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Romans

All Those Wrists (2007)
self-released

Reviewer Rating:

Contributed by: Brian
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on December 14th 2007

Romans play metalcore, and because of this and their name, you're probably thinking, "Great, another Botch ripoff." The truth is -- not quite. While there is hints of that band on Romans' self-released full-length, All Those Wrists, the album often seems more tastefully in line with the full-throttle charge of Converge and Isis' heavier moments.

Because of this, All Those Wrists is an immediately impressive release. The band pummel forth with a guttural scream and pulsating riffs for twelve tracks that, while sometimes sounding the same, are economical and well-done. Opener "The Last Fifty-Eight Quatrains of the Seventh Century" is a hard-charging burst, while the middle of the album packs a fierce, original punch as well: "Manbeam" is an instrumental interlude that leads into the similarly slow-churning "Tidepool," then comes the mathy, frenetic pair of "Towing Anchors" and "Depths." "Carve Up and Give Away" is a definite standout, for its emboldened approach and wailing riffs.

For such a young band (they just formed 13 months ago) having released a record DIY this good-looking sonically and aesthetically, credit is definitely due. With the right producer and some more memorable songwriting, Romans could really be going places -- and I don't just mean through the conquering of other European civilizations.

STREAM
Nail, Nail, Nail
All Those Wrists
Tidepool
Smear Merchant
Carve Up and Give Away

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elephantdwarf (December 17, 2007)

labeling anything 'metalcore' is a fucking cop out.

xote (December 17, 2007)

This sure as hell aint metal. It's not hardcore or punk. It's metalcore. And it's good. But its metalcore. Sometimes people call Botch noisecore. Those people are stupid. They were also metalcore. But a good band. Deal with it.

elephantdwarf (December 15, 2007)

this probably isn't the 'metalcore' you think of when you hear 'metalcore'. that term shouldn't have been used to describe this band.

facetofacereunion08 (December 15, 2007)

hate metalcore

inagreendase (December 14, 2007)

never let this man write a review for Holy Roman Empire

ohhhhh dip. Actually refrained from your peeve in my review.

Archangel (December 14, 2007)

"it isn't like Brian is pitching a sit com or something."

First: Hahahaha, well-countered.

Second: Oh God, the possibilities.

elephantdwarf (December 14, 2007)

stop using the term "metalcore". its not really what this band is.

SloaneDaley (December 14, 2007)

Hey Asshole,

take it easy, it was a harmless joke. God forbid the reviewers have a little lighthearted humour in their reviews, it isn't like Brian is pitching a sit com or something.

Hey_Asshole (December 14, 2007)

also, most retarded and predictable review ending ever:
"nurrr (insert lame "Roman Empire" reference) nurrrr"

never let this man write a review for Holy Roman Empire, or we shall be knees deep in retarded jokes