When their first album was coming out, Devil You Know quickly became one of the first bands that I became attached to when I first started doing these reviews. It felt right given how the band has helped shaped my taste in metal in the long run, and that effect still resonates to this day. With a new name because of behind-the-scenes disputes, this act is finally ready to respond to 2015’s magnificent “They Bleed Red”, and while it’s not my favorite piece from them this is still delectable.

Easily, my favorite record from Light the Torch (whether or not it was under the same name, I really don’t care) was “They Bleed Red” simply because it was a major improvement on everything the band set out to do with their debut album in literally every form. I never once had a shred of doubt that this band would ever put out a bad album, and so far I’m right as “Revival” is the first album under this new moniker and it’s just as potent as their debut. Granted, I personally feel like “Revival” is lacking in a sense of identity as Light the Torch has a sound that just feels too…. typical for metalcore as a whole. The record feels incredibly processed at times as if the band was going for efficiency over enjoyment and satisfaction, but in the end, the whole of “Revival” comes together to form a solid experience. There are loads of riffs, harmonic vocals that flow better than water, enough power and restraint to satisfy many, and even an overall sense of musicianship that really shows the knowledge behind the veteran musicians in Light the Torch. I still enjoy “Revival” without doubt, but there’s still something left to be desired. Maybe a little bit more diversity amongst the tracks or a more dynamic sound.

There are always albums that people aren’t going to enjoy as much as some other pieces, and I’m no different. “Revival” is a respectable album from front to back as Light the Torch continues to blaze their path forward as one of the names to know in all of metalcore, and it’s hard to argue otherwise.

PURCHASE “Revival” via iTunes here.

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FOLLOW Light the Torch on Twitter: @LTTorchBand