Counterpart’s much anticipated “The Difference Between Hell and Home” will deliver the heavy and powerful sound that fans have been craving for.
The album’s overall sound resembles bands like The Ghost Inside or August Burns Red. Although the resemblance is clear, Counterparts succeeds in achieving the never ending goal of creating a unique sound and style with “The Difference Between Hell and Home”. One word song titles is something that has been done before and is clearly intentional on this record as it gives the listener a way to easily sum up the songs. It helps differentiate between songs when first listening and helps listeners pay more attention to each song. This may not seem like a critical point for the band, but this is definitely a sign of style and lyrical meaning on the album. Most importantly, this technique fits the album and lyrics by presenting the topic of each song. It helps create a story that can be easily followed yet still inspiring, which is exactly what this album does.
The album opens up by immediately starting into the album’s story and band’s style with the song “Lost”. The band jumps right into things by demanding the listener’s full attention with this song. As the album progresses with songs like “Decay” and “Cursed” fans will find the more ambient sounds of Counterparts with clean guitar and reverb effects supporting the song’s story and message. These sounds are only to be contrasted intelligently with songs like “Slave” and the closer, “Soil”. These songs show a slightly heavier side of the album while still carrying the sound that can be heard throughout. “Soil” ends up being the perfect song to end the album as it lyrically closes the story and creates an atmosphere of a bittersweet realization of the end.
Although few, there are some critiques to be addressed from this album. The band does a pretty good job of creating a unique sound, but they still have a way to go. Surprise tempo changes and parts that are repeated too long will break the flow and immerse feel of the album. With an album created so artistically, these cons can really break up the atmosphere of the album and take the listener out of the story of the album. Luckily, they don’t last for long though as they are sparse.
Overall, this album is a work of art and Counterparts delivers again. Its story and musical feel are very reassuring to the listener that unique bands are still out there. It’s albums like these that drive people so religiously into music. Definitely keep an eye on this band and make sure to get your hands on “The Difference Between Hell and Home” any way you can because this is an album to be remembered.
Rating: 9.5/10
-Nic