Long running German metalcore squad Caliban have truly been around since well, before the ’00s core influx. Unlike their brothers-in-arms in Heaven Shall Burn, Caliban’s music over the years has been on the more ‘American’ side of the metalcore divide (read: accessible) while still delivering some massive tones. Back from Hell is their 13th full-length album, in which they are joined by a new bassist/vocalist in Iain Duncan. Long story short, Caliban is still Caliban.
The band’s staples and signatures in sound are all over this release, which at this point in their career, is fair. They are pushing towards 30 years as a band at this point, so fans should know what to expect. There’s a balance of heavier riffing, breakdowns, and speed runs, as well as more emotive choruses and moments as the genre demands. Admittedly, the cleans gives some of the songs some added emotional firepower, such as “Glass Cage,” and “I Was a Happy Kid Once.” That said, some of the strongest moments on the album come when the band diverges and dives full-on into some of the heavier stuff. The title track may have a nice, hook-y chorus but the real gem of the song is when they move into massive breakdown territory at the end of the song in a visceral conclusion that should bring a smile to many faces. The more plodding and menacing riff tempo of “Dear Suffering” (which features Joe from Fit for an Autopsy) offers a nice change of pace with snarling, headbangable grooves.
When they move from the more ‘traditional’ metalcore (best exemplified by “Overdrive”), even when it’s still melodic, it also works well. “Solace in Suffer” maintains a melodic edge, but there’s more of a melancholic and introspective tone that matches well with the urgency of that track. “Infection” also comes to mind here, with it’s more bleak overall tone to it, blended with some haunting atmosphere to give it a different sort of appeal while still giving it a catchier vibe at times, though not in the usual sense.
Those who have followed Caliban over the years should have a good idea of what to expect with Back from Hell. It doesn’t offer up much in the way of surprises, but it doesn’t really need to either. They continue to provide their particular version of metalcore that blends aggression with hooks aplenty, and anyone who found that it works for them should find much to enjoy here, and those who haven’t, this probably isn’t going to be the one to convert you.