Johnny B. Morbid- Fall of the Cicada

A young man is slumped over in what seems to be agony. Subtle amounts of blood cover his fingers which are adorned across the back of his head, which is kneeling down as if he is possibly ashamed of something. He looks lost in his grief. He seems so upset that nothing could make things right again.

Track 1. True Believer- Right out of the gates this band shows a tight aggressive and melodic sound. Masterfully written parts.Tasty guitar riffs and bass lines. Drum's are quite crisp, hard hitting. Digging the hell out of the guitar chugging here. Excellent vocals, very clear, full of passion, expression, and melody. There's a hard nosed crunch in this music, liking the harmonic guitar parts a lot. Very Interesting material.

Track 2. Before I Fade- A crunched explosion brought about by a controlled reaction of synchronicity, spins around beginning a melodic parade here. The melody and hooks are introduced quite well here. I'd say the vocals enter the song at the right moment. Vocal melodies lead and backing seem to float on the song perfectly, especially these crunch laden riffs. A fun, crunchy ride that turns into a heavy shredding experience of melodic wonder. I really like the extra echoing backing track vocal that's thrown in, adds a quite nice accent to the song.

Track 3. Crucifiction- A heavy demeaning crunch escalates towards a menacing cry that could hold a powerful faith upon its wings. Very dynamic and aggressive riffs here. Loving the hostile riffs here, feels almost like a completely different band, very much more METAL here than I had sensed from this band, or even began to expect, a very welcome change. The not so clean vocals are pretty damn good as well. Really liking the enunciation with the vocals and how they munch up very well with the guitar riffs, EXCELLENT precise melodies. The song, has gotten so heavy at this point, its become pure darkness and a self enveloping madness. Every single last void of light has disappeared, awesomely delicious how they can transition their sound so well, they are extremely impressive no matter what shade of Metal they choose to rock within.

Track 4. Exile- An instant aggressive and yet melodic crunch begins this awesome flavor of madness. Love how the song stops dead in its track and just, EXPLODES in your ears. Great transition with the vocals from seemingly a bit raspy to wonderful vocal harmonies, that almost seem angelic. Very interesting and thought provoking lyrical subject matter. More tasty riffs! I am really enjoying how well this song moves a long a very grinding groove, but with a creative melodic explosion here and there, and then it gets so damn heavy you just want to head bang, until your neck hurts! They reach the threshold of metal, aggression and then some, rocking VERY mightily.

Track 5. Above and Beyond- A slow rocking rhythm plays along quite well with a clean yet melodic finger dangling riff to open this piece quite nicely. A VERY catchy palm muted syncopation spins together a beautiful song here. The vocals slip in again at a great spot in the track, totally digging the shit out of the vocals. Heavy thumping music with a great overall conveyed feeling. I really like how the clean strums are bled through the mix along side the heavy rocking groove behind it, a sweet metal solo, lays in the back of the track, but quite wonderfully done. When you add all that together you get a really great piece of quality music, something that reaches in and makes contact with your soul.

Track 6. It came from the North- A slow, yet meaningful explosion of heavy riffs make their way across your ears. A kick ass cadence of pain rushes over you, the drums are wonderful here, as throughout the album. An aggressive syncopation grabs control of the track. Vocals again rock about from wonderfully clean, to a great harmonic balance, and then there's that second level of beast mode of brutal growls. Love how they mix it up, and throw that beast mode stuff in very there, it just keeps things interesting, and it tells that in this bands arsenal vocally they have EVERYTHING. The rest of the band is just a talented hands down. Can't think of a bad thing to say about them, thoroughly enjoying this music, from start to end.

Track 7. Future in Flames- A worrisome feel began this song before it even started with the title of the track itself, it translates over to the opening melodic riff very well. The stop and go action of this one really makes me want to just head bang like a mad man. Digging the shit out of the chugging riffs. Loving the extra dubbed vocals on the track, EPIC shit. Really enjoying how this song just grooves with a mighty force of crazed insanity, the thing is, it knows where it's going, and how to get there, towards greatness. And then the syncopation of the song seems to change gears towards another level of awesome, but quickly things reverse back to the main song hook. Excellent lyrical subject matter, digging the vocal melodies how they just stick in your mind, like a wonderful after taste of METAL. Flowing down within you, and becoming a part of you.

Track 8. Fear Itself- A slow yet grinding heavy hook, catches your ears with its melody and never lets go. It's aggression and feel just make you want to clinch your fists with excitement. A thrust of awesome with a crushing taste of pain. Powerful music, it will create a rush within your soul. Loving how the music progresses to straight up dark and dirty, especially with those roaring growls. VERY impressive drums, and guitars in general, even the bass guitar bleeds through a bit, great all around. Sweet Epic solo, matches this break neck rhythm. The vocals wind down the track well, tying in with the groove to the songs end, all done quite well with perfect timing from beginning to end.

Track 9. In the Unknown- A sudden brash heavy ball breaking riff. The vocals go off into an ever perfect spraying melodic affect that slides across the track, and your mind. An aggressive groove grabs you and shakes you. A thorough hard hitting fun ride of METAL. At times a taste of brutality that you do not expect, but you most DEFINITELY WELCOME. The timing for riffs and well placed harmony vocals never cease to impress, everything is so well done. Very masterful drum parts. I am thoroughly enjoying the guitar riffs here, a sense of inspiration that makes you feel like you can do anything, or will at least push you past that initial stage of fear. The song fades out upon a dying power chord,leaving you wanting more.

Track 10. Fall of the Cicada- The title track of the album starts off in handy yet interesting fashion. A heavy foreboding riff, pounds its' way into a subtle clean riff which sets off a heavy explosion of excitement. It feels like something which could incite a riot. This album has been full of some really enjoyable music, consider this song included. Very good consistent balance from track to track with everything in each song, vocals, drums, guitars, bass. Really digging the chord progression, aggressive fucked up, yet simple and tasty. The music get's brutal, kicking things into a gear from nowhere, that's mindfully accurate of awesome. An explosion of greatness, might, and METAL FURY. Tossed full with melody, crunchy, and massively powerful vocals.

I have massively enjoyed this album review sometimes some music is not easy to listen to, but when a band is GOOD, I mean, damn good, and they are on it with everything they do, playing, recording, writing, performing, then you can not put push stop, or even think about turning away from the music. It makes you want to keep going, and wanting more of it. That's what is here. You can't turn way, you are drawn in, and away from the world. At times this has been intensely melodic, brutal, fun, and a dramatically awesome heavy metal crunch sensation. Great Material! Can't think of anything bad to say here!

www.johnnybmorbid.com

facebook.com/johnnybmorbidband Overall Rating 10/10.