When I read the story behind RED DAWN RISING and their only album, "Weight of the World" I was intrigued. All members being from other bands, RED DAWN RISING sort of fell between the cracks for quite some time. The half-written songs and unfinished melodies sat gathering dust while their creators pursued other passions. But is a half- passion dream, left to rot on the side, best left forgotten? If there wasn't enough passion to finish it in the first place, should it be left to the folder of Unfinished Stuff? In theory, the album sounds like an interesting listen. An album pulled from the shelf and polished, revamped and added to. All to create a "concept album concerning the lazy and spoiled attitude" people seem to have as the world is utterly collapsing around us which is meant to be a wake up call or call to action for the listener. But does the Music hold up?

First off, I feel like if you're going to write something with deep, meaningful lyrics that you want people to take something from, Metalcore maybe isn't the genre to do it in. Which is probably why the vast majority, and yes I understand there are exceptions to every rule, but the vast majority of Metalcore songs are about nonsensical bullshit probably having something to do with demons, death, gore, or some combination thereof. If you want to be inspirational that's awesome but how am I going to be inspired if I have to look up the lyric sheet? I can't read lyrics while I'm driving, bruh. I don't have a problem with Arne Vandoorne's vocals. He's got a good range, a hell of a growl, and a lovely clean singing voice. But if I'm only taking in a few words, I'm not getting very inspired, am I?

To illustrate my point, we may look at the track "Angels Cry" which I found to be a particularly well written and even clever song. But try figuring that out without consulting the lyric sheet. And if that's the case, I will just go read some nice poetry rather than listen to some every band give me average Metalcore.

Musically, these guys are pretty bland. They sound pretty formulaic. I haven't heard anything that sets them apart. And there doesn't seem to be any real passion in the music. So, basically, Peter Craeynest is carrying these guys on his massive talent like so many other bands I could name that are saved by the hammering zazz of their drummer.

That is not to say this album is without its merits. "Pain/Victory" is a good, heavy track. The vocals are brutal, the guitars and bass are nice and melodic, and Craeynest throws down a beautiful demonstration of that Talent of his.

On the whole, however, I'm going to have to say this one was probably best left in the dust. It comes off like you had some interesting poetry you wrote, you had a concept album in mind and you slapped said poetry to some music you farted out real fast. I don't hear any emotion in that music. It's just you playing notes. And if there's no passion in your message, who would listen even if they could understand the words?