Reviews

.Preserving.Silence.

BAND: nothing personal

TITLE: guns, guts, & glory

LABEL: ngs records

GENRE: old school

Coming from Virginia Beach, Nothing Personal deliver some of the harshest lyrics in hardcore today. Although they broke up about a year ago, this disc was still recorded with no one to put it out. However, NGS Records decided to release the disc anyhow. This disc is honestly best described as "Warzone meets Animal House". This 11 song full length CD features fast and furious hardcore the way it was originally intended to be. The lyrics are presented by two singers that manage to clearly get their lyrics across, while still having somewhat of a scream. If you decide to be a cheapass and burn this CD off of a friend, you will still be missing out because you wont have the over-the-top ridiculous lyrics. Another high point of this CD is the 7 songs from their previous 7" which are included as bonus tracks. Overall, this is one of the better releases to come out this year as far as strict hardcore goes.

Nothing Personal Is Recommended If You Like...Warzone, Pitboss, Youth Of Today, Judge, One Life Crew

BAND: last perfection

TITLE: 7 song EP

GENRE: melodic chaotic metal

The first thing that comes to my mind when I hear this CD is Converge meets In Flames. These guys take all the attributes of a swedish metal band, but then mix that with the vocals and insanity of a technical metalcore band. Take all of that and combine it with some intense breakdowns, and you have Last Perfection. This 6 song disc is seriously one of the more intriguing discs I have had sent to me for review as of late. They manage to range anywhere from melodic metal to intense beatdown music to acoustic pieces. The vocals are very reminiscent of Converge, but he throws in some weird kind of monk sounding singing. I can't explain it, youd seriously have to listen to it to understand what I mean.

Last Perfection Is Recommended If You Like...In Flames, Converge, Coalesce, At The Gates, Eighteen Visions

BAND: wings of scarlet ... tears will drown ... with dead hands rising

TITLE: words as weapons

LABEL: life sentence records

GENRE: metalcore

This three way split was sent to me about two months ago, but I lost it for a bit and only found it right now. I really wish I wouldn't have lost the damn thing for that long because this CD is one of the better "metalcore" CDs that has come out in recent memory. There are no forced blast beats or melodic singing parts on this release, just straight up, in your face metal. The first band on the split, Wings Of Scarlet, comes from the Milwaukee area and starts this split off on the right foot. Their style includes high pitched vocals placed over top of constant guitar leads. These guys could be going places in the near future if they keep up with their current momentum. They put all three songs from their split up at www.mp3.com/wings_of_scarlet if you would like to take a sample. Tears Will Drown, from Maryland, come next on the CD. Their three songs put up a good fight against Wings Of Scarlet's offering. These guys have a Prayer For Cleansing sound, but they are much tighter. They range anywhere from melodic acoustic pieces to metal riffing like you wouldn't believe. If you'd like to hear their offering on the split, check out www.mp3.com/tearswilldrown. Coming last on the split is With Dead Hands Rising from Minnesota. With their four songs, they display great songwriting skills and some harsh beatdowns to accompany that. Some songs seem to focus more on making you bang your head, while others seem to make you want to kick your friend in the face. If you don't believe me, you can check out www.mp3.com/withdeadhandsrising. Definitely check out all three of these bands if you're looking for a re-newed hope in the "metalcore" genre.

This Split CD Is Recommended If You Like...Prayer For Cleansing, Bloodjinn, Arkangel, Age Of Ruin, Spitfire

BAND: dead wrong

LABEL: stillborn records

GENRE: old school hardcore

The first time I saw and heard of these guys was when they opened for One Life Crew in Cleveland, OH a few months back. I was impressed by this band from the first couples seconds they started to play. Their style of hardcore is something most people in the scene today consider dead. However, these boys from Connecticut seemed to have revived this style with ease. They bring back the sounds of the Clevelands bands of the early to mid-90s...such as In Cold Blood, Integrity, Meanstreak, Confront, and One Life Crew. Most of the CD ranges in the mid to fast paced category with a few breakdowns and slowed down pieces. For every beatdown on the CD, however, there is a melodic guitar solo or lead that you would expect to hear from Integrity. It's pretty obvious why Stillborn Records picked these guys up quickly. They bring the spirit of old school back from the dead in a time where most hardcore bands are trying to be Slayer.

