Midheaven (album)
| Midheaven | ||||
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External slipcase cover
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| Studio album by The Human Abstract | ||||
| Released | August 19, 2008 | |||
| Recorded | @ Red Bull Studios, Santa Monica, California / Johnny Yuma Recording / Henson Recording Studios, Hollywood, California | |||
| Genre | Progressive metal, neoclassical metal, metalcore | |||
| Length | 43:45 | |||
| Label | Hopeless | |||
| Producer | Leonard Simone, Jesse E. String | |||
| The Human Abstract chronology | ||||
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| Professional ratings | |
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| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| AbsolutePunk.net | (80%) link |
| Alt Press |
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| 411mania |
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Midheaven is The Human Abstract's second full-length release on Hopeless Records. It was released on August 19, 2008. The album was originally recorded with producer Toby Wright,however the band has "wiped off all credits" of his effort. The record was later re-worked and finished by Leonard Simone and Jesse E. String.
A studio journal has been posted on YouTube documenting the progress of Midheaven. The studio journal was shot and edited by Nick Guillen.
Four video teasers have been made by the band's director Michael Grodner (The Human Abstract, Planes Mistaken For Stars, The Briggs, Chiodos) for the band's first music video from Midheaven, "Procession of the Fates". The video was shot months before the song was written and recorded to generate the overall concept of the entire record.
The album debuted at #163 on The Billboard Top 200 with first week sales of 4,100.
Before recording the album, The Human Abstract departed from its founding member A.J. Minette, who wished to pursue other musical goals outside of metal. Minette was replaced by Andrew Tapley, and at this time the band had also adopted a new member, Sean Leonard, playing various keyboard instruments. These changes allowed a change in musical style for the band. The production of the album also saw a change while recording. Producer Toby Wright (Korn, Slayer, Alice in Chains) had initially been brought in to work on the record, however Wright "was wiped off of all the credits" due to musical differences, and the band finished the album with Leonard Simone, Jesse E. String co-producing the album.
After the new band line up was set, Nathan Ells reassured fans that, "The Human Abstract has always been, and will continue to be, a heavy band." However, Midheaven departs from the hardcore sound found on The Human Abstract's debut release Nocturne. Although the album does feature heavy parts, it focuses more on the alternative and progressive side. It also contains more singing than screaming when compared to Nocturne. One reviewer said, "You definitely need to have an open mind going into Midheaven. Don't expect Nocturne Pt. 2; you will be sorely disappointed if you do."
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Wikipedia