Album Review: Out of Control // Gideon
Alabama hardcore mob Gideon have come a long way from their roots as a Christian Metalcore band. During those early years, they felt trapped and pigeonholed within their genre. Over time, however, they have branched out, becoming more confident in their sound. On their latest album ‘Out of Control’, they are at their most ambitious, bringing an intoxicating flavour of hip-hop, nu-metal, and even country elements.
The record starts off with a bang with the bouncy ‘Sleep’. The song is about people who have moved away from the band for “selling out.” It has a lot of filtered guitars, while also bringing a strong idea of what’s to come with some tasty breakdowns. The vocal delivery is defiant and passionate, setting the tone for the rest of the album.
Up next, ‘Take Me’ is about the struggles of being a musician. It is relentless, chaotic, and aggressive. The build-up to where vocalist Daniel McWhorter screams “cut me deep and let me make you move” transitions into a violent breakdown. This will open moshpits up wall to wall because it has a strong energy to it.
The band are touring with Stray From the Path, and ‘2 Close’ has a guest spot from the latter band’s singer Drew York. It’s a solid track because it shows the diversity on offer with a more alternative rock vibe. The clean guitar tones in the build-up marry the anguished lyrics. It talks about feeling penned into a cage, which is something that a lot of people can relate to.
As the album goes on, there is the crushing beatdown of ‘Southwind’, and ‘Outlaw’ which is one of the heaviest tracks the band has done. It hits you with assaulting brutality, then ends with Limp Bizkit-esque samples. ‘Life Without’ and ‘Denial’ are huge slices of nu-metal chaos.
Gideon are full of confidence on ‘Out of Control’ because unlike their previous releases, they’ve expanded their sound. They have released a superb, honest album which doesn’t hold back any feelings.
Out of Control is released on 11th October on Rude Records/Equal Vision Records.
Words by Ermis Madikopoulos