Confidence and Consequence by Too Pure to Die
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Release date : November 2007
Reviewed by Eric Stephens
Background information
Review
Background information
Des Moines, Iowa act Too Pure to Die formed during 2002, the brainchild of guitarist Jordan Peterson. Following years of touring, and a self-issued album, the group inked a record contract with West Coast label Sumerian Records in 2006. During 2006's summer, Confidence and Consequence was cut, and then distributed later in the year. To support the full length, Too Pure to Die embarked upon both North American and Canadian jaunts alongside such acts as August Burns Red, Misery Signals, Sworn Enemy, Caliban, Kataklysm and The Acacia Strain. The group's various lineup changes concerned Peterson, whom sought a stable lineup. Erstwhile Beyond All Reason member Paul Zurlo fulfilled the vocalist slot, cementing a lineup which boasted the following; Peterson and Zach Johnson handling guitar, Chris Towning occupying bass, and Kyle Rossi donating drums. This specific lineup witnessed its North American live debut via a June 2007 trek with Trustkill Records' First Blood, and Victory Records' The Warriors.
During 2007's summer, Too Pure to Die began contract discussions with Trustkill Records, and a deal was eventually announced in late August. From September through October, the group toured the United States alongside All That Remains. Collectively, both Too Pure to Die and Trustkill Records felt that Confidence and Consequence should reach a wider audience. For that reason, the outfit opted towards re-recording that album. Re-recorded with the aid of Matt Sepanic and Andreas Magnussen, the album's November 2007 issue also features bonus cut “What’s Left”.
Review
In select instances, the concept of re-recording a full length debut proves an attractive premise. To summarise, a fiery Metalcore ambience definites Confidence and Consequence. In the promotion of an angst-ridden viewpoint, Zurlo's abrasive chords aid. Within “Bad Luck”, a convincing phrase surfaces at the very moment Zurlo shouts; “If it wasn’t for bad luck, we wouldn’t have any luck at all”. Following this, Zurlo's shout fades to a malevolent growl. Via its start / stop vocals and guitar ingredients, “All in a Day” features components which actually recall L. D. 50 (2000) era Mudvayne. Machine gun style drum elements maintain Rossi's focus, and within aspects of both “99” and “It Won’t Hurt”, Rossi exhibits a technical demeanour. Bonus composition “What’s Left” stays faithful to a Metalcore vibe prevalent upon its fellow cuts, and illustrates additional maturity within Too Pure to Die's songwriting abilities. Generally speaking, the tune assists in revealing as to which musical direction the group will favour upon future material. This reviewer has only listened to Confidence and Consequence's re-recorded version, so curiosity muses as to the sonics apparent within the full length's original guise.
From a musical standpoint, Too Pure to Die is heavily comparable to groups such as Hatebreed and Agnostic Front, not to mention numerous other extremely great Hardcore outfits. To strive away from monotonous tones, Too Pure to Die incorporate technical aspects. Collectively, this comprises a fusion of both Hardcore and Metalcore stylings. A gritty, vitriolic poise denotes Zurlo's magnificent vocals, vocals which actually epitomise Confidence and Consequence's manner. Additionally, it lends an insight into the nature of the group's live performances. Albeit lacking sufficient individual stylings, Too Pure to Die prove to be a talented act whom will garner a healthy audience base, and that audience base will be composed of Hardcore and Metalcore admirers.
