Weapons

Here we go. Better late than never...

I'm far from what you'd call a typical lostprophets' fan. While I enjoy their debut and sophomore albums enourmously, I actually think they were getting continuosly better with time and that Liberation Transmission and especially The Betrayed are the best showcase of the band's capabilities.

But while on The Betrayed the band successfully stretched their range to both heavier and softer, more melodic sound, Weapons marks a safe return to their comfort zone. Lostprohets find themselves right back where they left once the Liberation Transmission tour was over. It's not necessarily a bad thing, though. Weapons is the closest they've been to Start Something, still the most popular album among their fans, ever since it came out. Needless to say, the fans are generally pleased with the newest effort.

The record takes off with Bring Em' Down, and just like we've come to expect from this band, the first track is also the heaviest. Weapons then races on, hardly ever losing pace (perhaps only in the rapping parts on Better Off Dead) and presenting one anthem after another. The band's pop sensibilities come to display on Heart On Loan or Somedays, while their experimental side shows up on the final track, Can't Get Enough. As usually, the closer doesn't quite fit with the rest of the album musically, which only makes it all the more interesting.



If anything, the album proves one thing. When it comes to writing big, catchy, stadium ready choruses, lostprophets have almost no equals. And they're remarkably consistent. They may never get rid of the 'kerrang band' stigma, but they are driven and there's at least the sense of honesty to everything they're doing. And then, there's the sentimental aspect. Lostprophets were one of the bands that helped to shape my taste in music and thus I tend to look past some of their imperfections. I'll always have a soft spot for them.

You shouldn't by any means miss the deluxe version of Weapons, which contains some great bonus 'Garage Sessions' songs. Especially Safe Yourself would make a killer track, had it been included on the regular edition. And if you want to read a track by track guide to the album by Ian Watkins, head over to NME.com.

Here's to hoping they'll tour the continental Europe someday...

Best tracks: Bring Em' Down, Jesus Walks, Can't Get Enough