Dead Wrong Is Recommended If You Like...In Cold Blood, Meanstreak, Integrity, One Life Crew, Confront, Shutdown, Cro-Mags

TITLE: based on a true story promo CD

GENRE: thug rock

For those of you who considered Thug Rock to be a decent album, or maybe if you didn't like it at all, be prepared for a completely different band. Unlike their firsr CD, these songs were actually written FOR Boxcutter (the first CD's songs were meant for Krutch). Although Thug Rock was a good start off album, Boxcutter's latest effort buries the first in comparison. This new full length CD, entitled Based On A True Story, is a large step in the direction of originality and creativity. This CD is unlike anything you've ever heard for the most part. Every song on this CD is different from each other in one way or another, no repetition. Some songs are straight hardcore, while some range more into the hip hop and rap influences. The one common thread throughout this CD, however, is the catchiness of all these songs. I guarantee you will know ALL of the songs on this CD after one or two listens. This album really sticks out in today's hardcore scene.

Boxcutter Is Recommended If You Like...Fury Of Five, E-Town Concrete, Candiria, Krutch

BAND: seven stitches

TITLE: darkness is the light

LABEL: seventh dagger records

GENRE: metalcore

Before finally getting my hands on this CD, all I got from this Erie, PA based band was their 2 song sampler, which just made me want to hear it more. And before getting that sampler, all I got from the band was alot of hype, which made me want to hear them more. So finally, after all that wait, I got my hands on their CD. This EP came out on Seventh Dagger Records a few months ago, and I still have yet to wear it out. Their style is actually very original, so the best comparison I could make is Godbelow. However, as many of you know, there are ex-members from Problem Solver Revolver, so the vocals are also in that style. The songs on this CD are mid to slow paced, but it keeps that intensity that you expect from any hardcore band.

Seven Stitches Is Recommended If You Like...Godbelow, One Nation Under, PSR, 100 Demons, Burn It Down

TITLE: three round burst...demo CD

GENRE: swedish metal

Although you would expect this band to be from Sweden, Kenshiro comes from the Detroit, Michigan area. Their style is definitely influenced by the likes of In Flames, Dark Tranquility, or At The Gates. They, obviously, play melodic metal in the vein of those bands, but they put an American feel to it as well. While most people argue that American bands don't play the Gothenburg style as well as the overseas bands, I actually like the bands better from over here. It seems as if the bands from over here, including Kenshiro, put a twist on their music that keeps things interesting. Kenshiro keeps things interesting on this 3 song demo CD by going through seemingly dozens of riffs in each song. I can't think of one part on this CD where the music gets boring or repetitive. I know there are alot of metal bands coming out of Michigan these days, but Kenshiro is definitely at the top of that list.

Kenshiro Is Recommended If You Like...In Flames, The Year Of Our Lord, Beyond The Sixth Seal, At The Gates, Dark Tranquility

BAND: it dies today

TITLE: let the angels whisper your name

GENRE: mosh metal

I'd like to start off by saying...BELIEVE THE HYPE BEHIND THIS BAND. You've probably heard quite a bit about this mosh metal beatdown band from Buffalo, NY. They've been playing out for a few months now and put out this 3 song DIY demo to much acclaim. Their style is fast melodic metal, but they bring in elements of hardcore and even emo. The hardcore elements are, of course, the beatdowns. As for the singing parts, they're not really anything that would ruin the songs for the diehard "heavy music only" kids. When It Dies Today has the soft parts in their songs, you don't really even notice them because they fit into the songs so well. Actually, I think they might need those soft parts to even out for all the insane parts or else it would be too heavy for anyone to be able to listen to. haha. Anyhow, check out this band if you're looking for metal with some beatdowns and melodic pieces.

It Dies Today Is Recommended If You Like...Martyr AD, Arkangel, Asherah, Diecast, Disembodied, Poison The Well

BAND: insult to injury

TITLE: realm of indifference

LABEL: NGS records

GENRE: thrash meets old school

You've probably heard all the hype and have seen all the promotion for this new disc...but guess what...it lives up to all the expectation you should have for it. This really surprised me when I heard this was their first full length in over 10 years (their whole career). I guess all those years in waiting really paid off, because this CD doesn't get old at any point throughout its playing time. Although some of you have heard your own descriptions, the easiest way I could describe it is Kerry King writing old school hardcore. This CD (the band as well) seems like it would have a large mass appeal considering it can keep up with any beatdown, old school, or thrash band. It seems as if this has a great crossover capability. The vocals are also another high point about this CD...not screaching and not growling...right in the middle. If you are into fast, aggresive music...definitely check out Insult To Injury from Chicago, IL.

