Emmure - Slave To The Game

Emmure, the band you love to hate. Or just straight up hate or love.

I've only ever met people who are one or the other with these Moshcore, gangster, drugs and video game loving lads from Queens NY. Some compare them to a modern day Limp Bizkit (I don't see it) and whether you love them or hate them, there's no denying that Emuure are here to stay. Earlier this year they released their fifth studio album, only 14 months after their last album 'Speaker Of The Dead' which was one of their most solid releases I feel. Now they've given us 'Slave To The Game' and by the time you finish reading this review they may have already released a new album, it would not surprise me.

Besides the fact that this album was rushed and most decent bands normally wait at least 2 years between albums, there's something about this album that turns me right off. The intro is one of the worst I've heard compared to their other albums, and there's a lot of unnecessary filler throughout. 'Slave To The Game' still features the breakdowns and clever guitar screeches that Emmure have become known for. It's pretty much a Part 2 of 'Speaker Of The Dead' in terms of the style is very similar and they haven't gone out of their comfort zone at all. There are a couple of nice little surprises such as the slow and melodic track 'MDMA' which is a standout. As a long-time fan of the band I feel that on every album they release it's usually the slower songs that end up being my favourite. There just seems to be more thought and creativity put into them compared to the boring and repetitive chugging and breakdowns we've all come to expect. Ex-drummer for Between The Buried And Me is the latest addition to Emmure and he does a job well done, but nothing exciting. The overuse of samples and electronics on this album does get a little annoying, leading to me wanting a more raw and heavy sound that they gave on 'Goodbye To The Gallows' and 'The Respect Issue'. Those were the best times for Emmure fans.

It's no secret that front man Frankie Palmeri has a love for video games as you will notice if you choose to listen to this album. On 'Speaker Of The Dead' there were Street Fighter references used in the lyrics of a couple of tracks. His vocals on here are less aggressive and features more of the 'not sure if speaking or trying to do a lame Fred Durst imitation' type of deal which began on 'Felony' back in 2009. As an intimidating front man, mainly on stage, it's a shame that he doesn't use his well-crafted aggression more often to create a heavier feel. I know he can do it, but maybe that's not what he wants to do anymore?

'Slave To The Game' at the end of the day is just another Emmure album. Had they waited and perhaps combined the material of this album and their previous one, then maybe we'd have something worth getting excited over. Sadly, that's not the case here. There's a lot of moments I can hear them progressing to improve their sound, but it doesn't last and gets ruined by something stupid and not needed. There are a few good songs on here but not enough to save itself.

Standout tracks: Protoman, MDMA, She Gave Her Heart To Deadpool, and A.I

5/10