We Came As Romans - To Plant A Seed

The debut album from metalcore newcomers, We Came As Romans, presents an intriguing dynamic where its standout moments occur when the band veers away from typical metalcore conventions. While the album, ‘To Plant A Seed,’ delivers the expected blend of heavy and clean vocals characteristic of the genre, the band’s true potential shines through in the non-metalcore elements. These subtle departures, such as the programmed piano introduction in ‘Broken Statues’ or the striking string arrangement in ‘We Are The Reasons,’ hint at the band’s capacity to innovate within the genre, even though the majority of the album adheres to the established metalcore formula.

It’s essential to clarify that this critique isn’t a dismissal of the band’s abilities. We Came As Romans excel at being a metalcore band, and their execution is commendable. The disappointment stems from their reluctance to push the genre’s boundaries. Yet, throughout the album, there are brief, distinctive moments that pique curiosity.

Furthermore, the album showcases the band’s heaviness when they choose to embrace it. David Stephens’ death growls add intensity to the heavy sections, and when paired with clean singer Kyle Pavone’s occasional screams, as seen in tracks like ‘I Will Not Reap Destruction,’ the result is formidable.

The record concludes with one of its stronger tracks, ‘An Ever-Growing Wonder,’ featuring atmospheric breakdowns that enhance the dynamic interplay between heavy and soft elements.

In essence, We Came As Romans has crafted a metalcore album that adheres to the genre’s conventions, yet it hints at their potential for innovative thinking, especially through the occasional deviations from the norm. ‘To Plant A Seed’ may be a by-the-book metalcore record, but it leaves room for anticipation regarding the band’s future explorations.