Dorian Gray - The Precurse

1. Intro

2. The Anniversary

3. The Calm Of Night

4. The Night Life

5. No Tomorrow

6. Dead Man Walking

7. The Haymaker

8. Tools Of The Trade

9. I Am

Dorian Gray have released their second album titled "The Precurse." This album has a similar style and sound in the actual songs, to the previous self titled album. These guys have a heavier metalcore sound, which seems like it would be more to likes of bands such as Parkway Drive, but with more guitar tapping and such, which is more for a band like The Parallel. This mix is pretty close to what we think the band is like, so if you like either band, you could like this album. They have done an alright job here. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a fair standard. You can hear that the album is a little rough and needs a clearer sound with a bit more production put onto the songs. It isn't bad, it just needs some work to have a more listenable sound quality. The instrumentation on the album is pretty solid, you can certainly tell the band can play, which is also the downfall. The album sounds like the band is showing off their talent to extreme measures, and in turn loosing the flow of the songs. Listening to this feels like the band put more effort into showing off the guitar work, than songs that are catchy and have a great even flow to them.The weird Jazz parts/songs are also something that just makes one shake their head as to why anyone listening to this band wants to hear that. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album aren't bad, you can for sure tell the singer knows how to scream. He has pretty decent growls and seems like he fits right into the main genre the band is going for. With the lyrics, the band has decided to go for the typical, things are going down, lets burn everything, sort of angry lyrics and relationships, that a lot of bands decide to go with earlier in their career since it is easier to write. They haven't done too bad of a job, we just feel like songs with a little more meaning would have been a more noteworthy take for the band. If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so just pick a song and give it a listen to get the feel of the album. Dorian Gray have made an album that is kinda weird. They decided to add jazz parts which really throw us off and take away the ability to listen to the album front to back. We hope the band can get out there a bit more and play more shows, while narrowing their sound down to just one specific thing. Not a bad job, but a few kinks need to be worked out in the next album. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Metal/Metalcore/Hardcore

Release Date: 2008

Location: St. Catherines, Ontario
Website: http://www.wearedoriangray.com/

Label: None