I’m sure at some point in time, we have all looked around at the society we live in and have had to ask ourselves, “Why?” Why do people lose their self-respect? Why is there so much disrespect and lack of compassion for others? Mask The Wretch asks these questions and then some with the album Age of Deception. Forming in 2008, this band from Atlanta, Georgia has made it their mission to bring these social injustices to our attention in the most aggressive and unrelenting way possible. I believe it is fitting to say that Age of Deception is one of the most brutally honest records I have ever heard.

Let’s start with their lead single and title track on the record, “Age of Deception.”  It starts off with a bit of a thrash-hardcore type of intro, very fast and hostile, that melts into a bit slower, more devastating state. I would compare Cody Barkers vocal performance on this song, not just for the sake of making the song sound right, but by screaming from the heart. It sounds like pure frustration and disdain for society being vomited from his insides and I love it! When you get an artist who knows how to channel their emotion into their craft, you get mind-blowing results. It is an excellent choice for a single off this record.

 

”Aftershock” was the one that hit pretty hard with me but more in a lyrical sense. While bringing the subjects of distrust and self-respect, they managed to keep the overall tone of the song unbeatable in spirit and having the strength to do what’s right.  “No one and nothing will ever be perfect/ But we owe it to ourselves to make the best of things” is a nice slap-of-reality to the face of some, being that they come from a country where the pursuit of perfection often takes priority over what’s morally right. These are great words to live by in our day to day lives.

 

On the song “False Kingdom,” I praise the work of the band to create a song with not only a powerful delivery, but an astonishing atmosphere. It’s rather easy to picture a story in motion while listening to this song. A man struggling and questioning himself while dealing with a perfect façade that covers up the true intentions of what is really going on. The guitars are what I think contribute most to the picture that the song can paint, hitting you with more than just the typical breakdown riffs, and using more of a subtle approach. Sometimes, less can be more effective and that is proven on this track.

 

If you live around Raleigh, North Carolina, then be sure to stop by Deep South The Bar on July 12th to get your dose of eye opening metal reality. Age of Deception is now available through Autumn + Colour Records and if you are a metal head, this is a definite must have for your musical collection. They guys from Mask The Wretch have taken a stand for what they believe in and I salute them for doing so. In a business where its easy to be taken over by what’s acceptable and dare I say “cool,” it’s a breath of fresh air to see bands like Mask The Wretch putting out fantastically honest music. Keep at guys, I look forward to seeing what your future holds for you.