Society’s Plague – The Human, The Canvas
Hailing from Lexington, Kentucky, Society’s Plague has stormed back onto the scene with their debut full length album The Human, The Canvas; a follow up to their well received 2008 EP The Mercy Untold. The band is composed of 6 musicians and their young, aggressive energy has been on a path of destruction since 2006; infecting all of those in its way. Playing alongside bands such as Chimaira, In Flames and Unearth, it’s safe to say that Society’s Plague is making positive waves in the industry. “Society’s Plague” is a suitable title for a band that composes songs with infectious chorus lines, carrying vocals, solid breakdowns and heavy grooves.
The Human, The Canvas is riddled with fast-paced riffing on dual guitars and breakdowns that will hammer you to the bone. Pairing these elements up with Kate’s symphonic keyboard work and Matt’s soaring vocals at the helm and you’ve got a solid mix delivered to your ears in the brutal fashion one should come to expect from such an act. The opening track “Transcend The Throne” is a prime example of what you will come to love throughout the album. It’s a pummeling mix with all of the aforementioned qualities poured onto a break neck groove. The 58 second intro track “Awakening” is a fitting title that could be interpreted as the awakening of a 6-headed beast.
The machine gun double bass and skins work carries over into “Refuge In Silence”, continuing the rage and aggression that were introduced prior. Each department shines but the drum and keyboard work stand out most. The drum work is intricate and crushing, with some off timing moments to add dynamic; while the keyboards are unobtrusive and tastefully compliment such a hostile delivery of metal brutality. With such a vast amount of different sounds available on a keyboard, I think what was used throughout the album was fitting and well done.
There has been many a time where the title track of an album was completely underwhelming, thus tarnishing the album as a whole. With “The Human, The Canvas” I don’t think that’s the case. I felt like this song displayed all of the qualities and elements that Society’s Plague strives to deliver to its audience. Solid breakdowns, a hugely infectious hook, intricate riffing and beautiful keyboard blanketing over the mix. This is one of my favorite tracks on the entire album.
After the 57 second track “In Reverence”, the album seems to go into overdrive. “Legions” is a speeding locomotive with no brakes and no halt in sight. Simple at its core and layered with chugging aggression, this track delivers a brutal dose of metalcore without overdoing it.
When it comes to production and mastering, this album is on point. Everything is layered and balanced well. No section overpowers another and everything is complimentary of its counterparts. With someone like Alan Douches (Nile, Mastodon, Every Time I Die, Shadows Fall, Hatebreed, etc) assisting in the final mastering of your album, you are bound to have a solid finished product in hand.
The album does get a little repetitive at times and doesn’t deviate often, but it delivers what you want and what you expect from a metalcore outfit. There are characteristics that you have most likely heard from previous bands such as As I Lay Dying or Shadows Fall but this doesn’t necessarily have an adverse effect on their music. I think once they’ve settled comfortably into their own sound, more of their unique qualities will come to light and they will continue to progress. On a more positive note, I was able to listen to their EP The Mercy Untold and even over the short period of 2 years, their growth is noticeable and their sound, as well as technical ability, has matured.
Society’s Plague has delivered a debut album that will appeal to their already large fan base, while helping expand it in the process. With that said, it is apparent that they are working hard and demonstrate an admirable work ethic when it comes to their music and their passion for creating it. The Human, The Canvas is recommended reading for your ears. The more I listen to this album, the more I get into it.
About The Writer
Share This Post
Translate This Post
Buy The Album
Band Links
19 Comments
May 26th, 2010 at 8:06 pm
when is this album coming out?
[Reply to this comment]
May 26th, 2010 at 8:12 pm
mozil, it comes out on the 29th of this month. You can preorder it on iTunes.
[Reply to this comment]
May 29th, 2010 at 9:00 am
I spin this record ALL THE TIME!
[Reply to this comment]
June 11th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
Wasnt this cd produced by my man Ben Schigel?! Everything he touches I love. I cant wait for this cd!!!
[Reply to this comment]
June 11th, 2010 at 2:59 pm
Yep Jakester, Ben did this album…..it sounds fantastic too!
[Reply to this comment]
June 11th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
Awesome!! Ben does a really good job on his production. His stuff is always clean and sounds awesome. I cant wait to get my hands on this cd. Not just because of Ben but because these guys are awesome. You add Ben with Societys Plague and its makes for a face melting good time!!
[Reply to this comment]
June 11th, 2010 at 3:27 pm
I also just noticed that one of their guitarists name is Joe ROYER. My last name is Royer and I was born in Kentucky which is where these guys hail from. I wonder if he is any relation of mine. Interesting……..
[Reply to this comment]
June 15th, 2010 at 8:21 pm
Tony Gammalo produced this record for the most part.
[Reply to this comment]
June 15th, 2010 at 8:34 pm
Everyone just wants a little credit for what they do. Not being a egomaniac here. I just want people to know I enjoy making records as well as the next guy. I did produce this record (THANKS BEN) and I would love to produce your record. So come to Spider Studios
[Reply to this comment]
June 16th, 2010 at 1:14 am
Ben or Tony its all good. Both of you guys do GREAT work!! The metal that comes out of Spider Studios is always golden. Chimaira, Rikets, Societys Plague, Walls Of Jericho…….the list goes on and on. Ben AND Tony both produce stellar shit. Ya'll better recognize!! HA HA HA!!!
[Reply to this comment]
June 16th, 2010 at 3:30 pm
Hey man thats all Im askin for is a comment like that. Thank You. You probably know Ben started this studio with his brother and is a tough act to follow to say the least. It's an honor and a pleasure to work at Spider and work with him. Can't wait for the new to studio to get finished. Gonna be sic!!
[Reply to this comment]
June 16th, 2010 at 5:55 pm
Hey Tony, what’s going on brother…
Thanks for stopping by and commenting…very cool! Yea man, I talked to Polena last night and he explained what was up. He originally told me that Ben was doing it, then he said you got involved…so it’s all good.
If there is anything that we can do for you or the studio, feel free to hit me up. I'm all about spreading the word.
[Reply to this comment]
Tony replied:
July 13th, 2010 at 10:38 pm
thanks Lee
[Reply to this comment]
June 29th, 2010 at 8:33 am
I want to hear this stuff soooo badly but my credit card is coming on Friday…
gotta wait few more days 
nice review btw! 
[Reply to this comment]
Lee replied:
June 29th, 2010 at 9:04 am
Adi, this album is well worth the money. I really love this cd more and more everyday!
[Reply to this comment]
July 1st, 2010 at 11:33 am
well I'm so pissed right now… wanted to order this album (as mp3) but It's not available for my country…
I looked for it everywhere (amazon, play.com, 7digital), but nothing. Anyone knows where to purchase it, I'm out of ideas :/
[Reply to this comment]
TNR replied:
July 1st, 2010 at 12:36 pm
Hey Adi, I'm sure we can make that happen. Assuming the email address you used when you commented is correct, hopefully we'll email you shortly!
[Reply to this comment]
Jen replied:
July 6th, 2010 at 11:57 pm
Hey Adi,
We got in touch with Matt from Stand and Deliver and he said he had already checked in to it and sent you a message on facebook. We tried.
[Reply to this comment]
July 1st, 2010 at 1:14 pm
yes it's correct! thanks a lot for your help (although I didn't received anything yet)!
[Reply to this comment]