Now most people that know of this band and James Hart, know of his colorful history with Eighteen Visions. When they disbanded he formed Burn Halo. Long story short: Burn Halo sounds nothing like old 18V, they released a fairly popular cd, toured for a few years and have made a bit of a name for themselves and released a new CD June 28th.
Now, this album is a heavier BH than we heard in 2009. It still maintains that old rock sound at times, and has some great vocals. James has evolved so much as a singer these last few years. Songs like Threw It All Away, Give Me A Sign, and Stuck In A Rut show the emotion he is emitting now and shows how he is now trying to write meaningful music, insted of just writing. He still has vocal power to get you fist pumping and headbanging with songs like Tear It Down, Up From The Ashes, Dakota, I Wont Back Down, and Shine.
Music wise, guitarist Joey Roxx has really made a style of his own, after being mentored by Synyster Gates (Avenged Sevenfold). Songs such as Shine,We Wont Live Forever and Get It On stand out thanks to Joey and his sound.
Below, you will find my ratings of each song and any comments I have about them.
1) Tear It Down - 5/5 This is an easy song to get pumped up to, I listen to it for just that reason. Whenever im about to play an intense multiplayer game, you can hear this song lol.
2) Up From The Ashes- 4/5 It a very good song and catchy, but for the title track, its not what you would expect.
3) Stranded - 4/5
4) Threw It All Away - 5/5 This is probably my favorite song off the album, it really speaks to me personally. It makes me think of when someone who had everything they could ever want, is now just left with nothing because of the mistakes that person made, but they want to change more than anything for the people closest to them. Very deep and personal. Love it
5) Alone - 4/5
6) Stuck In A Rut- 5/5 Another personal song for me. It seems like a song by someone who is just heartbroken and is having a rough time in life. But they know things can and will get better.
7) Give Me A Sign- 5/5
8) Dakota- 5/5 a pretty good song, very powerful but a little depressing. The James has described the song as "a song of despair. It tells the tale of a person that lives in a black hole. Their emptiness is eating them from the inside out. They’re so consumed by hatred and addiction that they neglect the idea of hope and faith in those that love them." Ive got to say, they hit the nail on the head with that one. Its a personal favorite because Dakota also happens to be my 1st name lol.
9) Rest My Soul - 3/5 I didnt particularly like this song. To me, it just seemed to sound like a Nickelback song and I really dislike them. Maybe you'll like it though.
10) I Wont Back Down - 5/5 Another great song to get you pumped up.
11) Shine - 5/5 At first I couldnt get use to this song, It sounded so different from the other songs on the album. But after listening to it alot, I must say its pretty good.
12) We Wont Live Forever - 5/5
13) Get It On - 5/5
Overall, This is a pretty good album, and so far my favorite of 2011. If you want a good rock album, then pick this up. I guess on overall score would be 4.5/5
