I've seen a handful of his videos and honestly, how does anyone take him seriously as a music critic? Hearing him speak about music indicates to me that he doesn't actually know much about music history, techniques, production, or even music theory. Does he even play an instrument or know anything about sound engineering or recording? I doubt it. He doesn't describe the music he reviews with appropriate terminology. It's like he's trying to explain to a 5 year old what he think about a particular album, in a way the child can understand him. But I guess that is the appeal for his fans. He speaks in terms a casual music fan can understand. He caters to the lowest common denominator with phrases like "change ups" and "savage as f**k." When trying to present oneself as a music critic, this is extremely bad form. Why anyone takes him seriously and respects his opinions is beyond me. He rated this album and Sturgill Simpson's new album low. Sturgill Simpson is pushing the boundaries in country music. He elevates country to avant-garde experimental status. He is to country what Radiohead and Björk are to rock and pop. For him not to see that and appreciate that, further indicates to me his lack of knowledge in music.
@@dilbophagginz😅 I've seen a handful of your words and honestly, how does anyone take you seriously as a commentator? Seeing your short and tame reply to my comment indicates to me that you don't actually know much about the internet, nor its users. Do you know that the comment section isn't for the easily offended? Apparently not!✌😆✌
I'm pretty sure he loves Deftones. Every music nerd does. This is a really strong album, but the Deftones influence is too derivative. These guys are still finding their sound and the best is yet to come.
@@DJ_Melech "Two decades into their career, famed alternative metal band Deftones remind me why I've never really been a Deftones fan." is the actual description from his Gore video
This is one the best heavy albums I’ve heard in a while. 6 is a little too low just because it has a Deftones influence. As an album as a whole, it’s pretty unique comparatively to anything else.
WhiteLocust Anthony tends to give an album a 6 whenever there are some influences and, at the same time, it is not a band that he was particularly familiar with / fond of in the first place. Those two things combined lead to an automatic 6 most of the times. It's my main problem with his reviews. Personally, i think giving it a 6 is kind of a "safe" move, 6 is going to be somewhat ok, no matter how good or bad the record actually is.
I don’t think the low score was purely due to the Deftones influence, Anthony acknowledged that they’re an important and seminal band. I think it was more how on the nose the application of that influence was on the album. Like Two Way Mirror is a fantastic song, but if you didn’t tell me I’d probably think it was Deftones 🤷♂️
I've seen a handful of his videos and honestly, how does anyone take him seriously as a music critic? Hearing him speak about music indicates to me that he doesn't actually know much about music history, techniques, production, or even music theory. Does he even play an instrument or know anything about sound engineering or recording? I doubt it. He doesn't describe the music he reviews with appropriate terminology. It's like he's trying to explain to a 5 year old what he think about a particular album, in a way the child can understand him. But I guess that is the appeal for his fans. He speaks in terms a casual music fan can understand. He caters to the lowest common denominator with phrases like "change ups" and "savage as f**k." When trying to present oneself as a music critic, this is extremely bad form. Why anyone takes him seriously and respects his opinions is beyond me. He rated this album and Sturgill Simpson's new album low. Sturgill Simpson is pushing the boundaries in country music. He elevates country to avant-garde experimental status. He is to country what Radiohead and Björk are to rock and pop. For him not to see that and appreciate that, further indicates to me his lack of knowledge in music.
6 is not rough, it's like a "meh" and I am glad with it :) Normally none of the metalcore albums get this much attention so that alone makes me glad he reviewed it, I agree with most of his points here, it does sound like deftones but on steroids and I like it XD
I really want Tony to review Intronaut album but I have a feeling that he’s gonna just say it’s meh because it’s too meticulous and sedated or something
I easily give it a 10/10. So many influences in one record. I hear Deftones, Slipknot, My Bloody Valentine, Nine Inch Nails, Bring Me the Horizon, and more in this album. I actually haven't heard another band that sounds like this in the last couple years. All the other metal bands sound like generic modern tough guy music with the same guitar tone, triggered drums, and boring gutturals. I'd have no problem if bands started sounding more like this as opposed to what's big in metal right now.
