Cry to the Blind is one modern rock band that doesn’t get lost in the sea of mediocrity. Hard rock laced with metal influences and catchy hooks makes this one addictive band to listen to. From Conflict to Clarity immediately got my attention from the first track and held it until the bitter end. They teeter on the edge of the metal scene, which is what I love about this album. The album opens with “Heartless,” a gripping and intense song dedicated to your typical heartbreaker. With fast guitar riffs, pounding double bass drums, and a chorus to remember, this song sets the pace. Singer Jon Lamanna showcases his anger with his scream style singing, reminiscent of Chester Bennington of Linkin Park (on their first album of course).

The album pushes forward and we enter into a world of heavy, yet melodic notes. “Last Goodbye” opens with a painful scream, calming down ever so slightly for those verses. What could make this song even more epic? Why inspirational lyrics of course! Lamanna laments, “This is my world / Here is my pain / This is the last goodbye I’ll say to you because I’ve lost my way.” Us tortured souls have been down this unknown path before, but the song reminds us we’re not alone. Before the guitar solo makes us croon, Lamanna screams in agony, his heart torn. The song is more moving than most ballads. The wounds feel fresh and raw. Tread with caution.

For those looking for something more mellow, you’ll have to settle on “We Don’t Wanna Be Here.” No band can resist whipping out the acoustics for at least one track. Cry to the Blind don’t do acoustic too well and I’m glad it’s the only track on the album. The rock tracks tear at my heart more than the one song that’s supposed to somehow make me weepy. It’s almost comical that the very next song (and last), “Inspite,” is quite possibly the heaviest on the album. A screaming battle ensues right from the start. The song is an explosion of fury. There’s no teetering on that line anymore. The song is pure metal with maybe a sprinkle of hard rock on top. Guttural screams and thrashing guitars, this song is beyond fierce. It makes you thirsty for more. While the album is by no means a disappointment, hearing “Inspite” makes me wish Cry to the Blind tapped even more into their metal roots. One can only hope my prayers are answered on a follow-up album.

From Conflict to Clarity couldn’t be a more perfect title. Cry to the Blind have stated that their mission as band is to take negative experiences and turn them into something positive. The album is a catharsis for those of us who understand that the heavier the music, the more relaxed we feel afterward. I feel rejuvenated and strangely peaceful when the album comes to a close. I’m able to view the world a little more clearly than before.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kristen You can read more about Kristen at her new website http://beerenlightenment.wordpress.com/