Reviews list for Vision of Disorder - Razed to the Ground (2015)

It's a little hard to believe that the last Vision of Disorder album as of this review was a decade ago. It's almost as long as the gap between the release dates of From Bliss to Devastation and The Cursed Remain Cursed. This album, Razed to the Ground can be considered the bridge between those two, and while that brings the rating closer the former, it still has potential to be as excellent as the latter...

To be more specific, these metalcore/hardcore Long Islanders have more of the mainstream alt-metal of From Bliss to Devastation than before. Fortunately, they still have their roots from the heart of 90s metalcore.

This is especially proven in the furious opening highlight "Heart of Darkness", starting off reckless and relentless (NOT the Asking Alexandria album). "Hours in Chaos" is filled with intense chaos. "Electric Sky" brings things further, having some top-notch riffing and vocals. Then we have the ferocious title track. The breakdown at the end is so f***ing pulverizing, practically rivaling those from mathcore/deathcore bands out there.

"The Craving" is slightly more progressive, having an unorthodox time signature. The power and strength makes that song another one of the best here. For the next track "Cut My Teeth", the bridge is quite sharp, though the rest is a little dull. "Red on the Walls" loses some power as well, and it's not as sh*tty as FBTD's lowest point.

"Nightcrawler" brings the quality back up with some heavy riffing. Nothing about it is a letdown! Neither is "Severed Wing" which is also a bit progressive, considering the amount of key changes it has, more than many other metalcore/hardcore bands could. Finally, "Amurdica: A Culture of Violence" is so heavy and violent. It's really only the choruses and the ending that are melodic. A solid brutal closing track!

Vision of Disorder is almost never the kind of band to disappoint. Only those who are experienced with the band and genre will enjoy Razed to the Ground at least as much as I have. A couple weak-ish tracks aside, this is a great release to get you pumped up before a possible upcoming album sometime near....

Favorites: "Heart of Darkness", "Razed to the Ground", "The Craving", "Nightcrawler", "Amurdica: A Culture of Violence"