For Fear Will Cast No Shadow, the Autumn Offering's new, more versatile vocalist, Matt McChesney, gave the band's sound a drastic overhaul as he alternated between growling, shrieking, and (gasp!) singing. Although it was a truly heavy affair, with some thunderous breakdowns, his Linkin Park-style singing and affinity for piano parts may have lost the band some devoted metalcore fans. On Requiem, the high-timbre singing is even more prevalent than before, Mark Lewis' production is just as sparklingly clean as prior producer Jason Suecof's, and lyrically, the subject matter is more personal and relationship-driven, which makes the band sound that much more like an emo (or screamo) group. It's amazing how monstrous roars can be softened by lines like "Fire burns my blood when I touch you/Your heart bestowed upon me/You tell me that it's art and your tears are made of lies" or "For all the promises I broke to you, I can't collect the pieces." Fortunately, musically, they're as tight as ever, as Tommy Church and Matt Johnson continue to turn in blistering guitar work with sweeping arpeggios and riffage that proudly carry the Maiden/Slayer torch, and new drummer Brian Sculley rampages with as much kick-thumping fury as any of the three prior drummers. Fans of '80s speed metal interjected with big hooky pop melodies might want to take note. ~ Jason Lymangrover, Rovi

1		The Curtain Hits the Cast
2		Narcosis
3		Venus Mourning
4		Worn out Wings
5		Fixed Like Medication
6		Obsidian Halo
7		Light of Day
8		Requiem
9		Bleed Together
10		Smut Queen
11		Portrait

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