Insult To Injury Is Recommended If You Like...THRASH OR SPEED METAL, Warzone, DRI, Judge, old Sick Of It All & Madball

BAND: with all sincerity

TITLE: with all sincerity

GENRE: metal insanity

At first glance, you can tell this CD is probably gonna be something good. The layout and recording on this CD are amazing, it's expecially good considering it's not even on a label. This band obviously has faith in the CD and put alot of time and effort into it. The first song is just an intro to set the mood, but once the CD gets going, it's a pretty rough ride. The vocals on this CD have a great range. They go everywhere from Martyr AD style growling to high pitched, lung piercing screaming. Underneath the vocals is a wide variety of riffs that go everywhere from beatdowns to parts comparable to Dillinger Escape Plan. Being as there are such a variety of quality riffs in the songs, this CD never gets boring. Honestly, this band reminds me of a better version of Every Time I Die. Every Time I Die wishes they could be this good.

With All Sincerity Is Recommended If You Like...Every Time I Die, Spitfire, Kid Gorgeous, Converge, Nora, Dillinger Escape Plan

BAND: with dead hands rising

GENRE: melodic metalcore

MAIL: withdeadhands@yahoo.com

This demo CD came out in 2001 and has received alot of attention, including mine. It has 5 songs and an intro which all seems very planned out. It doesn't sound like you could throw this kind of shit together overnight. It seems as if they actually take their time writing the songs. Anyhow, this disc is metal all the way, but even better, we get breakdowns too. The vocals remind me of Zao. However, whenever they do soft speaking/singing parts, it somewhat sounds like the guy from 18 Visions when he does those same parts. Either way, the vocals are pretty damn good. The music can be melodic at times, but it usually tends to go with the brutal side. Sometimes the riffs manage to be both brutal and melodic at the same time. Now that kind of stuff takes some talent. There are some cool leads on this and some cool bass lines too. Overall this disc is pretty good, everyone should be looking forward to their split CD on Life Sentence Records.

With Dead Hands Rising Is Recommended If You Like...Zao, Eighteen Visions, Arkangel, Caliban, Heaven Shall Burn, Society's Finest

BAND: one dead three wounded

TITLE: heroin demo

GENRE: metalcore

On this 3 song demo, One Dead Three Wounded is all over the place. These songs range from blast beats to melodic pieces to beatdowns to technical offbeat parts. I personally think the band is best when they get into their melodic pieces, but the songs are so great because they manage to span all these different styles in a matter of a few minutes. Another plus for this CD are the vocals. They have a strong sound to them and they don't sound forced or anything. The only complaint I can think of for this band is the fact that this disc is only 3 songs. For a band like this, you need to hear more songs...they always leave you hanging for more.

One Dead Three Wounded Is Recommended If You Like . . . Spitfire, 7 Angels 7 Plagues, Arson, Age Of Ruin, Darkest Hour

BAND: forever is forgotten

TITLE: dying beautiful

GENRE: emotional metalcore

MAIL: giese_scott@hotmail.com

This 4 song EP, titled "Dying Beautiful", starts off with an eerie, slow acoustic piece. It eventually advances into a guitar led piece, but maintains the dark overtone throughout. Actually, this whole disc maintains a dark overtone, even through the slow, almost emo parts. The three songs on this disc range everywhere from Poison The Well to Thursday to Converge and anywhere in between. This band seems to pull their influences from all over the extreme music scene. They even manage to pull some death metal breakdowns out of their nowhere at some points. The thing that strikes me about this band is their ability to write and structure their songs. Two of the songs on this disc pass the 6 minute mark. It takes some good writing ability to be able to write a song over 6 minutes...especially when the songs don't get boring. There isn't one time during this disc that you want to press the skip button...the songs keep you interested the whole time.

Forever Is Forgotten Is Recommended If You Like . . . Poison The Well, Converge, Dillinger Escape Plan, Bloodjinn, Spitfire, God Forbid

TITLE: watching the world die

LABEL: da' core records

GENRE: melodic & emotional hardcore

200 North, from Cumberland, MD, is the brand new signing to Da' Core Records, which is based out of Pittsburgh, PA. Although the label usually signs local Pittsburgh bands, they went out on a branch and signed 200 North from MD. I must say though, taking the risk of signing an out of state band was well worth it. This full length CD contains 10 songs that are packed full of emotion and melody. While some songs branch out into the old school section of hardcore, many of the songs are played in the Shai Hulud/Ensign style. These guys are pretty amazing considering I don't even like Shai Hulud or Ensign, yet I find these guys to be one of my new favorite bands. They have, in my eyes, perfected the melodic hardcore genre. These songs are catchy as hell and will get stuck in your head very easily. I knew all the songs just from seeing them live twice...and I didn't even have the CD yet. Just a side note here, but Barely Breathing (the first track on the disc) is probably one of the best songs I've heard in a LONG time. These guys definitely have the potential to blow the fuck up and take their music to any level they want.

