Album Details

• Artist: Alexisonfire
• Album: Crisis
• Label: Vagrant
• Year of Release: 2006
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: dadair on 2006-08-29

Media

A metallic coating to Dallas Green's throaty cry and rampaging riffs mean that opener 'Drunks, Lovers and Sinners and Saints', quickly has a vice-like grip on intensity and does not let go until the final note has been drilled into your heart. The world is crushed into a bite-size package and swallowed up in lofty vocal bellows and gruffly intense outbursts, fuelled by bass-lines that shudder with release and focus in 'This Could Be Anywhere In The World'.

It is apparent that this album has been produced with the aim of replicating the Southern Ontario outfit's pull and potency that they display during a live setting, something that has been honed by relentless touring. This impact largely comes off, with the bubbling, percussion dragged crescendo of 'Boiled Frogs' being a prime example of the dynamic feel proffered on this, their third studio album. Dallas Green, who released a searching solo album last year, has certainly not finished exorcising his demons, as the anger and his intensity builds up with the progression of this feisty parade. The downtrodden Rock N' Roll riff led 'We Are The End', featuring a stammering vocal turn and grizzly backing cries, this song represents Alexisonfire at their most ranging and philosophical.

Towards the end this quintet shakes hands with Boysetsfire by wrapping up snappy lyrical bite in shattering percussion and burning riffs. Thus making their anger more pronounced by utilizing a reflective and an almost soul inspired interlude of calm projection for contrast. What makes this album stand out above others of this ilk, is the fact that the passion and feeling is clear and understandable, often leading to scything angst, but it is not a forced reaction.

User Reviews and Comments

Review:

on 2007-09-05 dscanland Said:

"a-typical Canadian post-hardcore band" - Now that's funny.
Rating: 6/10

Review:

on 2007-09-05 Symphony Said:

Crisis is damn good, but it's just not the raw potential that I've come to expect out of Green, it sounded like your a-typical Canadian post-hardcore band and I just know AOF is better than that.
Rating: 8/10

Review:

on 2007-09-05 Alotofnothing Said:

So I've heard a lot about these guys. But I hear a lot about a lot of bands, and I only have so much money. So I've put them off for like a year, and didn't think anything of it. But I noticed the $5 CD's at warped (Vagrant table) and I figured I check them out. This album is great. They're amazing, and reading the lyrics while George is screaming showed that the lyrics are really strong. My favorite track is probably Boiled Frogs. Both for the subject matter and for the music. Dallas' vocals are, of course, amazing. I was really happy with the few times I heard Wade on the record, too. I really like his voice, too, they should let him sing more often. I can't wait to get Watch Out! if the album is that much better than this one.
Rating: 8/10

Review:

on 2007-07-14 hstisgod Said:

Couldnt have said it better Dan...Though I'll disagree with ya here... Its been raw - perfect- disappointing, so far these three albums chronologically. I can see how the third effort could be nerve wrecking. New label, all of a sudden you're the biggest name in all of North America and other parts in the world. Do, hope for a bit more Dallas this time around.
Not Rated

Review:

on 2007-07-14 blackxdan Said:

To be completely honest, I wasn't too into this release. I agree with symphony, this was a decline from watch out! I really dont know where it stands in their releases. I was really disappointed with this album. The screaming vocals arent what they used to be, or so thats what it sounds like to me. The guitar is still amazing, but i just dont think i'm into all the screaming going on, it just throws me off. Dallas Green's vocals can try to make up for it though. He has a beautiful voice, and what lyrics come from his mouth is like a piece of heaven. Check out the song Rough Hands if you don't believe me. I would say pick up the releases in chronological order from oldest to recent if you're interested in getting into this band. I wouldnt want anyone getting disappointed in this band from this one release, because this is really a great band
Rating: 6/10

Review:

on 2007-05-06 Symphony Said:

This is definitely decline from Watch Out! but I still enjoy this alot. Dallas Green has a very powerful voice.
Rating: 8/10