Amplified is a weekly column focusing on new and emerging artists. Got a band that fits the bill? Email amplified@metalinsider.net
With the Decibel Tour just wrapping up this week, melodic death metal has been the talk of the town lately, so we thought it only right to talk about New Jersey’s own Framework. Referring to any act as “worshipping” an influential band is usually meant to be a bit backhanded, but I’d argue that when you’re clearly into At The Gates, that’s always going to be okay. Framework’s record “A World Distorted” is an absolute slab of thrashy Swedish-style melodic death, but the great thing here is that the old-school influences they carry are at the forefront. Tracks like “The Stains of Time” have some awesomely out-of-the-box soloing, and the subtle melodies that open “The Code” show the band stretching their legs and trying out a variety of sounds. I’m a guitar player, not a drummer, but I love listening to an interesting drum performance, and skinsman James Applegate is an absolute madman behind the kit. This is a record pieced together with love, by dudes who are obviously passionate about what they do. The best thing I can say about Framework is that the drive from the people involved is palpable here, and that goes a long way as far as I’m concerned. If you had any doubts, these guys were just out on the road with Chris Amott’s Armageddon project, so know that when one of the greats of the genre brings you on tour, you’re probably doing something right.
Stream this monster below, then just buy the damn thing!
