Calico System have had turbulent last couple of years. It’s a little bizarre how they managed to survive the departure of two key figures - Eric Ramsier (drums) and Shawn Keith (guitar) - succeeded in keeping their name after being threatened with a trial form another band with the same moniker, and finally released an album with a title suggesting the hell they’ve been through. With a couple of EP’s and two full-lengths under their belts, now it seems that Calico System have finished shaping their status quo. Not that their messy, melody-driven metalcore is the most original thing you can hear these days, but at least the band is striving for recognition among fans with the stubbornness of someone who knows their objective. In other words, Calico System are on a mission - to beat the countless other metalcore bands at their own game. With “Outside Are the Vultures” they effectively improved and evolved their sound whilst still retaining their own brand. With great songs like “Lick the Sun” and “Devil’s Affair” Calico System surely can not go far wrong and are already set to move to the next level. Will they be able to achieve it, however, is another story.