Cauterize is famous for their three guitar attack and catchy guitar riffs are evident in almost every song. The first single, “Closer”, is a masterful mix of guitar and lyrics, a favorite among fans of the band. On top of that, “Closer” is one of two songs on the album produced by Greg Nori (ex-Treble Charger, ex-Sum 41 manager). While the production on the track is outstanding, it becomes evident that the self-produced tracks on the album are no match for the work of Nori.

Cauterize is a band truly like no other, as evident in the middle of the album. Tracks such as “Minor Key Symphony”, “Dare You To Scream”, and “The Devil In Lace” are lyrical masterpieces that have you screaming for more. Songs like these are the peak of Cauterize’s ability, one of the reasons they are often considered to be on the brink of stardom.

Lead singer Jesse Smith continues to write meaningful lyrics, although he seems to slip up on a few of the new songs on the album. “Love In The Attic”, the opening track, includes some of the best guitar on the album, but the lyrics make the song sound like it was thrown together last minute for the album. “Don’t Stop Now” is a catchy pop song that has potentially to hit pop-radio charts, but at points the lyrics become childish and sound like they came from a bands first album, not fifth.

Overall, Disguises is a solid mixture of rock and pop-punk that never really heads in the same direction. Those who enjoy the first track they hear may not enjoy the rest of the album as every track heads in a different direction. But that is what makes Cauterize so special. With an album such as Disguises, Cauterize should not stay disguised much longer. 8.5/10

Each song sits up and speaks for itself, and could stand independantly as fine musicianship.

I have a strange feeling that the reviewer is so jaded from all the commerciality of the music industry today, that when a band actually branches out and includes some diversity in its music, said reviewer becomes uneasy.

I would recommend people just listen and decide for themselves.

There is nothing fluffy about Cauterize.

Their “overall” sound is rock.

Why do people ALWAYS try to put band into genres? Cauterize are a ROCK band. And like every other ROCK band out there, they have fast and slow songs.

The reason why they never reached the “upper level” is because they used to be on a terrible record label. (Wind Up.)

And if you didn’t feel anything emotionally while listening to this CD, then clearly you had your head up your arse. Jesse Smith is one of the best songwriters out there. And as far as their “unoriginality” goes…Who the hell nowadays IS original???? Every band copies another band out there. There is no such thing as original anymore.

Ugh. I get SO mad when I read reviews like this.

“If only they choose a genre that works for them and apply that to all of their songs. I am sure we would see them rise up through the ranks quickly.”

So they should turn into Nickelback/Evanescense or Linkin Park?

An btw, i REALLY dont think the fanbase is split between loving the slow songs, and loving the harder rock songs.

We love them ALL.

people bitched that SFFR was like 12 of the same song and then bitch that Disguises is too many different types of songs…

what’s wrong with being diverse? it shows you’re ACTUALLY a GOOD musician!