High energy mixed with melody, heavy guitars and technicality, THE RELAPSE SYMPHONY has seemingly burst out of nowhere, rising to a point where they have been part of the Vans Warped Tour, and shared stages with BLACK VEILED BRIDES.

THE RELAPSE SYMPHONY mixes modern heavy metal in the vein of groups like AVENGED SEVENFOLD with a punky attitude, creating a high-energy sound with a big middle-finger towards just about everyone.

The songs are all mostly up-tempo, with breakdowns partway through. The guitar work is fantastic, the solos are melodic and shreddy, and retain a semblance of the song, working well within the context of a track. Mostly clean vocals mean that THE RELAPSE SYMPHONY remain more of a modern hard rock, metal act, taking some heavier influences, rather than crossing all the way over into some other genres, as there are only a few moments where the singing becomes a slightly more guttural shout. One problem I have with these bands is that the vocal tone of so many of these singers is fairly nasal and winey. While Bret Von Dehl does follow these characteristics, unlike many, the energy he puts out, as well as the moments of shouting, which doesn't quite become a full-on scream which, to me, is a good thing.

The tracks on the album are fairly universal in their tempos and energy levels, offering very little in the way of variety or change. The band's sound isn't entirely unique or different from other groups you expect to see on festival tours like the Vans Warped, but it is a sound that gets fans up and seems to sell well.

I'm enjoying this album greatly, despite that. One to blast out to and listen to over and over, with plenty of energy and angst, THE RELAPSE SYMPHONY retain a melody and technicality that keeps it slightly fresh.<