Sean Twisted

I like to consider myself fairly well versed in the realm of music.. I've been a fan of it since I can remember, I've followed hundreds of bands, seen hundreds more live, and have purchased more than enough in my time to probably be able to pay off several cars. So, with that said, it takes something special to really catch me any more. To really hook me in, whatever it is I'm listening to has to completely blow me away, both lyrically and in a sonic-sense. I have to FEEL every note, every word. I can only count a handful of songs that have been able to achieve this. And honestly? Only one entire album.

That album is Art Of Dying's 2011 release, "Vices and Virtues". Front to back, this album is one of the hands down most solid albums i've heard in a LONG time. Just about every song conveys a very strong message, and conveys it well. I have to admit, I actually started tearing up after a couple listens. (Yes. Even I have emotions somewhere). It's actually taken me a few weeks to be able to listen to the whole thing long enough for me to really be able to write an un-biased review.

The album opens up with Power-anthem, "Die Trying", Blasting into "Get Thru This" (Which, an older recorded version of this had been my own personal "theme" song in recent month. The new version kicks it up a notch, for your listening pleasure).. The token 'I screwed up' song, "Sorry" rips right at your heartstrings, which runs into "Whole World's Crazy", which I could seeing as a definate crowd-pleaser. "Completely" Is probably the 2nd most powerful track on the album, "I Will Be There" is another ballad which makes you want to give a damn, followed by the angst-driven "You Don't Don't Me" which, gets the point across. "Raining" Is probably the only song on the album that I don't generally go crazy over - only because i'm personally not an Adam Gontier (Three Days Grace) fan. Solid track, just not my thing. "Best I Can" is a mellow track when compared to the rest of the album, but it's definately a powerful one. "Straight Across My Mind" is another solid track that lets you know you're always being thought of, which brings us into the album's closer, "Breathe Again" which is another song that has a whole lot of emotion packed into 4 minutes.

As I said before, front to back, it's a solid, powerful album. Just about every song has potential to be single material, clocking in at just over 42 minutes, I challenge anybody out there to sit down and give this album a listen or two, and NOT find something that catches you off guard like a powerful kick in the heart.. I guarantee you can't. Keep an eye on these guys, as I have a pretty good feeling they're not going anywhere anytime soon.