Of Virtue – To Breathe Again

For fans of Killswitch Engage, OF Virtue is probably the best new metal band I’ve heard this year. In a time where the metal world is quickly filling up with deathcore bands, Of Virtue takes us a few years back to the days of metalcore, when heavy breakdowns were accompanied with melodic guitars and occasional clean vocals.

This CD is heavy enough to keep the attention of the heavier side of metal, but still pleasant enough to entertain someone who does not like a constant barrage of growls, inhales, sweeps, or blast beats. The songs are very well written, flowing into one another. Not one track out of place. They take you from a sweet, melodic guitar duo, to a face breaking, bone crushing break down, and then back to do it all over again.

The first track, Is Moving On, a half-minute lead in gives listeners a good taste of what to expect. Powerful guitar chugs mixed with noisy leads, backed by thunderous pounding drums. They jump strongly into the second track, The Greatest Height, mixing hardcore breaks with sweetly melodic guitar work. The EP keeps up its intensity and harmonies with The Feat Of Man, song three, and Through Solace, song four, each including mosh worth breakdowns. Track five, Built On Lies, is an instrumental track. Softer, more ambient guitar styles are introduced here, showing the versatility of guitarist Damon Tate. Built On Lies is a good change of pace for the EP, taking the listener to different places, while leading up to the final track, Blood On My Hands. This track stands apart from the others; a strong, aggressive beginning slows down into a mellow peaceful bridge, accompanied by clean vocals and some spoken word. Finishing the song with harmonious guitar switching back and forth with emotionally charged breakdowns.

This CD is well mixed; all of the instruments are even, no overpowering drums, or weak bass. Every instrument shines through on its own. A very clean, professional sound. If their live performance sounds as good as this recording, the guys from Of Virtue should have no problem leaving their mark on the underground metal scene. The music is excellent, the cover art and the amazing production are bold and consistent, it is a wonder that there is no record label’s name on the back of this EP; it certainly has all the requirements of a professionally signed band. There is no doubt that the musicians from Of Virtue are extremely talented, and should be very proud of the work they put into this EP. Of Virtue is on the rise, 2010 will be a very good year for them. They have already played with acts such as Born Of Osiris, Bury Your Dead, Bring Me The Horizon, Impending Doom, Rose Funeral, And Whitechapel. The future for Of Virtue is nothing but promising.                                                 Reviewed By: Robert Nichols