One Year Later - The Sound of a Broken World

A hotbed for metalcore as of late, Lancaster has given birth to another band of the genre. One Year Later have recently been signed to local label CI Records (alumni include Texas in July and August Burns Red) and put out their debut The Sound of a Broken World on March 13, 2012. After getting the CD for free at their CD release show and experiencing two of their live shows from the crowd standpoint, I can say this is an up-and-coming band not to sleep on.

“Absolution” is a perfect opening song. We get a large sense of what One Year Later is about musically and lyrically. Heavy, groovy verses are accompanied by melodic, impossible-to-get-out-of-your-head choruses. There’s also a quite memorable two-step breakdown at the end that is incredibly intense live. I’m normally not a huge fan of the formula that is utilized by One Year Later (“shouted” or "screamed" verses and “sang” choruses), especially when there are two vocalists in the band. However, reminding myself to stay open-minded, I realized how each vocalist is very good in their respective craft. They end up complimenting each other incredibly well, and I never feel like I’m listening to two different songs like I do when I hear bands such as A Day to Remember. Lyrically, as we’ll see through the record betrayal and personal struggle is discussed. There are some samples and electronics used which I’m not used to in bands I normally listen to, but I have to admit they use them very well.

“Paths” starts off very thrashy, and transitions into another catchy chorus, with vocalists trading off vocal lines. Next up is one of my favorite parts of the album, with the lyrics “I’ve made my stand tonight; you will not be the death of me.” Nearing the close of the track is a very dissonant, slow breakdown.

“Shapeshifter” is probably their most well-known song (judging by crowd response), as it was one of the songs released before the record came out. This is probably the most effect-heavy track, but it still retains the catchy, groovy riffs, crushing breakdowns, and memorable choruses previously showcased. Even though there are effects used, it should be noted that they add to transitions. Also, it’s not a case of something I like to call “studio magic,” as they can pull it off live. Chorus-wise, this one is my favorite.

Next up is “Deliverance.” The guitar melody in the beginning hints at a more minor-sounding song, as this is the first chorus that isn’t “happy” sounding, which is a nice change. It’s one of the shorter tracks on the album at a little shy of 3 minutes, so it certainly doesn’t overstay its welcome.

“Memories” felt comfortable to me listening to, as I’m a big fan of melodic hardcore. It was nice to hear some variations offered up here. Lyrically, it seems more positive as well-although it seems to deal with the death of a friend, they reassure that “I’m always with you, you’re always with me.” There’s a guest solo and vocal performance on this cut as well. The only downside to this song is that it is virtually impossible to play live since the guests wouldn’t be on tour, as they’re from a different band.

The opening riff to “This Road” is probably the most attention-grabbing on this album, at least to my ears. One of the heaviest points on this record calls this song home, taunting naysayers to try to stop them on their road they endure in this band. This is obviously a testament to their hard work- although being in a newly signed band isn’t luxurious, they love what they’re doing and doing it well, so I have nothing but respect for that.

The first time I was at all uninterested in this record was when “Interlude” kicked in. I feel like it’s very unnecessary, with nothing but electronics and clean vocals. Sure, it’s catchy, but it sounds like a straightforward pop song, which I can’t necessarily agree with. Maybe putting it as an bonus track would've made more sense.

The title track is among my favorite songs on this album, as it and "Lay In This Earth" are among the angriest and most intense we hear the band. From front to back this record is a must-listen for any fan of metalcore. Even those who favor the more technical approach from bands like As I Lay Dying or more recently Miss May I should appreciate the superb songwriting. I feel like the band takes pride in writing memorable songs rather than just throwing a full-length for the sake of having a whole CD out. I find that with a lot of bands in this genre, I really only wish the whole CD was just an EP because 4 or 5 songs really grab my attention but the rest is sub-par. That definitely isn't the case with The Sound of a Broken World, as it's one of my favorite metalcore releases in recent memory.

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