"All the other metal bands sound like generic modern tough guy music" - is Loathe the first and only metal band you've listened to? It's a great choice, but c'mon..
In that case I Must check this out. Saw Car Bomb last year and it was phenomenal, and still waiting to catch Deftones at some point - hopefully sooner then later...
Oh no someone drew inspiration from a popular artist. That 100% devalues their art. This is one of the most cohesive and refreshing hard albums to come out in a while. Solid 9/10
Personally really dig the Deftones influence on this record, even if it is on the nose. That doesn't feel like it takes away from the record for me, even if it is obvious.
@@JacobPadlock Hey man, that's totally fair. I can see how it would just be too distracting for some. For me, I really like the fact that they've kind of grabbed at that Deftones' style because I think they do it justice in a way that only Deftones could've otherwise, and while it's not just on the sleeve - it's kind of the whole shirt - it's executed to a degree that really keeps me invested and the sound is pretty tight overall too. The differences between this album and say, any Deftones record is big enough that I still felt like it was its own thing and not just a Deftones cover album, also. It just works very well for me and I'm a fan of this heavy influence, but that's just my opinion. I totally get and respect why it wouldn't work for you.
I knew this was coming, based off Fantano’s tastes, but it’s still such a joke. This album is absolutely incredible. At least he’s giving them a bit of publicity. I bet you he will give the new Code Orange record at least an 8 no matter what they put out, tho.
Why does he like Code Orange so much? It makes no sense. It's like he hyped them up and now he has to keep up the charade. This Loathe record is easily better than the new Code Orange, but he'll definitely give Code Orange a higher score.
@@mmus321 I think he might know them? Or maybe what you said. Either way, he just keeps up the charade because they are liked and because they are so "experimental". I love Fantano and all but that's all he cares about. MOST of the time it seems, if a band puts out even their best record by far, a masterpiece.. If it sounds like their other records then he knocks off like 3 points right there no matter what. There's exceptions like Judas Priest - Firepower but yeah. Also, I mean.. The guy doesn't like Deftones. Deftones. So.. I kinda just stopped even remotely paying attention to his opinions on anything rock/metal or prog. He holds prog in open contempt, basically, and seems to think all rock music is inherently dated if there aren't electronic elements or some other heavily experimental factor.
@@arsonne it's just his opinion after all and he is being consistent on what he likes about an album, which is, pretty often, the experimental factor. Which... Being him, makes complete sense! He listens music ALL the time! When he listens to artists that try to reinvent the wheel and execute it well, it's obvious that they are going to stand out to him more.
Imagine being so offended by one dude's opinion that you have to make up weird theories to justify it in your mind. He liked the Code Orange album better, simple as that. Get over it.
I personally loved this record a whole lot. The heaviness was exactly what I needed in music right now, and while I did find the softer passages to be very derivative of deftones, it didn't take me out of it as much tbh. This is probably my favorite metalcore record of the year so far.
Personally this is one of the best albums of the year for me. Loathe are one of the more unique sounding bands out there and the fact they basically recprded this album a year ago and then startrd over again says is a good thing. Im fine with them sounding like Deftones in fact those songs are some of my favourites but i still know it's Loathe
I've seen a handful of his videos and honestly, how does anyone take him seriously as a music critic? Hearing him speak about music indicates to me that he doesn't actually know much about music history, techniques, production, or even music theory. Does he even play an instrument or know anything about sound engineering or recording? I doubt it. He doesn't describe the music he reviews with appropriate terminology. It's like he's trying to explain to a 5 year old what he think about a particular album, in a way the child can understand him. But I guess that is the appeal for his fans. He speaks in terms a casual music fan can understand. He caters to the lowest common denominator with phrases like "change ups" and "savage as f**k." When trying to present oneself as a music critic, this is extremely bad form. Why anyone takes him seriously and respects his opinions is beyond me. He rated this album and Sturgill Simpson's new album low. Sturgill Simpson is pushing the boundaries in country music. He elevates country to avant-garde experimental status. He is to country what Radiohead and Björk are to rock and pop. For him not to see that and appreciate that, further indicates to me his lack of knowledge in music.
