Welcome to the Masquerade

<i>Welcome to the Masquerade</i> ranks among this veteran Canadian band’s best work, slamming hard while asserting a hope-filled message. With few nods to their rapcore past, TFK achieves dynamic tension and release by contrasting melodic verses with snarling choruses (or vice versa) throughout the album. Guitarist Pete Stewart switches between rough-cut aggression and classic- rock swagger, adding heft to singer Trevor McNevan’s cries for solace and salvation. TFK bears down brutally in tracks like “Bring Me to Life,” “Fire It Up” and the title number, yet resists any impulse towards overkill. Welcome sonic detours are provided by “The Part That Hurts the Most (Is Me)” (accented by ‘80s-esque synthesizer) and “Forward Motion” (an uplifting, pop-tinged tune). Adding to the fun quotient is the stomp-along wrestler’s anthem “Smack Down.” Amidst all the stylistic diversity shown here, TFK never forgets its Christian missionary zeal, and with muscle and spirit, Thousand Foot Krutch turns this <i>Masquerade</i> into a celebration of visceral, unshakable faith.