Massachusetts metalcore band, All That Remains, has walked a fine line throughout its 17-year career. From the band’s melodic death metal debut album to its blatant metalcore period to its current amalgam of melodic commercial rock/metal, All That Remains has searched for a winning formula. On its seventh full-length release, The Order Of Things, there are still some metal core elements and some standout heavy tracks, but they are mostly a placebo to the generic and sugary pop-flavored rock tunes the band mostly peddle here. The hooky, screamed verse/clean chorus formula of vocalist Phil Labonte is noticeable After four albums with Killswitch Engage’s Adam D behind the board, producer Josh Wilbur was called on for this one. He also co-wrote the lyrics with Labonte, which is the first time Labonte has allowed this in the history of the band.

There’s a lot of noticeable attention to detail and melody as well as an abundance of focus on the song structures and songwriting techniques. CD-opener “This Probably Won't End Well" will certainly cater to the younger, radio-listening audience. The band’s more aggressive metalcore tendencies are displayed on "No Knock”, which is decorated with menacing but predictable down-tuned riffing. The bubblegum melodies and vocal harmonies of "Divide" will certainly divide some fans' opinions. The tracks that grace The Order Of Things are divided into two categories; melodic commercial rock songs or homogenized down-tuned metalcore tracks. "A Reason for Me To Fight" falls into the latter category, however, it’s very polished and melodic. If you’re already a fan of the band’s current sound, then The Order Of Things will be nothing out of the ordinary. However, fans of the more extreme metal nature will find it a little too melodic, safe and radio friendly. The Order Of Things most likely will divide the band’s fan base even further, but as a whole, it’s a well-constructed piece of melodic rock/metal album.