Lostprophets - The Betrayed

After their previous record Liberation Transmission failed to wow the most hardcore of Lostprophets fans. The boys from the valley bring them right back to their roots in the gritty, hardworking success that is The Betrayed.

Released in January 2010, The Betrayed brings back the heavier side of Lostprophets whilst exploring new areas such as Funk, Ska and the ever popular sound of indie.

Immigrating to L.A. seems to have taken a positive effect on the overall sound the band is now producing. It is safe to say many were expecting an even more commercial track list than its predecessor (if that were possible).

By accomplishing a solid mix of genres, the album really finds its feet with a professional, polished sound.

The first four tracks provide you with Nu Metal, Funk, Rock and Pop to wet your appetite for the sing along anthems and choppy guitar riffs that follow.

The intro ‘If It Wasn’t for Hate We’d Be Dead by Now,’ is almost a self confession of knowing what they produced previously wasn‘t up to standard, whilst thanking those who criticised to help them rise back up with the UK’s finest rock bands.

As the Rage Against the Machine-esque guitar riff grows in the background, the second track explodes with a powerful riff, cleverly met by gang vocals and front man Ian Watkins new found coarse screaming, a consistent feature in the heavier songs.

Again the listener is reminded of the new sound working for them best in the song ‘Where We Belong.’

The lyrics ‘Start a brand new story,’ and ‘Hold on, hold on, where we belong,‘ heavily emphasise the new direction the band is taking whilst keeping some of the old school elements that put them on the music map in the first place. The song is a real anthem that brings you back to the glory days of fan favourite ‘Last Train Home.’

Just when you’ve settled down from singing your heart out, a relentless riff, paired with Watkins savage vocals get your heart beating out of your chest. For metal heads the beat down section of track five ‘Next Stop Atro City,’ is not to be missed and will be fully appreciated for it‘s clever musicality.

As many British bands who have tasted fame tend to Americanise their sound it is a nice surprise to here broke up guitar work with lyrics such as ‘Mikey, so where’d you get the nikeys,’ with the rest of the band providing rhythmic ‘Oh Oh oh’s,’ in the background.

A factor that really works for the album as a whole is the samples used to thread the songs together. Track eight follows a space age techno sympthasiser with a bass line much like Jets ‘Are You Gonna Be My Girl,’ but provides a dance along with funky breakdowns and old style keyboard sounds.

The album climax’s with a heartfelt ballad and softly fades out with ‘The Light That Shines Twice As Bright,’ a pleasant, relaxing end to an album that keeps you guessing throughout.

As far as clichés go, the whole experience is a rollercoaster ride. However it is one that can be enjoyed all the way through the twists, turns and loops. It is also one you will want to ride over and over again. Drawing out every emotion in the process, be it passion, happiness or sadness, it is nothing short of an outstanding effort.