With each new generation of metal, there are always bands that will cause a bit of a ripple amongst fans of the style both new and old to where you can just hear about them via word of mouth versus hearing about them or experiencing a lick of their music. That’s what happened with me for Act of Defiance who I’ve heard is a modern band that takes metal to no new heights whatsoever, but makes it more dynamic. And after hearing their upcoming sophomore album, I feel that’s an accurate statement albeit with some new changes.

Just a second ago I called Act of Defiance “modern”, and that can truly mean so much that it’s almost too broad of a word to describe any one piece of music. Yet, after listening to the upcoming work that is “Old Scar, New Wounds”, modern in an incredibly apt word to simply translate what this band went for when creating this record and it’s not difficult to see why once you get below the surface of this record. In a nutshell, the general style that Act of Defiance goes for here is more or less thrash with other different elements peppered throughout which gives “Old Scars, New Wounds” plenty of spice to help you get through these eleven tracks of fast-paced intensity that swap between going for the throat and kicking you in the jaw. We’re also greeted with not only a decent set of growls that don’t disappoint but also a set of cleans that are a good, stark contrast to the vocals we’ve already gotten used to and that helps bring forth that modern feel I keep bringing up. Act of Defiance doesn’t solely rely on the companionship between a decent pairing of growls and cleans, but instead leans on a cleaner sound that is undoubtedly made in the studio, fairly basic song structures, and a very acceptable sense of musicianship that manages to get the job done perfectly well. That will, without doubt, be a let down for many people going into “Old Scars, New Wounds”, but just because Act of Defiance has made a record that’s fairly standard that doesn’t mean you still can’t enjoy what’s been made.

Am I a little sad that a band with clear promise and clear talent didn’t produce something that gets both my thumbs up? Admittedly, yes, but I’m not quite bitter about it because in no way is “Old Scars, New Wounds” a bad album when it comes down to it. It’s got more than enough room for improvement, and I have a feeling that this band will hone in on those improvements in time. Act of Defiance is still a new band, and with each new band comes eventual growth. So, for now, patience is a virtue.

“Old Scars, New Wounds” releases on September 29th via Metal Blade Records!

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