Lostprophets - Weapons ( 2012 )

Weapons is the 5th full length release by Welsh Rockers Lostprophets.  Over the course of the past decade have arguably been one of the most successful british rock bands. There sound within recent years has toned down from that of a Nu Metal approach to more of a Anthem Rock feel, there popularity within recent years has dipped ever since the release of "Liberation Transmission," there most successful album to date. Will Weapons bring them back to media attention or seem them plummet further down the scale ?

In quick response the answer is no to both questions. Weapons is not a bad album by any stretch of the imagination but it just feels to safe. It takes their previous album "The Betrayed," Strips it down, releases all the fun elements and this is what you are left with. A very straightforward record with no element of surprise or fun. Whatever happened to the days of "Start Something," and even "Liberation Transmission," both great albums for there own rights. Songs like "Burn Burn," and "Rooftops," which helped capture there fame seem to have been vanished into oblivion. Bands like "Young Guns," in particular are doing what Lostprophets are doing now, but in a much better vein and killer appeal. Lostprophets are much better suited to a heavier and uplifting record and one can only hopes they return to there former glory.

Weapons does have its good moments, especially the single record "If you bring a gun, we will bring an arsenal," which explores what Prophets do best and on paper is one of there heaviest anthems since there more mellow approach. Its catchy with strong melodies and great sing a longs.  On par with the rest of the album this stands out by a mile. On the whole its actually there heaviest record since "Start Something," but they have compromised all the fun elements which made them great. Like mentioned previously its staggering to think that bands which grew up listening and been influenced by Lostprophets such as I mentioned Young Guns, well the tides have turned and it seems like the other way round which in its own way is admirable and a credit to the new wave of british rock.

Returning back to my question, thanks to there huge back catalogue and huge success in past times Lostprophets are a band to stay but will they ever reach the heights of headlining festivals such as Download again. I have my huge doubts. If your a big Lostprophets fan no doubt you will enjoy Weapons. However give me both "Young Guns," and "Kids In Glass Houses," latest releases any day, which can only be a credit and a huge compliment to the british music scene.

Similar Artists: Young Guns, The Blackout, Kids In Glass Houses, Don Broco

5/10