Fear Before the March of Flames

Nothing to be afraid of here. Open Mouth isn't just Fear Before the March of Flames' best album to date; it's also evidence that this band is only now beginning to tap its potential. Artistically speaking, the Flamers are growing like a brush fire during a drought.

"Drowning the Old Hag" is the first indication that something new is going on. The track opens with typical riff racket and vocalist David Marion caught in full yowl, but it subsequently busts out of the familiar post-emo formula via found sounds and some unexpectedly intricate guitar interplay courtesy of Adam Fischer and Zach Hutchings. "Taking Cassandra to the End of the World Party," with its stabbing keyboards and effectively ominous harmonizing, is an even greater departure, while "High as a Horse" nods to prog without abandoning the sheer sonic mayhem these guys have always excelled at unleashing.

The latest from the Flames is as smart as it is searing. Embrace your Fear.