Anthems for the Damned

Anthems For The Damned is the first album from Filter for the last six years

A well written, radio friendly alternative metal may be a really helpful thing when you feel tired from the whole mass of those experimentally-vague bands, which pretend to be new saviors of world music scene. It is easy to apprehend, it doesn't require too much of your attention and it always brings a breath of fresh air. Even though it sounds a little bit dark at times, it is absolutely irreplaceable when you need something simple and familiar. This is why a new album of American bad Filter seems to be so lively and refreshing record. You shouldn't expect something unusual or extra unique, everything is quite predictable here, but if you like a considered, high quality heavy alternative rock than Anthems For The Damned is made for you. If you know nothing about Filter than it is a fully suitable reason to get acquainted with them, if you are their long time fan than Anthems For The Damned will help you to recall why did you love this band before – after all, this is their first album in six years.

Filter became closer to mainstream

The first thing to mention is slight but still appreciable changes in Filter's creativity. Of course, they still love playing heavy riffs but overall the new record sounds more restrained. While before their songs featured some sort of a New-Metal twitchiness and a little bit savage performing, now everything looks more calmly, or, saying it in another words, now Filter can be fearlessly called a band with a complete mainstream outfit. The very first track of the album Soldiers Of Misfortune demonstrates it in the best possible way. However, these changes had quite a positive overall impact. The material gained more confident and solid look without loosing its special zest at that. The metal air got reduced a little but to such a degree, which actually helps the musicians to concentrate at the quality of compositions. The essence of this album consists in a mixture of scrupulously crafted song structures and catchy refrains. And the main thing here is that these refrains never sound forced or trite. Such a quality justifies a lot - admit that.

Emotionality index

Just like any radio friendly band is supposed to, Filter face no problems with vocals, in fact, this is one of their strongest points. The unchallenged leader and inspirer of the band Richard Patrick has a pretty pleasing baritone. It is hard to say that he is unbelievably talented as a singer but he looks fully worthwhile in the borders of this band. His main advantage lies in his ability to express a pretty wide range of emotions. Vocals in Filter's music serve as a peculiar indicator of emotional coloring of the songs. Basically, he sings in a restrained manner, but if it is necessary he can blow the song up. For instance compare tracks What's Next and The Take. The level of intensity in their arrangements is equally strong - it is vocal that makes them sound so different. Overall, Anthems For The Damned is a strong and professionally made record. It doesn't claim to be original but it fully deserves attention.