@@11cylynt11 clearly you don't know him well because he plays instruments, has had "phases" of being into multiple genres including extreme metal; he knows what he's talking about. getting so mad over a simple difference in opinion over an album that you've written three paragraphs bitching about it makes you look ridiculous.
influentialdetour YES YES! That song showed up on my Spotify playlist and I was hooked. Played it for hours. I went to their page to find more songs like this and was kinda shocked to hear all the heavy metal and screaming. Still good tho, just not my thing. All the shoegaze stuff is really nice though
Tk Bandele Yeah wish more bands would combine shoegaze with heavy distortion. I like shoegaze in general but there is nothing innovative of only using heavy reverb and delay. I like the “Is it really you” track as well.
I've seen a handful of his videos and honestly, how does anyone take him seriously as a music critic? Hearing him speak about music indicates to me that he doesn't actually know much about music history, techniques, production, or even music theory. Does he even play an instrument or know anything about sound engineering or recording? I doubt it. He doesn't describe the music he reviews with appropriate terminology. It's like he's trying to explain to a 5 year old what he think about a particular album, in a way the child can understand him. But I guess that is the appeal for his fans. He speaks in terms a casual music fan can understand. He caters to the lowest common denominator with phrases like "change ups" and "savage as f**k." When trying to present oneself as a music critic, this is extremely bad form. Why anyone takes him seriously and respects his opinions is beyond me. He rated this album and Sturgill Simpson's new album low. Sturgill Simpson is pushing the boundaries in country music. He elevates country to avant-garde experimental status. He is to country what Radiohead and Björk are to rock and pop. For him not to see that and appreciate that, further indicates to me his lack of knowledge in music.
@@11cylynt11 one can appreciate music and be good at describing it even without having a rich "technical" vocabulary or background. My issue with Fantano is people think he is the fuckin Jesus Christ of music critics even though, he even says himself, his is just an opinion. Also he is very, VERY biased with certain things. Like, if anyone gets inspiration from a band or artist he doesn't like, it's automatically a low score review. I loved both this album(even though I do strongly prefer Loathe's sophomore)and Underneath by Code Orange, Melon has his opinion I have mine. It's all good.
As a huge deftones fan, I really don’t understand why people can’t see past the comparison when talking about loathe. I have never found another band that sounds like loathe; I’ve found a few bands that sound like deftones. There is influence there, no doubt, but the sound of this album is absolutely unique. Besides, all bands are influenced by other bands, that’s how things go. It would be like listening to a modern shoegaze band and going “hmm, sounds like mbv.” Like yes, of course it does. Deftones is an influential band, but that doesn’t mean hints of deftones make a new sound uninspired
As someone who has never listened to Deftones, this is the freshest thing I’ve heard in metalcore in a long time. Probably album of the year along with Polaris so far.
I disagree Anthony. I see your point about the Deftones influence but I feel like they give it a breath of fresh air with mixing it with post hardcore and their own style of metalcore. An example being Screaming, is probably one of the most unique songs I have heard in years and it really resonated with me because of the chords they used and how it just feels like a new style of shoegaze. When I first heard the song it absolutely blew me away with how they wrote a song that was about 6 minutes long and I didn't get bored at all.
Thought you’d never review something like this, and was pleasantly surprised by the notification. One of my top albums this year so far (fan since they collabed with Holding Absence, my favorite band)
Terry Crews That’s not progressive metal; progressive metal usually has long song times and usually is more technical in regards to time signatures and playing. Don’t get me wrong, I like the album, but it’s definitely not Prog Metal. Just cause it’s polystylist doesn’t mean it’s Prog.
Loathe are an excellent band, personally they don't do too much for me but I do like them. They're a breathe of fresh air to the whole metalcore scene though, there's a lot of new and great talent there. Not necessarily brand new and never before heard stuff being done, but just flat out great music. Love that someone of your caliber is highlighting a scene of music I love so much.
