When you get into the "cores" which are so popular today, it's extremely difficult to pin down where each band belongs in a vast mess of genre monikers. Luckily Miami, Florida's Thick As Blood aren't one of these bands-but unfortunately sound like a pretty typical metalcore band to me. Downtuned guitars, plenty of double bass, predictable rhythm patterns, minimal technicality, lyrics such as "blood, sweat, no tears" and "roam alone" and plenty of breakowns are what these guys have to offer.
While reading a few other reviews to see what other people thought of this record, I think I am listening to a different batch of songs than other reviewers. I couldn't find any redeeming qualities or replay value from listening through this album twice, or could name the titles of any of the tracks (minus the ones they chant the titles). Sure, there's some melodic moments such as in "Headaches" and some meaningful lyrics like in "Full Measure," but to me it was all very cookie-cutter and minimally memorable. Not much variation is offered up on the record, as you'll find a mid-tempoed power chords carrying out most of the record. There are a few riffs like in the title track "Living Proof," and there's also points where the drums play 16th notes on the bass drum, which goes along with the guitar well-it comes off as a Merauder-esque feel. That said, they don't really up the tempo though until halfway through the record with "Diente Por Diente."
As far as sound goes, Nick Jett did a great job as usual. Everything is loud, the guitar tones are crushing but still have a warmth to them, the bass is audible, the vocals sit well on top of the mix, etc.
Overall, if you're a fan of more traditional metallic hardcore, I'd reccomend sticking to bands like Terror, Trapped Under Ice, Death Before Dishonor, etc. However, if you dig the down-tuned guitars, zero technicality, and want to get plenty of pit-time live, this is the album for you. I tried to keep the fact that they're on Rise out of focus and approached the record with an open mind, but the whole metalcore "scene" is very hit-or-miss for me. Some bands I would normally think I'd hate grow on me or I can at least respect them even though it's not my thing. This record falls into the latter category, as I'm sure there's plenty of people out there who will eat this record up and will be stoked when Thick as Blood comes to their city. They've released two records prior to this and have toured all over the world with bands such as Terror, so I can't hate on them. This record just isn't for me, as I'm sure it won't be for a lot of traditional hardcore fans or fans of technical metalcore.
Home 
Follow on Twitter! 
Like on Facebook!
Listen to thick as blood
