Prince of Failure: A Review of a Unique Metalcore Project
In the world of progressive metal, the early 2010s were a golden age of creativity and innovation, with bands like Periphery, Erra, and TesseracT pushing the boundaries of the genre. Among these groundbreaking acts, TesseracT's 'One' stands out as a masterpiece that defined the sound of djent. Now, years later, TesseracT's Daniel Tompkins and multi-instrumentalist Paul Ortiz have joined forces to create Prince of Failure, a project that marks a significant shift in Tompkins' creative world.
The album opens with a moody intro track, 'Dream Stealer', which slowly builds tension before revealing a familiar sound that might remind listeners of Skyharbor. This intentional use of familiarity sets the stage for the following tracks, which showcase Tompkins' ability to experiment with modern metalcore trends and textures. Ortiz's production skills and electronic soundscaping provide a satisfying aesthetic foundation, pulling from the unexpected scene of octanecore.
The album's standout tracks, such as 'Phantom', feature downtuned guitar grooves and heavy sections, while 'Saturn's Shadow' showcases a slower, reverb-drenched side with bright synths. 'Horizon' demonstrates the production muscle, with electronic beats and textures leading the way. Tompkins' vocal abilities are on full display, from light, breathy falsettos to grunts and yells inspired by Deftones' Chino Moreno.
However, the album is not without its flaws. The front-loaded nature of the album, with the first three tracks being the most engaging, might leave listeners yearning for more. Some moments, like the vocal cadence on 'Horizon', lean too far into R&B territory. Despite these shortcomings, Prince of Failure elevates the octanecore formula through strong performances and the members' prog backgrounds.
In conclusion, Prince of Failure is a solid slab of sing-a-long-able, head-nod-able metalcore. Tompkins and Ortiz's collaboration showcases their ability to experiment and create something unique. While it may not be a mind-bending prog masterpiece, it offers a refreshing take on the metalcore genre. The album is a solid 7/10, and it's a must-listen for fans of modern metalcore and those who enjoy a good sing-along while driving with the windows down.
