So yes, "Resist" has a futuristic style to it, but the band continues onwards from their predecessor "Hydra", which puts less emphasis on the symphonic part, and more on making catchy choruses. It is a strategy that might not suit everybody, but when it works, it is damn effective, and I am glad to say that the band is much more consistent this time around, having few missed steps and more home run hitter. Songs like "In Vain", "Mad World", and many more are easy to sing along to after just a few listens, certainly making "Resist" memorable.
Another thing that the band continues doing is collaborating with other artists. Opening track "The Reckoning" has a solid appearance from Jacoby Shaddix from Papa Roach. The song itself is okay, but not a highlight. Then we have Anders Fridén from In Flames in "Raise Your Banners", and while he just screams "Blood for freedom" over and over again, the song is epic as hell, making me want to make a sign and complain about something outside city hall. It is a grand track where I am just thankful that Anders does not have to do any clean duties. Jasper Steverlinck ends the guest line up with an appearance in "Firelights".
All the glory to the guests, but the driving force of Within Temptation is still Sharon Den Adel and her fantastic vocals. She has a flow to her vocals that is just magnificent to behold, enhancing the melodies to its maximum potential. There are several examples of this throughout the record, but "Holy Ground" probably shows it best with its free flowing chorus that somehow becomes memorable just by how Sharon express herself. She is just wonderful, and the band would be lost without her.
While there are a lot of enjoyable moments in here, I do think there are a couple of blanks being shot as well. Both "Firelights" and "Mercy Mirror" tries to change up the album, but instead of giving "Resist" more diversity, they just stand out as an odd couple that does not fit in at all, breaking the complete picture of the album. Also, mostly thanks to the futuristic sound, the production is a little too perfect, not having the warmth that probably would have helped the slower and more emotional songs in this record. Just small complaints, but they do affect the album significantly.
So as I said, "Resist" is just like the video game Trials Fusion. It sounds futuristic, has a lot of memorable content that is easy to enjoy, and it has some new ideas as well, while still holding on to the previously working formula. The cons are the same as well though, with it being a little too slick for its own good, having a couple of bugs, and not including online multiplayer at launch. With that said, I still think "Resist" is a strong effort that fans of the band will not be disappointed by. You could also say that they will not be able to resist "Resist"...
I will take my leave, good bye.
Songs worthy of recognition: Raise Your Banner, Endless War, Holy Ground, In Vain
Rating: 8/10 Mad Worlds
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Hydra
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