There was a day when Betrayal symbolized (to me, anyway) all that was great about metal. Boldly stepping outside the lines of what the world had heard before, Marcus and co. produced a shocking and unpredictable album that left me asking A) "What was that?" and B) "Where can I get some more?" This album has me asking only one of those questions.
I guess this is a shot at goth/industrial/metal, and that sounds like a tasty description to me. It's actually done quite well, but very much not to my liking. The goth, which I suppose is what all else is built upon, lacks both the epic feel of Saviour Machine and the truly dark melancholy of Virgin Black. The industrial influence can't be missed, but is so vanilla that it wouldn't be missed if there were just regular drums. And the metal -- where you're able to find it -- falls 100% short of the energy that Betrayal of old gave us. Most of the songs are well written, many are catchy, and all have moments that I enjoy. But on the whole. . . it gets to be a long listen. Clean guitars dominate the majority of the time. It is occasionally spectacular when the bright Betrayal crunch breaks out of the gloom, but it almost never lasts long enough to truly satisfy. As the final straw, Marcus's vocals have that whiney Ozzy-ish tone to them that I've never liked at all, and some of the vocal melodies get downright campy.
Let me make myself clear. This is a very good album. If you're into, I don't know, Brian Healy or something, you need to check this out. Even Saviour Machine fans may want to sneak a listen, but those seeking distortion or darkness should probably save their money.
As far as my enjoyment here goes, I'd give it a 5. But since the album really is better than that, if this is what you like, I'll bump it up a couple points.
7/10
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #82Reviewed by Doug Van PeltMarcus Colon has not been sitting idly by. He's been listening and taking notice. It's funny that he's chosen a somewhat gothic direction, since Betrayal was somewhat associated with Sanctuary in the 80's, and Sanctuary made a definitive decision to go after the Marilyn Manson crowd (I know, I know, Manson's not real goth!). Anyway, Marcus has almost single-handedly put together this album of…Art for the Ears 2000Reviewed by Marco PovervestAs most of you (perhaps) haven't heard of Betrayal before, I give you a short history about the band first. It all started late eighties when Marcus Colon, Brian Meuse and Jeff Lain joined thrash-metal band Martyr. However, band-leader Dave Prado decided to move to another part of the USA and so he took the bandname with him. The three who remained behind were joined by vocalist Chris Ackerman…Dead Zine 1999Reviewed by SORGAfter 6 years of silence Betrayal is back with a new release. Only this could be considered more of a solo project from band frontman Marcus N. Colon, although some parts are played by Matt Maners. For the most part Marcus handles all vocals, guitars, bass, and drum programming. That's right programming! Marcus has moved forward and although some critics may blast him for "selling out", I think…Dead Zine 1999Reviewed by D_ListerMetalheads beware. This CD is not the Betrayal of old who belted out thrash metal from the depths of their metal loving souls, and annihilated you with speed, and technicality. At the same time the intensity level of Leaving Nevermore is right on par with their past releases. This time the band is made up mainly of Marcus Colon who, as the insert states is credited with; vocals, electric &…Similar sounding releases
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2001The AwakeningThe Fourth Seal of Zeen
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2003Ashton NyteSinister SwingMore from Betrayal
1993The Passing
2002In Remembrance Of Me
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2001The Passing Of Time
1991Renaissance by Death
