Review: 36 Crazyfists – Collisions and Castaways

Palmer reviews 36 Crazyfists’ Collisions and Castaways.

Artist: 36 Crazyfists
Album: Collisions and Castaways
Year: 2010
Genre: Metalcore

36 Crazyfists is a band that’s always struggled to stand their ground in the US. Their ability to remain afloat in spite of poor US reception is a testament to their fans overseas. They’ve always been more popular in the UK and other countries, with their past albums consistently debuting in the top 100 in the UK album charts. Obviously, someone sees something in this band that I do not.

36CF’s new album, Collisions and Castaways, is their fifth studio album, released on Ferret Music and Roadrunner Records. The album itself is basic, with little-to-no variation in sound which causes each track to blend in with another. As a result, this album doesn’t stand out. It shares its sound with almost every other album made by the band – it’s almost as if the band is afraid to change what they’ve done in the past.

Everything I’ve heard on Collisions and Castaways has been done before which leaves a rather lukewarm impression. Although, I try to give every band I review the benefit of the doubt, I simply cannot do that with this album. There’s absolutely nothing new to be found here, in fact, everything heard on this album has been done much better by dozens of other metal acts.

36CF’s sound borrows liberally from much more successful bands – As I Lay Dying and Unearth come to mind – and in doing so they have no clear cut sound of their own. Brock Lindow’s vocals come across as forced in most songs (somebody get this guy some singing lessons). Steve Holt’s standard metal guitar affair leaves much to be desired. The uninspired riffs and mediocre breakdowns make this album hard to finish. On a positive note, Thomas Noonan’s drumming continues to impress. He’s one of the most underestimated drummers in the metal world these days. His ability to keep each song flowing flawlessly despite the lack of talent around him continues to impress.

If you’re looking for something new here, look elsewhere. If you liked 36 Crazyfists before Collisions and Castaways then you’ll probably like this album too, it’s the same as all their others.

35/100

Best tracks: They all sound the same. You’ve heard one you’ve heard ‘em all.

- Palmer Sturman
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