About.com Rating

The Bottom Line

An eccentric mix of mathcore, hardcore, and jazz, In Shoals is an adventurous sophomore album that hits almost every mark.



Pros

• Diverse music styles.
• Strong rhythm section.
• Melodic sections add variety.

Cons

• Sharp contrast between harsh and clean can be jarring on the first play-through.
• An unfortunate misstep in the tedious and long-winded closer “Scully.”

Description

• Released April 28, 2009 on Lifeforce Records.

• War From A Harlot’s Mouth’s sophomore album.
• First album with the band’s new lineup.

Guide Review - War From A Harlot's Mouth - 'In Shoals'

German quintet War From A Harlot’s Mouth is not content with sticking to one particular genre on their sophomore album In Shoals. One minute, the band is chugging along with a hardcore sound; the next, switching gears for a melodic, jazzy interlude. Keeping the listener on their toes, War From A Harlot’s Mouth throws everything they got into the ring. It’s not a knockout blow, but the band lands a few major punches that will leave a lasting impression.

In Shoals is a combination of mathcore, hardcore breakdowns, jazz-flavored experimentation on several tracks, including low-key instrumental “Justice From The Lips Of The Highest Bidder” and a sprinkle of deathcore on “Copyriot.” The band makes these entire elements blend together well, not keeping themselves limited to a linear songwriting structure. The instrumental work is of top quality, with the highlight being the unpredictable drumming, complete with time changes and copious amount of fills.

War From A Harlot’s Mouth does stumble near the end, as In Shoals runs out of momentum. The band seems to push themselves too far, trying their hand at an epic number in “Scully” that ultimately goes nowhere. The closer starts off promising, with militaristic snare work and a stark atmosphere built up, only to fall on its face with a meandering clean break.

In Shoals takes a while to grasp, as it might not resonate much in the first few listens. Give it time; the album has enough potential in it to keep their fan base happy, while grabbing a few new fans along the way. In Shoals may be too peculiar for some to handle and its transitions into the calmer moments can be abrupt, but War From A Harlot’s Mouth shows on their second album that they are one step closer to becoming major players in metal.