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Slave Vows Image
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 4 Ratings

  • Summary: The fifth full-length release from the Los Angeles post-hardcore band led by Joe Cardamone is the first with new drummer Ben Hallett.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 15
  2. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Aug 1, 2013
    100
    Slave Vows, then, is a masterpiece, its black-hearted explosions and sordid vibes coming from a darker place than most of those pantomiming their way through rock & roll. But while there’s bleakness here, there’s also that sulphurous sound of resistance, of high drama at very real stakes.
  2. Jul 17, 2013
    90
    An eminently powerful work of rock ‘n’ roll from start to finish, Slave Vows hasn’t saved the soul of rock music, but it sure as hell has revitalized it.
  3. Aug 16, 2013
    90
    It is hardcore, a visceral distillation of fury that aims to wound.
  4. Jul 15, 2013
    80
    There’s too much spirit in this cocktail for the mixer to spoil it.
  5. Aug 14, 2013
    80
    The Icarus Line’s sixth album is scarred, clandestine and alluring, much like meeting a stranger who has the capabilities to turn you on--or turn you off, dead.
  6. Jul 17, 2013
    80
    It is what it is: a passionate, purposeful and wonderfully presented collection of combustive rock songs.
  7. Aug 27, 2013
    60
    Opening the door of your mind’s eye to the psychedelic sludge and acid punk hooks of Slave Vows will gain you a lot of decadent pleasure, little insight and even less mercy.

See all 15 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. Aug 20, 2013
    7
    If technical complexity in rock instrumentation is your thing, then you should check out the band The Icarus Line. These guys steep theirIf technical complexity in rock instrumentation is your thing, then you should check out the band The Icarus Line. These guys steep their take on alternative metal into the depths of progressive classic rock. Guitars and bass are riffing the crap out your ears throughout this record. The vocalist does not hold back either, belting out at the top his lungs in a style reminiscent of post-punk genius Mark E. Smith. Slave Vows, as an album, struggles at times to get out of its entrenchment into it’s own sound. There simply isn’t enough variety within tracks to justify the track lengths, and the songs themselves are a bit too similar to keep the album from feeling stale at times. Still, this record is a testament to rock music and easily worth a few listens. Expand

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