Advent
Naked and Cold
Solid State (2009)
Beloved was a band that I never really got into. I gave them a chance, but to me, they were just another band in the faux-hardcore/screamo scene. They were mediocre for what they were doing and living in the shadows of other bands playing similar styles of music in a much more dynamic way. They were like a less volatile … Read more
As They Sleep
Dynasty
Solid State (2011)
This album starts with a quick drum blast jumping right into the sort of melodic death metal that was popular a couple years ago. Apparently As They Sleep is pretty consistent in their style. The band is part of the recent signings to Solid State Records and seems like a perfect fit. This is heavy spirit filled metal to put … Read more
August Burns Red
Leveler
Solid State (2011)
August Burns Red have become the face of American metal over the last few years with their unique brand of metalcore, but Leveler is poised to redefine the genre all together. Tactically bending genres with ease, they’ve crafted a truly ambitious album of unparalleled diversity and precision.Constellations, ABR’s last release, had shown a tremendous amount of growth with a more … Read more
Becoming the Archetype
Dichotomy
Solid State (2008)
So after receiving the Becoming the Archetype full-length Dichotomy, I checked out the CD book before listening to it, remembering great tracks like "One Man Parade" off of Terminate Damnation, I immediately went to the last page of the album art to check the credits and see if there were any worth-while guests, only to find that Devin Townsend produced … Read more
Inhale Exhale
The Lost, The Sick, The Sacred
Solid State (2007)
The Lost, The Sick, The Sacred starts off with this atmospheric near dirge ditty that I thought I might have a Joy Division clone on my hands. That would have been a treat, sadly the guitars down tune, the drums begin the pummel, and then some screaming is started. Oh of course, it wouldn't be today's metalcore without some nicely … Read more
Life in Your Way
Waking Giants
Solid State (2007)
Waking Giants marks Life in Your Way's jump from the farm leagues to the, well, the somewhat bigger indie league. This is their first effort for Solid State, home to many bands that seem to be ultra popular with the kids these days: Underoath, The Chariot, etc. So with the new label comes an increased opportunity for success; opportunity that … Read more
Norma Jean
O' God, the Aftermath
Solid State (2004)
Norma Jean went through a googolplex of vocalists between their last album and O' God, the Aftermath. After choosing one, the band took to the studio with Matt Bayles. Apparently they picked him because they love Botch. Funny, I remember this band being nu-metal with a DJ. The album opens with typical moshy metalcore, nothing surprising. On the second track, … Read more
Once Nothing
First Came the Law
Solid State (2008)
It's been a few years now since I first became acquainted with Once Nothing. They were just a local band playing shows wherever they could and having a good time playing to whoever would listen. Now the band is on Solid State, touring the U.S., and First Came the Law is their first big-label release. Once Nothing fuses together the … Read more
The Famine
The Architects Of Guilt
Solid State (2011)
The Famine are certainly not a new band per se. They contain overly experienced members of the band Emboyment. While Their previous band seems largely forgotten The Famine have set out to make a name for themselves far beyond their previous band and christian metal itself. The Famine have also changed since their last album 3 years ago. Replacing members … Read more
