When modern Metal genres arose from the depths of the underground at the end of the 90's, there were mainly two reactions: those who loved the innovations brought by them, or hated them due the lack of acceptance from Old School Metalheads. But they're here to stay, no matter how much some can complain about things. And bands as the Canadian quintet FAYNE, from Quebec, are giving a hand to expand limits with "Journals". Mixing Metalcore essence with a modern Hardcore abrasive raw energy and technique inherited from Progressive Death Metal (and even come lysergic voyages from Progressive Rock can be heard on some moments, as on "Ash & Bone"). But their mix of a technical playing with harsh melodies and contrasts is really very good, and is helping the genre to expand limits, but always with extreme high levels of energy being expelled from the speakers.

The sound quality of "Journals" was built by the hands of Alex Gonzalez, Carlo de Iuliis and Justin Furtado (the producers), having Jamie King making the mixing and mastering. Their efforts created something that is brutal and aggressive, but always with the modern clarity that their musical work needs. And their instrumental tunes were chose to be clean and traditional (not those modern greasy tunes that many bands use today). Modern and melodic, aggressive and elegant, the quintet work is really excellent, but the sharp melodies built by brutal riffs shown on "Grimspeak" (and what a good chorus it has as well), the fast and aggressive "Ash & Bone" (very good broken tempos, what shows that bass guitar and drums are doing a great work), the Djent elements heard on the chaotic "Prototype" (very good contrasts between harsh and clean voices), the grasping oppressive melodies of "Totem", and the melancholic ambiance of "Journals" are the highlights.

FAYNE has a lot to offer to modern metal genres, and hope they can be heard and receive a massive response from the fans of the genre. They deserve it, and "Journals" deserves as well!