Fightstar - Be Human Deluxe Edition

I am ashamed to admit that I have previously avoided seriously listening to Fightstar because of their obvious link to pop boy band Busted.  I am sure there are tonnes of people as narrow-minded as I, who flatly refuse to give the band a chance.  I am pleased to say that I have rectified the situation by recently purchasing two of Fightstar's albums:  2007's 'One Day Son, This WIll All Be Yours - Deluxe Edition' and the most recent release 'Be Human - Deluxe Edition'.

Doozr had been spared the pleasure of Busted and somehow avoided hearing any of their musical offerings.  I however, was not so lucky and whenever I thought about giving Fightstar a listen, I'd always think to myself "No, 23inertia, it's Charlie from Busted!!".

Fightstar appear to have an exciting post-hardcore, metal, progressive and acoustic sound.  With 'Be Human'  they have also introduced a more choral and orchestral element, something I greatly appreciate.

'Be Human' is their 3rd studio album, originally released in April 2009, with the Deluxe Edition released in March 2010.   The album opens with 'War Machine" a particularly catchy track with beautiful orchestral elements.  When you reach the fifth track 'Chemical Blood' it explodes into an electric mix of raw blast beat drumming, intricate guitar riffs and beautiful strings.  The vocals on this track are almost growly in places with a continuous change in tempo throughout.  When I first listened to this track I had to repeat it again and again - I am still stunned by its complexity.

The other standout tracks for me are 'Colours Bleed to Red' which has an amazing, hard paced drum and guitar finale that leads straight into the piano intro of 'Damocles'.  'Follow Me Into the Darkness' is a slower paced track which just stops you in your tracks.   Beautiful vocal over a simple string and piano backdrop intertwined with guitar work that sends tingles up your spine.

'The English Way' was their first release from the album and is without a doubt the track with most mainstream appeal.  There is an undeniable mainstream feel to many of the tracks, but it's almost as if you can't quite put your finger on where the overlap between mainstream and completely alternative exists.

This album is a truly stunning roller coaster ride that I honestly did not expect.   The band are currently taking a break to work on separate projects but they are planning to start working on new material together in 2011.  I await their offerings with great anticipation.