In the weeks leading up to the release of this
album, it was plastered all over the metal community that Emmure had a new
album coming out and how they had worked with Kurt Angle and TNA wrestling
in making the album. As odd as that is, what really stood out was a
conversation I had with their publicist over at Victory Records in which all
that was said back to me was “The new Emmure is heavy as shit. I would
consider purchasing a mouth guard before you listen to the album”. After
hearing that, you cant help but being excited.
The Respect Issue starts off just like every other Emmure release with the
minute and a half long breakdown intro track Young, Rich, And Out Of
Control. One thing you will notice scattered throughout this album is that
they added some scratching into the mix, which is something I thought died
years ago, but it oddly fits well into the mix. The track Chicago’s Finest
hits me just as hard as the first time I heard “You Got A Henna Tattoo That
Said Forever” off of Goodbye To The Gallows. The raw emotion in Frank
Palmeri’s vocals will make the hair stand up on your neck. Everything that
made you fall in love with Emmure the first time is showcased on this album
from the never ending breakdowns to the overtly sexual lyrics featured on
the track False Love In Real Life, which is also the first single from the
album. Listening to Rough Justice you will hear an similarity to label mates
Darkest Hour in the opening minute of the track, which reminds you that the
band isn’t all breakdowns.
Pick up this album and you will find TNA wrestling star Kurt Angle on the
cover as well as the liner notes. The band could also be heard on the TNA
broadcasts (people still watch wrestling?). Suprisingly this a great
soundtrack for working out and letting out some anger. Check this out and
then catch the band live as the new songs are just as punishing from the
stage.
Nick Zimmer