Thousand Foot Krutch: Welcome To The Masquerade Review

Thousand Foot Krutch has always had the reputation of being very consistent with their albums. Which one is considered their best really comes down to each person's opinion because there are so many ways to argue for each one. Most, including myself, tend to side with "Phenomenon", one of the group's first efforts back in 2003. Some believe it to be "The Flame In All Of Us" in 2007, and occasionally I will even hear someone throw 2005's "The Art Of Breaking" in for consideration. Once again, Thousand Foot Krutch provides great music that makes this discussion a hard one to draw conclusion from. I do not believe this to be their best yet, but I also believe this is a damn good CD.
1. The Invitation- A very cool (yet short) intro to the album and to the next song. Great guitar here from lead singer/guitarist Trevor McNevan and bass from Joel Bruyere with drums from Steve Augustine that come in and dominate your headphones for a minute until the guitar leads into the next song. 9/10
2. Welcome To The Masquerade- A very awesome start due in part to the intro but also to the great and heavy guitar and bass riffs along with superb drumming seen throughout the song. Trevor's vocals are solid, alternating from melodic singing to raspy bellows that characterize Thousand Foot Krutch. Solid throwdowns here, both with instruments and lyrically, because fans will recognize TFK's tendency to throw out challenges with their lyrics. It slows down near the end leading into a great crescendo to bring it home. 9.5/10
3. Fire It Up- Thousand Foot Krutch once again shows how confrontational and heavy their music can be. The vocals consist mostly of pleasant screaming (as opposed to Underoath-screaming), and goes really well with the all the instruments. A slowed down section with whispering really adds to the whole rocking nature of the track. This is for fans of "Move", "Rawkfist", and "New Drug". Be sure to add this one to your pump up playlist. 9.5/10
4. Bring Me To Life- A truly awesome start to the song is composed of piano that brings out guitar, bass, and drums. The piano can be heard in the backdrop for a couple of portions of the song, giving it a dramatic feel. Everything here is superbly executed, transitioning from heavy verses with the dramatic piano in the background to a lighter chorus that is appealing for people who like harmonizing. There is a very heavy breakdown later in the song for people looking to rock out. This wins the award for best song on the album. 10/10
5. E For Extinction- A slow and entrancing beginning gives way to a heavy chorus that is very appetizing for rock fans' ears. Trevor's voice once again changes from cooing and soothing to roars personifying TFK rock. Nothing too fancy here, but a solid track that reverts back to the days of "Phenomenon". 9/10
6. Watching Over Me- TFK is known for two things: heavier, in-your-face throwdown songs and slower, reflective, and religiously contemplative songs. This song follows the latter format, and although TFK has a lot better soft songs, this one is very good. It has good lyrics along with a good message presumably about losing someone but feeling their presence around you. 8.5/10
7. The Part That Hurts The Most (Is Me)- Solid guitar work leads into a nice little drum scheme to start the song off. This is one of the best choruses I've heard in awhile because it really encourages you to be drawn in either by singing along or sitting back and appreciating good music. The technological background vocals also add some drama to the song, which is fully manifested with a great buildup to the crescendo, which takes the form of a heavy musical throwdown. Then it reverts back to the remarkable chorus. Lyrically entrancing as well. 9.5/10
8. Scream- Another heavy song from TFK that comes up shorter than fans may be used to but still a solid entry. The chorus really raises up the level of this song. There is an epic buildup later in the song starting with some soothing singing and piano, but unless you don't immediately find the chorus to your liking, you won't change your mind about this song easily. 8.5/10
9. Look Away- This song bears a lot of resemblance to the song "This Is A Call" from "Phenomenon". It is extremely similar, which may put some people off, but I enjoyed this song immensely. A very sweet piano melody and violin accompaniment characterize this song and add some emotion to it. This is an impressive slow song, despite an abrupt ending. 9/10
10. Forward Motion- The closest TFK is going to get to pop punk mainstream. But don't be discouraged, this is a very good song, and it actually the highest selling track off the album on Itunes. There are some solid guitar riffs here, along with some background piano, that give the song its hopeful and optimistic feel. 9/10
11. Outta Control- A raw guitar opening shifts to heavy guitar and bass. When I first listened to the chorus I was a little disappointed, but it grew on me and I was able to fully appreciate this raw and strong rocker. Not their best, but still good work. 8.5/10
12. Smack Down- Very similar to "Rawkfist". A solid start sets up the gravity of the song, and a transition into stomping and clapping that would make Queen proud ends with some solid roars and guitar. The chorus is excellent, with some actual singing, great guitar and bass work, and some more stomping and clapping that gives the song a great rhythm. 9.5/10
13. Already Home- A nice violin intro gives way to piano and gentle vocals. Then the song picks up with some guitar and enters a chorus that purveys the sense of wonder and being surrounded by peace (which relates to the subject of finding home). Lyrically, this is as strong as TFK gets (even though I do admit that I enjoy their challenging and almost threatening lyrics as well). This is a great way to close the album and is the best slow song here. 9.5/10
Overall: 119/130
A very good entry in the discography of Thousand Foot Krutch, neither letting fans down nor exceeding any expectations. This is definitely worth the investment for fans, and some rock fans looking for something new to experiment with should give this a try. Next up is Boys Like Girls. Thanks for tuning in. Rock on.