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Interrogate: Scarred For Life

Interrogate: Scarred For Life

Metalcore
Rating: 2.5/5.0

Independent/Self-Promotion
www.interrogate13.com
www.myspace.com/interrogate
Review: Craig Hartranft,  08.09.2009

Here's another offering of international metalcore; this time from Ireland's Interrogate with their debut EP Scarred For Life. As usual with most metalcore these days (whether from the US or elsewhere), Interrogate brings little new to the table. This work is pretty much harsh and brutal in tone like most modern metal, so I say again there's nothing new here. As with all metalcore bands, Interrogate establishes their hardcore credentials in the first two songs by being successfully brutal, vulgar (dropping the f-bomb like the IRA tossing firebombs at Brit occupiers 40 years ago), and full of misguided unforgiving angst. Sigh. As always, I was hoping for more. Fortunately, Scarred For Life is not as tedious and predictable as it seems.

There are some bright spots on Scarred For Life. For one, when necessary Andy Campbell can actually sing, and sometimes reminds of a very young Ozzy. He's quite impressive on Sorrow Remains, but also has some better moments at the start of Fall From Grace and in the middle of Losing It All. But mostly Campbell screams and tosses liberal amounts of vulgarities throughout this work. Yawn, so very typical. Additionally, I would add that Interrogate are better than average musicians. I was especially impressed by Darren Brown's bass work on Vermin and Losing It All and Stephen Brown's drum work on Victim and Choda. When he's permitted to stretch, Mark Johnston is a capable guitarist having some excellent (yet often) brief work on Vermin, Choda, Losing It All, and the impressive Sorrow Remains. That last song is hardly metalcore, more like heavy modern rock, and only goes to show that Interrogate can dismiss trends and actually be melodic.

These are all very good points about Scarred For Life. Unfortunately, you must wallow through the soggy bog of average metalcore to find these shining moments. You can thank me later. If your metal interests tend towards the all things harsh of modern metal, and particularly metalcore, Interrogate's Scarred For Life is a good international find. Otherwise, as good king Solomon said, there is nothing new under the sun.

In Short

If your heavy metal interests tend towards the harshness of the modern style, particularly metalcore, Interrogate's Scarred For Life is a good international find with many hidden gems within. Otherwise, as good king Solomon said, there is nothing new under the sun.

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