ALBUM REVIEW: Valley of Death – Lionheart

LIONHEART have never been a band that’s been about writing thoughtful music. Well, thoughtful to maybe 10 inches below the surface, but mostly their appeal has been well kept within the realms of macho energy and decently written songs that pack a punch. Now returning after a bit of a break with their latest record Valley of Death, it seems like nothing has changed, but perhaps instead just become more egregious.

The opening title track poses an optimistic view at the rest of the record. It feels heartfelt and intense, and also serves as a perfect opener for the record as a whole. Unfortunately, past thing point, things get very formulaic, and the entire band begin to lean back on the powers of their breakdowns alone. It really is fair to just call this album a breakdown factory. The group attempt to meet their past standards of writing half decent songs, but the only reason they retain a level of catchiness is because of the relentless repetition in the vocal delivery.

LIONHEART definitely still ooze the attitude that made them an interesting act. Their west coast bravado gives their music a level of intensity and fun that definitely serves as the best bit about the whole album. LIONHEART push the boundaries a bit more on Valley of Death as well, with low tuned riffs and a level of extremity that the band haven’t really pushed for before. It’s good that the band are at least trying to reach out, but the basic blueprint still remains, and when the songs on the album aren’t up to scratch then it all becomes a bit redundant.

There are some standout tracks. Rock Bottom is a fast, blitzer of a track and has a wicked feature from Jesse Barnett, and Before I Wake flows nicely whilst maintaining its intense momentum. Tracks like these show that the band are still clearly talented, but there lacks a real sense or cohesion within the record, and a lot of the songs sound like they’ve borrowed ideas from each other. There is also a weird trend of vocalist Rob Watson grunting, quite awkwardly, throughout the record. It’s most apparent in the final track, and it really detracts from everything. It’s a real question of who thought that was a good idea in the first place…

Ultimately, LIONHEART were never going to truly impress anyone except those who were anticipating this record. It remains true to what LIONHEART are, but even here there is a lot of sub par writing in between genuine, chest puffing hardcore ragers. With some questionable vocal additions like the grunting making this album feel like a teenagers bedroom project, Valley of Death feels like a missed opportunity for the Californian crew to finally shut the naysayers up.

Rating: 5/10 

Valley of Death out now via Arising Empire.

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