EVEN THO ITS A LOWER SCORE THAN I HOPED FOR IM REALLY GLAD THAT YOU'RE LOOKING MORE INTO THE PROGRESSIVE METAL SCENE I LOVE THESE GUYS AND CANT WAIT FOR THEIR FUTURE :D
Just because it sounds too close doesnt mean they intended it to be an exact copy ya know. It’s only in a few songs anywho, shitty to call it a rip off. Screaming or Aggressive Evolution or even New Faces do not sound anything derivative lol
I still think Anthony gave way too much credit to deftones in this video and didn't recognize any originality made by Loathe, which i think is really lazy. There's really only a few songs at most that have a bit of inspiration from Deftones but the rest on this album is all original from Loathe. I think this is one of their best albums.
I thought this album was so dark and romantic. metalcore can be so fucking lame but this skirted that melodramatic teenage twinkle in such a nice way I think. also the slow parts sound like Silent Hill so thats nice.
Always thought they had that Silent Hill (and even obscure Indie Horror in general) vibes to their atmosphere. I'd also recommend Nemertines for similar elements =O
Despite only getting a 6, it sounded like something I might enjoy so I checked it out, and I fucking love it. Thanks for reviewing this Melon. Just goes to show that a review doesn't need to be an 8-10/10 in order to for people to check it out and become new fans.
Deftones has been one of my favorite bands for decades. Loathe is the first band I've heard exhibit a strong Deftones influence, while clearly surpassing Deftones in writing ability. Aside from Two Way Mirror, every Deftones inspired track on this album is better than the vast majority of newer Deftones material. Furthermore, their style, groove, bass and guitar tone, genre ambiguity and HEAVINESS puts them solidly in their own lane. They're better than most metalcore bands to come out in the last decade, and superior to a Code Orange in terms of musicianship and song variety. Loathe is amazing, period.
Exactly what I was thinking as I was listening to this record. The Deftones parts are done better than Deftones, and the metalcore parts are done exceptionally well, too. I love metalcore, and I believe, alongside deathcore, that it’s made a huge comeback. It got stale throughout the 2010s, but as of the past three or so years, the whole ‘core’ scene has definitely produced some incredible music. Loathe is no exception, and if anyone wishes to exclude them from the core scene, it’s one of the best metal albums in general as of late.
The thing that bothers me about this review isn't that it got a 6/10, taste is taste, and above average is still good. But the reason is a little ridiculous. Now, ILIIAITE is Deftones-influenced a bit, as Kadeem said he was a big fan of Diamond Eyes which inspired some of the record, but I don't think it's overbearing to the point where it's a Deftones rip-off. In fact I think Loathe are the exact opposite of the same coin that Deftones is on. Deftones is usually rather very seductive, lovesick, or ethereal sounding, and their heavy parts are angry. Loathe takes the dreaminess of Deftones and flips it on its head to wear this depressive and bleak sound with downright disgusting heavy parts (I'd say more comparable to Glass Cloud than Deftones, but that's a whole new argument.) The album may not have existed in the same form without Deftones, but the two bands are each in opposite corners of the same room, doing their own thing whilst respecting each other's similarities.
Since this album has released, I've been non stop spinning it. I like the influence of Deftones a lot. I love them anyway, but when you take that sound and incorporate it into some super heavy, sluggy, metalcore, or some could even argue beatdown, riffs, you get this incredible sound. Despite the heavy influence, I think the band does good to take it into their own sound. Never would you ever hear a Deftones song sound like Screaming. The super dropped tune grooves in that song mixed with the catchy, floaty chorus is so unique and beautiful.
Seriously, this record is delicious. I probably had it on replay for 2 weeks. Every single time a song pops up on my playlist, I get trapped in the loop of listening to the album over and over. I can't put into words how excited I am to see them live in my city soon.
I've been digging this album a ton, made me go back and listen to "White Pony", "Adrenaline" and others. I see what you mean about derivative sound but if it gets kids interested in Deftones, Dillinger Escape or others then that's pretty cool.
