Not being a fan of metalcore I was a little dubious about listening to this, the latest effort from GOD FORBID. Usually I find this style of music deeply repetitive – and it also reminds me of a specific type of idiot – you know – the ones that wear baseball vests and enjoy nothing more than to spin kick each other for an evening’s entertainment.

I was pleasantly surprised then, to find “Constitution of Treason” to be a well thought out, atmospheric and equally heavy slice of metal – quite a rarity coming from the American metalcore scene.

Running rings around dull paint-by-numbers releases of late, especially from big names like KILLSWITCH ENGAGE and SHADOWS FALL, “Constitution of Treason” manages to create an epic, almost “film like” atmosphere in-between the usual riff-work – which certainly gives it some extra spice. Long intros and interludes intersperse nicely between slabs of aggression – and even the tracks are marked out in “acts”. Songs like “Chains of Humanity” and “Welcome to the Apocalypse” meld the crushing primal edges of metalcore with a foreboding, epic soundtrack.

The vocals - whilst in places are what you would expect from metalcore - often take a more melodic form. Luckily, it doesn’t ever fall into the irritating trap of “shouty verse - la la la melodic chorus” which is so often the case. There are also some guitar sections that are exceptionally melodic – somewhat reminiscent of early IN FLAMES or DARK TRANQUILLITY (at their most folk influenced). And of course there is plenty of the usual stop/start palm muted crunch for the hardened metalcore fan.

Overall an impressive effort – especially as I personally can’t stomach the metalcore genre. Well thought out, but without the pitfalls of the usual clichés. Still not really my cup of tea – but a pleasant surprise none the less.

Standout Tracks:  Chains of Humanity, Welcome to the Apocalypse.

Overall Score:   7 /10