ALBUM REVIEW: ALL IS BEAUTIFUL…BECAUSE WE’RE DOOMED – We Came As Romans

For almost twenty years, WE CAME AS ROMANS have been a staple band in the American metalcore scene. Bands can generally take one of a few paths when they’ve been around this long: they can fizzle out or break up, they can stay doing what they are doing without any form of evolution, or they can adapt with the times, and create something different. With their latest record ALL IS BEAUTIFUL…BECAUSE WE’RE DOOMED, WE CAME AS ROMANS seem set out to prove something of themselves, and make an impact in the ever-changing music scene. Notably, their last album was a haunting tribute to their late singer Kyle Pavone, which was a beautiful creation in its own right, but this album seems to be a representation of where they are now, and everything that current frontman Dave Stephens will bring to the band.

The album’s opener … All Is Beautiful… is atmospheric, creepy, and builds just the right amount of suspense. The heavy guitars let off some frustration, but don’t give much away. It is short and sweet, but will definitely leave listeners wanting more. bad luck sets the tone for the record clearly, letting us know exactly what to expect. The track is an easy singalong, sounding like it was written with the intention to be played to a live audience, which seems to be the formula that most of modern metalcore is taking. This is in no way a criticism, it is catchy and has enough depth to work. The song can’t help but be reminiscent of the paths that bands like BRING ME THE HORIZON and BAD OMENS are taking, but with enough of WE CAME AS ROMANS own flare to be original. While not the strongest track on the album by a long shot, it just tells listeners there is way more to come.

lake of fire is raw and punchy, with an undeniably nostalgic feel to the melody. red smoke is where the album really comes into its own, with an addictive opening riff, some incredibly well-crafted lyricism and a little breakdown for the hardcore dancers. The band show no signs of slowing down with the next few tracks, and Stephens absolutely proves himself with his vocals on one by one, perfectly complimenting the brutally honest lyricism, with enough hope beginning to creep through. This happens again on where did you go? and no rest for the dreamer, all with lyrics that tell a story and evoke some intense emotions.

While culture wound doesn’t have the strongest chorus on the record, its bridge makes up for it, with the heavy vocals and guitars creating something amazing. The last three tracks are easily some of the best, and they get groovy with it on knowing pain, which is exactly the kind of song you want to cry and dance to simultaneously.  The album ends with because we’re doomed, which feels like the band have nothing to lose and are baring all. The overarching feeling is catharsis, and is a convincing final statement.

It’s probably the hardest time to be a band at the moment, especially with feeling like you have to live up to some other bands currently playing arenas and headlining festivals, but WE CAME AS ROMANS prove with this album that they have earned their stripes. They create a perfect balance between the anger of 2010s metalcore and modern singalong choruses, but it’s their lyricism and sheer emotion that set them apart.

Rating: 7/10

ALL IS BEAUTIFUL…BECAUSE WE’RE DOOMED is out now via SharpTone Records

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