Review: Fracture Point – Inherit the Downfall (2008)

Combining ferocious grooves ala Lamb of God, a modern guitar tone in the vain of modern Exodus, a vocalist who is harsh but not unintelligble much like Leif Jensen of Dew-Scented, and finally, the infinite beats that made Fear Factory powerhouses, are what constitute the debut release of Fracture Point, entitled Inherit the Downfall.

Prior to coming upon this release, I had never heard of Fracture Point, however, upon listening to this self released effort, I was quite taken aback by the impressive production values, and the songwriting abilities of the band. In fact, up until this point, I hadn’t heard a band that really rivaled the American groove stylings in the vain of Lamb of God, but Fracture Point I believe gives them a run for their money.

Talent wise, every member of the band brings something to the table. The guitar tone reminds me of the latest Exodus records in that it has a very muddy, downtuned tone but still sharp enough where it doesn’t delve into the murkey depths of Dismember and Entombed. The band is obviously much more concerned with rhythm as opposed to traditional solos. While songs do contain a few solos, the emphasis never devolves from the true intent of hitting the listener with a powerful rhythm section between drummer Dan Ammon and guitarist Matt Hobart. My only problem I have with the band’s sound, is that any potential the bass player may have in expressing his technique is somewhat lost in the thick guitar sound that is so bass heavy, the bass guitar seems only useful in chugging along in constant support of whatever the lead is doing. I am a stickler for a broad bass sound, and I can totally hear a twangy slap bass ala Cryptopsy’s Eric Langois adding a newfound level of richness. There are a few notable exceptions throughout the album, especially in the song “Inherit the Downfall,” but overall, the potential for stronger bass parts is definitely there.

Fracture Point’s debut is, quite simply, much better than many of the releases coming out on major metal labels, and these guys are doing it on their own! I find this fact to be quite impressive, but because of the level of talent this band possesses, it is only just that they manage to find a good home with a promotional department that can turn them into a future Lamb of God. Modern metal fans of virtually any sub genre will be able to take away something positive from this release, as it is completely relevant to modern music in every way. Do this band some justice and pick this one up!

Top Tracks: Inherit the Downfall, IED, Syntropy

Similar Artists: Lamb of God, Exodus, Darkane, Fear Factory, Dew-Scented

VERY GOOD

1. IED
2. Fearpath
3. Image
4. Mind Ruin
5. Face of Pain
6. Last Minute
7. Inherit the Downfall
8. Failure State
9. Syntropy
10. Manic Aggression
11. Witness in the Shroud
12. J69

Ben Rosputni – Lead Vocals
Matt Hobart – Guitar
Matt Bond – Bass
Dan Ammon – Drums

www.fracturepointmetal.com
http://www.myspace.com/fracturepoint

Reviewed by CODY