Vigilance

Vocalist Jon Howard is the only member of Threat Signal that remains from their 2006 debut Under Reprisal. However, this incarnation of the group has been together for over two years and has had time to gel and play live together, which is evident on Vigilance.

This is a more melodic sounding album than their debut, but there are still plenty of heavy moments on Vigilance as well. “Hate Machine” has thrash riffs and gallops along at a fast pace, but also has a nice groove. The best songs on the album mix intensity with melody, such as “Severed,” which has some brutal parts, but also a memorable chorus.

Threat Signal changes things up with “Another Source Of Light,” which features almost all melodic singing and even some acoustic parts. Those acoustic sections are also evident on “Lost.” Howard has stepped up his vocal prowess on this album, sounding equally proficient on harsh and melodic vocals. His singing has a bit of an edge, but is still very accessible.

Threat Signal’s sound has influences from industrial metal bands like Fear Factory along with modern metal and metalcore. There is some filler in the 13 songs, but for the most part Vigilance draws in the listener with good songwriting and catchy melodies.