With their latest album,
For Glory or for Flames,
West By God shows
off an array of hard alternative-style sounds. The Morgantown-based
band paints a picture describing the history and turmoil of their home
state in a way that makes it all but impossible to stop from pumping
your fist.
The
opening track Home No More showcases lead singer Darin Kordyak’s
ominous voice describing the tale of a tough West Virginia lifestyle.
The heavy riffs are a perfect compliment and help project a dark, scary
place where things aren’t what they used to be.
The song High
Ground is a torrential downpour of sound that starts as a warning of a
coming catastrophe and crescendos into a full frontal assault of
powerful music. The track features a driving beat and guitar that
dominates and makes a tremendous pump-up song.
The title track
includes some absolutely nasty shredding by guitarist Josh Baldwin and
a constant riff that works with drummer Roy Brewer’s rhythm in a way
that reminiscent of Tool. Kordyak keeps true to form and has a sort of
roar that reminds you not to feel to safe. This could be considered the
centerpiece of the whole CD.
Unique, flowing lyrics and heavy
riffs are all over the album and some songs are bound to get stuck in
your head. The tough-as-nails overall sound is backed by some
impressive solo instrumentals and the gravelly bellows of Korkyak. This
is definitely an album to check out if you’re into the harder side of
music.