Still Remains - The Serpent

Roadrunner Records

Yet another contender in the metalcore sweepstakes, Still Remains have returned with their second album and it seems like they've showed with actual songs this time out. The Serpent succeeds in many ways but their songwriting chops are what's most evident here. Tunes like "Stay Captive" and the melancholic "Maria" demand your attention and get it with soaring vocal refrains and arena-sized choruses. Another obvious improvement from their older output is the use of cleaner vocals from T.J. Miller. Don't be mistaken, there are still bountiful screams to be found on the album but they are used more tastefully this time out. I wouldn't be surprised if they abandon them completely on their next album.

Credit must be given to keyboardist Ben Schauland who's dresses the material with glorious melodies and never suffocates the heavier sections. The guitar harmonies, courtesy of Mike Church and Jordan Whelen, race along in a style that brings to mind bands like In Flames and Trivium. The band are set to support Bullet For My Valentine on a European trek and both bands share a knack for melding razor sharp guitars with memorable hooks. It remains to be seen if Still Remains will be able to capitalize on their new found maturity but with an album this strong, it shouldn't be so hard.

Carlos Ramirez