200 North Is Recommended If You Like...Shai Hulud, Ensign, Boy Sets Fire, Reach The Sky, Bane

BAND: xsuffocate fasterx

GENRE: beatdown hardcore

In case you couldn't tell by their name, these guys mean business when it comes to the edge. This demo packs more mayhem into the 3 songs on it than most full length CDs feature. Their style isn't very clean cut...it ranges from tough guy hardcore to old school to metalcore. The main focus on this band seems to be the beatdowns...and that is definitely the right choice for these guys. I don't think I can even explain how insane some of the beatdown parts to this CD are. The CD is pretty intense the whole way through, but it takes a second to catch it's breath towards the end of the second song. These guys manage to put a slow melodic part with singing pieces into one of their songs. By the way, if it matters to anyone, these guys have ex-members of One Nation Under involved in the band...you know it can't be too bad.

xSuffocate Fasterx Is Recommended If You Like...Final Stand, One Nation Under, Hatebreed, Arkangel, or ANYTHING SxE

GENRE: chaotic & spastic metalcore

I got this demo after we (Down To None) played a show with them in Dayton, OH. They are from Michigan and pretty damn good. They opened the show after driving 3 hours and had everyone who was there watching. Their live show is a damn good one...comes complete with members going after each other and going nuts. Well, anyhow, about the demo. This 5 song demo was only made in quantity of 250. If you are one of these lucky 250 bastards who got this disc, then you should be happy. These 5 songs have great sound quality and it really captures their live show. Their sound is an intense, and sometimes offbeat, style of metalcore. Most parts of the songs are danceable and could cause small riots if played in loud proportions. The vocals are either screamed or are spoken word throughout the disc. I can't manage to find any singing parts, which is good...singing wouldn't really fit into their style...the music is too brutal.

Samsara Is Recommended If You Like...Converge, Eighteen Visions, Every Time I Die, Turmoil, Torn Apart

GENRE: metalcore

Hailing from Buffalo, NY...Asherah is a metalcore styled that comes complete with breakdowns. And by breakdowns, I mean BREAKDOWNS. While most of the music on this disc is very melodic, and almost black metal at times, Asherah brings the mosh with their machinegun style breakdowns and are lethally brutal. Another approach that Asherah brings is the chaotic style of metalcore. Almost Converge sounding at times. However, the majority of the time on this 5 song EP is spent on the melodic or breakdown part. The singer stays in the screamy black metal section the whole time, but that's the way it should be, it fits into the music very well. These 5 songs have a very good sound quality to them and the layout is very good considering it is DIY. It comes in a nice little DVD case and has a full lyric sheet and everything to the sort. This demo gets another thumbs up just for the layout and design of the CD.

Asherah Is Recommended If You Like...Converge, Prayer For Cleansing, 7 Angels 7 Plagues, It Dies Today, The Year Of Our Lord

BAND: a thousand falling skies

TITLE: from behind the shadows

GENRE: metalcore

This disc starts off with an intro track, which starts off with acoustics guitars that lead into melodic guitar leads comparable to In Flames. This intro is overlaid with spoken word vocals, melodic singing, and emotionally charged screams in the background. When A Thousand Falling Skies is ready to bring the metal, however, all the acoustics can be forgotten. The other 5 songs that can be found on the disc are full fledged metal attacks. Although they have the melodic pieces, which can compete with any Gothenburg band, throughout their songs, there is no denying this disc is metal as all hell. Although there are beatdowns in some songs, they are not put there in desperation to gain acceptance from hardcore kids, they fit into the songs very well. I would have to say my favorite parts on this disc are the leads and solos that you would expect to come from Dark Tranquility. I can guarantee if you gave this CD to any metalhead, they would believe this band came from overseas...the home of all the other great melodic metal bands.

BAND: a shroud cast over

GENRE: metalcore

Just to start off the interview, I'd like to say the layout and quality of the CD is very good, considering it was done DIY style. No label support on this CD, the band did it all themselves, so congratulations to them for that. Well, anyhow, as soon as the first track starting playing, I knew I was going to like this CD. Their style of metalcore is just the way I think it should be done. The music ranges from intense beatdowns to metal riffing to melodic guitar leads. However, the vocals are screamed throughout the entire CD, which is a very good thing in my opinion. Although the music goes melodic in parts, the vocals are harsh screaming the whole way through. It gives the music a very passionate sound when the screamed vocals are put on top of the melodic music. Another thing I like about this disc is the way the two guitars work together throughout the songs. The leads are great, but the rhythm parts are just as listenable. They really work together to create some interesting parts throughout the disc.


				*.Preserving.Silence.* *Reviews*



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