The branches of Tragic Hero Records’ tree are bowing with Heavy Fruit. He Is Legend’s second release on the North Carolina label is a prime example of a bands maturity when coupled with artist control. Pulling influences from The Smashing Pumpkins and Nirvana, adding a more aggressive Post-Hardcore sound, He Is Legend have a sound all their own. Vocalist Schuylar Croom’s voice has become as signature as the fret wandering sounds of guitarist Adam Tanbouz. The recurring crash of loss echoes through the entirety of the album reminding us of the “Attack of the Dungeon Witch” from the 2006 release Suck Out the Poison with images of bedrooms and broomsticks; the wolf is still out stalking the prey.
Carolina boys, on a Carolina label, recording in a Carolina studio, that is the prime example of feeling at home and at ease to be in control and be creative. This album is the perfect parallel to the ageing process of good bourbon. You do not tinker with a good recipe. The record label are the distillers who let the band just let it do what it already knows to do, write amazing music. The licks, hooks, the angst, it has all of the things that He is Legend fans love. The complexities of the guitar work are absolutely perfect with the vocals, and when combined with the driving of Sam Huff’s drumming and bass work of Matt Williams, one may ask, “What genre is this?!” It blends a Grunge element with Post-Hardcore, but is not to be pigeonholed and put in a box.
The opening track “No Visitors“ gives you the expected rolling guitar we all have grown to love, and Schuylar’s low haunting vocal parts leave you feeling like he is baiting listeners into the album, constantly making them want more, itching for the chorus. This is the album listeners have wanted and more pulling from multiple influences; one wishes the radio was playing.
Since the band’s inception, He is Legend have toured the United States and Europe extensively with acts like Norma Jean, Atreyu, Chimaira, Dragonforce, and Killswitch Engage. The band was described in various articles as “prisoners to their own genius”. The stigma attached to their earlier record label can be considered the contributing factor to the lack of exposure. The follow up to the billboard placing It Hates You (2009), Heavy Fruit brings the goods. It is like a blistering Foo Fighters meets the energy and brutality of Southern Metal, with the sincerity of Georgia’s Baroness. There is something for everyone here, Heavy Fruit is the stocking stuffer of the season. CrypticRock gives Heavy Fruit 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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