Music review: Palisades – ‘Erase the Pain’
If you are looking to rock the arrival of 2019, I suggest listening to “Erase the Pain” by Palisades at a very high volume.
The fourth full-length studio album by the post-hardcore rockers from New Jersey possesses the bandĢƵ knack for wrapping blistering guitar riffs and frenetic drumming around hard-hitting and unwavering lyrics containing elements of regret, anger, isolation and self-realization.
“Erase the Pain” is a rousing response to 2017ĢƵ self-titled release, proving the band has plenty to offer and is firing on all cylinders.
Producer Howard Benson hits all the right buttons by containing the controlled chaos and transforming it into a polished and engaging emotional musical journey that is unleashed on a 10-song powder keg ready to explode at any moment.
“Vendetta” is the driving starter that leaves little doubt about the bandĢƵ intentions of delivering a blistering audio assault with the aggressive lyrics outlining the details of refusing to be held a prisoner by standing up for what you believe in, no matter the consequences.
The title track follows with an ominous tone of hitting rock bottom that is driven home with a thunderous onslaught of guitar gusto and pounding percussion.
“Fade” and “Ways to Disappear” are designed in the traditional rock anthem style, before the band dives into some furious guitar action and guttural screaming heard on “Push.”
“Ghost” contains the same thematic elements of the opening track, as the stirring set is punctuated by the frantically-paced standouts “War” and “Fragile Bones.”
“Patient” represents the albumĢƵ lone ballad with its melodic tone and passionate lyrics painting a dark portrait about the manipulative forces that seek to influence our beliefs.
The gritty guitar riffs of “Shed My Skin” simply smolder under the spirited lyrics that speak of a rebirth by breaking away from the things that make us weak and drag us down, bringing the album to an optimistic close.
Clint Rhodes is the ĢƵ music reviewer. He can be reached at clinton43@me.com.

