The 2013 Arsies: January 30, 2013

January 30, 2013

If you know me even a little bit, you won't be surprised by today's outcome. But I've gotta tell you folks: this was the closest decision of the tournament up until now.
Despite my fawning praise, the BTBAM is not flawless. I've already discussed one of The Parallax II's two weaknesses (its ponderous length). The other, frankly, is Bloom (although this particular YouTube video does a whole lot to redeem it). I'm not trying to argue one way or the other about this track, which features the band at their most carny-loving. You'll either dig it or you won't. And that kind of divisiveness undermines the otherwise sublimely-paced epic, and gives Revocation an opening.
And boy, does that Revocation EP deliver. Blistering leads, inventive rhythm guitars, precise riffs, gross vocals, and undeniable aggression... Teratogenesis is definitely a winner. Unfortunately, it's simply outclassed and outgunned by The Parallax II, which goes on to the Quarterfinals next week against the winner of tomorrow's contest. Will it be Converge or Pig Destroyer? That is going to be one tough question to answer, I guarantee.