When one thinks of metalcore, bands like Killswitch Engage, Blood Has Been Shed, Darkest Hour, Bleeding Through and Unearth often come to mind. However, through the years there have been a vanguard of bands that have come and gone that helped progress the genre into one of the most influential forms of metal of the 20th century. One such act that doesn't quite gain the attention these days as the previously mentioned bands is Caliban, who have lived and breathed metalcore since 1997. This year Caliban has been presented the world with their 7th studio release, Say Hello to Tragedy, and arguably their heaviest yet.

Combining modern death metal influences much more than before, its almost hard to hear the straight up hardcore that once was so prevalent in Caliban's music. Yes, the breakdowns are still there along with melodic vocal passages, but what once was metalcore has now turned into borderline deathcore with the deep synthetic bass boom welcoming listeners to each and every breakdown on the album. Is this a bad evolution? I don't think it matters, because its necessary for Caliban to stay relevant. Luckily, this new found aggression hasn't turned them into All Shall Perish or Emmure; Say Hello to Tragedy is clearly still Caliban, and more importantly, metalcore.

However, at the same time, without using the term "selling out," its hard not to conclude that Caliban is attempting to climb a slippery slope that newer, younger, and dare I say, hipper bands have already championed. The direction on Say Hello to Tragedy is a well worn path, and the only justification we have in giving Caliban a free pass to continue with their modern counterparts, is their storied career that helped paved the path that have given so many younger bands the opportunity to succeed. Does this mean that Caliban are has beens? Absolutely not. Caliban still have the undeniable ability to light up a listener with aggression that is quite raw and simple to a degree that many modern deathcore bands could only hope to reach. Are you listening Emmure? Every riff cannot be a breakdown, and Caliban have been writing music long enough to know when to throw in a breakdown.

Still, while I admire the efforts of Caliban, with even some moments of enjoyment, I feel like the best Caliban have given us is in the past. Say Hello to Tragedy could very well be the band's heaviest to date, but its no Vent. Heavier riffs of a tired sound still make tired riffs. Classic metalcore fans will probably give this record a chance, and young deathcore fans may learn a thing or two about where their favorite bands came from. I sense moderate success for Say Hello to Tragedy, but barring my personal judgment on their new material, I can't help but hope they regain the momentum they once had.