I hate hype, buzz is one thing but when you start hearing a bunch of hype about a group, then the natural inclination to hate them kicks in. That’s what happened with Lostprophets. Their debut album had everyone a buzz about this being the next big thing--the ones to steal the thunder from Linkin Park. Many wrote them off instantly, and I too joined that brigade. 

I’m not above saying I was wrong. I’ve done it on more than one occasion. And I’m here to do it again.  (This isn’t a joke like that last Limp Bizkit review; I really have been turned around concerning Lostprophets.). 

One big strike against them is the fact that they waited so long to put out this follow up album. Granted they took their time to perfect the album and it does show in the final product. The problem they face is that they had some momentum and the numetal genre was still riding high when they began work on this CD.  Well, time has passed and numetal is breathing its last gasps of desperation in trying to remain relevant. Fortunately for Lostprophets, this CD easily rises above what we consider numetal, and they should be able to transcend the dying trend and carve out a further niche for themselves. That will be an uphill battle and other worthy bands have come at the sunset of a trend that they were lumped into and although they had superior music, they were unable to break through and remain relevant in the trend mongering public eye. With “Start Something”, Lostprophets have the ammunition to fight on and take things to a much higher level, if they are given the chance. 

Now a word on numetal. We all know it and the formula it employs. Lostprophets are not above using that formula but unlike a lot of numetal bands, they do it well enough to crossover and escape. If anything this CD hedges on the ridge between numetal and modern rock with extremely strong pop leanings. It’s that latter component that will win the day in the end, if this album succeeds. 

This is one of those album that you are either going to love or hate on first listen. It’s not a “it had to grow on me” disc. While the music does seem a bit formulaic, it is well executed for the most part. The only time they run into trouble is when they stop being themselves and try to be Linkin Park. Luckily we can skip over those parts. 

The lead off track, appropriately titled “We Still Kill The Old Way”, is a catchy showpiece where the band frontloaded the best elements of their sound to capture the listener’s attention from the get go. A driving beat, melodic prechorus that kicks into a big chorus is a winning recipe. The song doesn’t have the readily identifiable hook, the whole song is one big hook, and they offer up some interesting change-ups that really make the song standout. 

The rest of the album is more or less variations on the same formula. Some songs work better than others, the only draw back is the numetal elements may turn certain people off, but the strong pop focus may also turn another segment off, as it may sound a bit too polished and slick for those that like a lot of edge to their rock. But if you’re looking for a band that throws down some solid heavy pop-rock, then Lostprophets are just the ticket. 
 
 

• Visit the Official website.
• Listen to samples and Purchase this CD online

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