• Record Label: Agitated
  • Release Date: Aug 6, 2013
User Score
6.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Negative: 0 out of 4

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  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 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 ofIf 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

Awards & Rankings

Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 15
  2. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Uncut
    Sep 5, 2013
    80
    Six albums in and The Icarus Line remain terrifying, riding a tsunami of malevolent noise, sweat and havoc while producing some of the most intense and exceptional rock music around. [Oct 2013, p.70]
  2. Aug 30, 2013
    69
    At 45 minutes it's shorter than Penance Soiree, but lacks its concision and punch, at times wading a little too deeply into the indulgent waters of burdened, discordant blooze.
  3. 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.