REVIEW: For All I Am – Skinwalker

January 24th, 2013

Kriston McConnell

ARTIST: For All I Am
ALBUM: Skinwalker
GENRE: Post hardcore
LABEL: Equal Vision Records

For All I Am haven’t been on the scene for too long, according to their Facebook page they’ve been an official band a little less than two years, excluding their time as I, Artificial. Since their inception, they’ve put out an EP, signed to Equal Vision Records and now have released the full length Skinwalker. They have built a strong fan base and continue to grow in popularity as they tour the world. If anything, this album will only increase their fan base.

The first thing you will notice about the album is the significant improvement in the vocals – both the clean and the unclean. The screams have a much larger range and are more controlled than before, delivering gut-punching verses in every track. One of their best elements are the clean vocals. They are raspy at times, instead of being clean-cut in every track. They resonate with the passion of the singer as he recites each verse.

One of the first tracks is “Oppressor”, and it’s also one of the best songs. If you want to hear word for word the passion these guys have put into their album this would be the track you would listen to. Another noteworthy track is “Forgotten”, it’s easily the stand out song on the album, if not the best one. It follows a very mellow track, and takes no time to dive right into being a relentless, hard-hitting powerhouse. Both of these songs are catchy and will have you screaming along before you know it.

My biggest complaint on the album would be some of the breakdowns. They have a good sound, but generally stay within that familiar territory for most of the songs. They may have a sound that’s “them” but it wouldn’t hurt them to push the boundaries with their music a bit more, and that’s something that I hope they pursue in the future. Other than that the production of the album is clean and well put together.

While this isn’t anything haven’t heard before, it’s obvious these guys have taken huge strides in the production between their EP and this full length. They’ve taken their personal experiences and weaved them seamlessly into the entire album. They should be proud of what they’ve done so far and may they continue their growth as they gain more experience.

SCORE: 7.8/10

Review written by: Kriston McConnell