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The Setup - Torchbearer

posted by: maurice on 3 July 2009

GSR Music

Quickly after 'Crawl & Reign' The Setup comes up with ‘Torchbearer’, the first full length with new members Kris Deweerdt (vocals), Jef van de Weghe (guitars) and Michiel van Steen (bass). As said in the AsIce interview with Kris the new one is a bit more polished than the rough mini album. The new songs are also written with Kris while the songs on the mini album were written with the voice of old singer Dries Olemans in mind.

The eleven songs are also a lot easier to follow than the ones on the previous two albums and that makes this album a bit of a disappointment. I miss the factor X a band like The Setup always had. With 'Minister of Death' they were above many bands in the scene, now it seems they've took a step back. It's an album that's easy to digest and that makes sure the melodies in "Hostile Eyes" or "Dust of Ages" will stick in your head immediately. That’s positive for many people, with The Setup’s older stuff it took some time when the songs were absorbed. Once absorbed they never left your system.

Before I start to become a really crying bitch that likes the old stuff better I must admit if ‘Torchbearer’ was the debut album I was impressed immediately. Maybe we should see this album as a new start since almost a new band has risen under the name of The Setup. Although the sound is a bit more polished and straightforward the sound is still 100% The Setup.

One thing that really worked out great is the cooperation with backing and guest vocals. Caro from Oathbreaker did a hell of a job in “The Curse” and her vocals fit the band’s style and Kris’ vocals. Also Rob from Born From Pain lent his vocals at the end of “Another Heresy” and that gives this song a different twist in the spectrum of these Belgians.

Bottom line: with ‘Torchbearer’ The Setup still has the torch in their own hands. During the current tour with Forfeit and later this year the Persistance tour the band can grow beyond the level that they were on with Andries Beckers (he still wrote two songs) and Dries Olemans.

Rating:

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Related bandprofile: The Setup

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Comments

Author	Message
David	Posted on 03.07.2009 (09:39) goto top
	Ik vind het juist een sterke plaat omdat hij makkelijker te verteren is. Mijn favoriete plaat van The Setup tot nu toe.
kareltje	Posted on 03.07.2009 (10:22) goto top
	ik kan die caro van oathbreaker echt niet aanhoren, bahbah. Ik vind deze plaat ook wat tegenvallen.
Ché	Posted on 04.07.2009 (12:26) goto top
	Ik vind het een MEGAVETTE plaat! Beste Belgische band in mijn ogen...
de engste man NTF	Posted on 04.07.2009 (13:27) goto top
	gave gasten ook...

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