was 'Old Blood' and, of course, I was incomparably and unexpectedly impressed. The successor of 'R.A.T.S' is 'Bricks and Mortar' and as the title suggests it is a pummelling mix of what I love about Cancer Bats, full out aggression, throat wrenching screams, unaltered heaviness and the slightest whiff of groove can be detected.
'Road Sick', the second single with a rather amusing music video changes the tone and immediately bellows 'We're VERY punk'. This is pleasing, after two crushing tracks that the Bats' know to surprise their audience and deliver a more emotional message in this brilliant track. Any doubters by this point must surely be swallowing their hateful words and regretting the day they crossed Liam Cormier and co. Luckily for me, I was not foolish enough to imprison myself like that.
There are one or two songs on this album that perhaps do not leave the same effect on the listener as the previously praised more stand out tracks, 'Breath Armageddon' is an example; the chorus is catchy and sing-alongy, but nothing about the song grabs your attention. Although it does have a very homely and welcoming sort of vibe - the vibe that is found on the best albums and not specifically the best individual tracks.
The title track and fifth in order, is winning the vote for most anthemic. With superb time changes and infectious bellowing of "I will, never forget!" reassures you that the Bats take their work very seriously and reminds you of how glad you are that they were a prized discovery.
'The Void' features yet another new added element - doom! The song starts slowly building an atmosphere of pure doom ridden madness; then the grooviest Cancer Bats riff ever written kicks in and you're almost knocked off your feet. The track continues beautifully and fulfils the hype it gives itself with such fantastic song writing. Some may be wondering that they made a mistake when purchasing - underestimating how much of a chemical equation they were in for: Punky groove + Doomy metal = Cancer Bats. Balancing it is a totally different task.
At this point, the arrival of 'Old Blood', you should've have decided that what you are listening to is a pure goddamn gem. If this is a track you (somehow) hadn't heard prior to right now you are most likely completely stunned and struggling to find the words necessary to praise these sweaty, beard endorsers enough! Keep it comin'!
Track eight - 'Drunken Physics', is one of rather anthemic qualities and hits extremely heavily, the Bats here show off their mastered use of switching from very doomy and heavy breakdown chorus sections to fast paced verses brilliantly. The listener can ask for no more and should be truly enthralled by the master class they are witnessing.
The pleasantly christened 'Bastards' doesn't do a lot until the explosive side comes out at the chorus, the switch from comfortable consistent riffing to a heavy anthemic and very groovy chorus really does make a positive impact on the listener. Although this track is not one you would single out as a great individual track, it is with the likes of' Breath Armageddon' in the sense that these are songs that make the ALBUM excellent, and without them the likes of 'Bricks and Mortar' would not impress as much.
The penultimate 'Rally The Wicked' does an excellent job incurring repetition to build the tension and make that big explosion so much better and the sudden calm down moment perhaps surprises as this is not the usual method, but again things like that make this album so fantastic.
Finally, album closer time! It has been a truly marvellous journey to here and the finisher 'New World Alliance' is no worse than anything here. It does have a very definitive album closer vibe and that vibe is worn very proudly which is a good sign. All in all, this album deserves to reach the Bats' new heights as they truly deserve it!
Words provided by: Andy Smith
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