@@BigBoyz33 White Pony is a great start reference. But to be fair, you can go wrong with Deftones, it's one of those bands with no bad albums at all, impecable discography, from Adrenaline (and even before with Like Linus) to Gore.
Deftones has been around for 30 years. I think it's ok to use it as a base now lol. You give rappers that rip off shit from the early 2000's higher scores.
It’s been two years and I admit there was a time where I cherrypicked what I liked from this album and overall agreed with this review but… All this time later, not only has the album grown on me, I can’t get enough of it. And I love the reimagined versions of Is It Really You? they keep doing with other great acts like Teenage Wrist, etc.
Gotta say that while reviews are just your opinion, I do feel like this record way outstrips the 6 you give it, I’m feeling a light to strong 9 on this one.
feel like this album is a personal one. you either instantly are glued to it or instantly forget it. Being at the album release show and seeing these songs live straight after hearing the album made this album a 9 for me, and i still haven't come down from that hype yet. maybe in a few months i might lower my score but as of right now this is my favourite album of 2020 personally. i do understand all the 'criticism' around the deftones'y sound but that isn't something i really care about when i'm listening to it.
I reckon it's one of the best albums I've found in a while even tho it's very much deftones inspired I ain't complaining cause I'll take more deftones any day
Personally I feel like this album is one of the more unique albums i've heard in the last 6 or so years. Yes the Deftones influences are there, but I really like the spin they have put on the deftones sound. The mix mash of different styles of rock on this album are something that isn't really seen in metal these days with most albums just sounding like one long song, and I feel they handled it very well. Whoever mixed and mastered this album also did a fantastic job. I'd personally put it in the 8 - 9 range. Great review man!
THANK YOU for reviewing this. Hadn’t heard of these guys and this is right up my alley! Also does anyone else feel the album cover is reminiscent of the early 2000’s where the metallic hardcore sound was born?
I recognize the deftnones influences but I feel like their sound is SUPER different to the deftones sound. Erik and Stephan's playing styles are so different imo that its hard to say that one sounds like the other. 10/10 album for sure
This is hands down one of my favourite albums I’ve heard in a long time. I disagree with melon cause while the deftones influence is as he said very obvious, I still cannot think of one band that sounds even close to Loathe. Especially this album. I feel that they blend the two styles very well, and even out deftones, deftones. The second chorus on aggressive evolution is divine. Is it really you? Is one of the greatest shoe gazey alt rock songs ever. The riff’s are incredible, and the drumming is top notch. And I really feel Anthony would rate it higher if he listened to the bands prior stuff. Tracks like east of eden, white hot, stigmata, even Babylon. This album is a much more polished, more thought out, and better executed version of the cold sun. The general consensus on this album and this band as a whole is that it’s a much needed breath of fresh air in a genre where most bands are copying each other and trying to out do each other on the exact same thing. I think this band has a dope sound, dope aesthetic, and is just super interesting. Also their guitar tones are fucking nuts
J Morris the Review Guy what did you think of this review? I thought it was essentially spot on with what I was thinking. Lotta potential but gotta stop wearing their influences so heavily (mainly with the blatant Deftones worship)
@@michaelpurnell5203 Personally I found a lot of the influences to be pretty interesting out of much of what I hear from this new string of really heavy and overblown metalcore music. In my review I feel like I was a bit more positive than Anthony but I think that partially comes from me mostly being centered around metal, so I hear a lot more which leads me to develop opinions of genres differently i suppose, lol. Otherwise, I really want to see them drop some of their obvious influences they wear on their sleeves for sure, especially Deftones. It's still, admittedly, a record I return to quite often, though
Loathe's sound is definitely it's own beast. Yeah, they draw influences from Deftones, but every time people say that Loathe's sound is "derivative" I ask myself if we listened to the same song. It's so lazy and unfair to write them off as Deftones copies, they have so much more to offer.
the review is spot on, but I have to say this album & band hits every right spot for me. It's sonically everything I didn't know I needed in my life right now.
