It's been quite some time since Another Breath released Mill City. Granted it has only been a few years, but in hardcore that means an eternity; a lot has transpired in the world of hardcore since 2006. Countless bands have come and gone. Some have come back too! Essentially, the entire landscape of hardcore has transformed. In spite of all the changes that have occurred, one can always count on the fact that the music will remain inspired. The God Complex is no different. The album showcases vocalist Ted Winkworth's internal discussion on the existence of a higher power. Instead of falling into clichéd footholds that many preceding musicians have, Winkworth personalizes the story and takes on the issue in an educated manner. Musically, The God Complex is just as strong as the lyrical component. The album begins with "No God" and I immediately remember why I loved Another Breath so much. Powerful guitars that remind me of Quicksand lead the song into action. The song shifts its focus to standard fair hardcore with fast-paced drumming and more upbeat guitars. Eventually the song reverts to the thick grooves of the rhythm section with the driving guitars returning. "Sin Eater" follows … Read more
What strikes in a live show doesn't always show evenly on the studio reproduction. My first thoughts on Sound Study's … Read more
Scott Ritcher was one of the masterminds behind the rise of Louisville hardcore in the early 90's. He had some … Read more
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Well what can you say about a group like Cattle Decapitation? First and foremostââ¬Â¦they're not emo. Secondly, they have a new album out called Karma. Bloody. Karma, and thirdlyââ¬Â¦it's one of the best albums of the year. One of the most criminally underrated bands on the grind/gore-core scene should finally get their due. Underrated because let's face it, the genre overall doesn't leave a whole lot of room for growth, and the fan base will often be pretty unforgiving when attempts are made. Karma. Bloody. Karma stands proof positive that there can be growth, there can be an evolution that can and should withstand the utmost scrutiny from any who would dare compare previous albums with the most jaded of agendas. Unrelenting from start to finish, this is the kind … Read more
During all of high school, Jen dated Zach. Jen was, hands down, the most beautiful girl in our year. Beyond that, she was extremely smart and cultured: she had been across Europe a couple of times and could tell you the capitals of all the provinces and states if she was asked. There wasn't a guy that I knew who … Read more
There's a lot to say about this split. First, it features one great name (Mouthbreather) and one lesser one (Environmental Youth Crunch). What strikes me second is the contrast in band styles, though I'll elaborate on this later. And, third, that it's such a solid release with five songs - it's an EP, not a single. First on the record … Read more
After almost five years since their last outing, the Norwegian duo Kings of Convenience have returned with their third full-length, Declaration of Dependence. Erlend Øye and Eirik Glambek Bøe are best known for weaving simple acoustic melodies into lush pop songs akin to a modern day Simon and Garfunkel. Although a return to this musical style is nothing new these … Read more
The demise of Playing Enemy was a tough pill for me to swallow as they were a band that I had followed for a number of years and always thought that they got better and better as their releases stacked up over time. Following the untimely end of that project Demian Johnston and Shane Mehling went on to do a … Read more
Finally a vinyl release for this album is here, and there has been quite a wait since The Lotus Eaters initially released Mind Control for Infants on CD all the way back in 2002 (a seven year lag is pretty impressive). But this record screams to be on vinyl, and thankfully that is now the case. Still, with the lag … Read more
I like to consider myself pretty versed in rock - I listen to a lot of stuff and a good amount of variety. But, every so often, I'll get something that I just can't categorize or explain well. That's not a bad thing at all. In fact, it's a pretty good accomplishment, as long as the wax is listenable. Drunkdriver … Read more
It has indeed been a number of years since we last heard from Bane; their last full-length - The Note - came out in 2005, and with the hectic touring schedule that the band maintains, these seven inches are the first new recording from the band in quite some time (their Ten Year Plus 7" were old recordings that were … Read more
I really wanted to like They Came From the Shadows. I did. And to an extent, I do. There are some very catchy pop-punk songs on this album. But this will definitely not be seen as one of the stronger Teenage Bottlerocket albums in the future. Opening the album is "Skate or Die," which brought me high hopes for this … Read more
Considering how much I've heard about the Naked Raygun reunion, you'd think there would be more buzz regarding The Bomb. Speed is Everything is the Jeff Pezzati led group's first release for No Idea Records. When compared with Pezzati's more renowned group, I was expecting a more contemporary twist. Instead, The Bomb has a strong 80's feel to it, with … Read more
Grindcore is one of those genres where these days you are just as likely to come across an abject piece of music as you are something good. This could be said of all genres but you got to be skilled to provide something original with music where speed is the primary ingredient. The classics brought something new and did it … Read more
Following an impressive debut album (And We Wept the Black Ocean Within) and a nice split and collaborative release (see their record with Nadja called Primitive North), A Storm of Light give their latest album Forgive Us Our Tresspasses to show just how far the band has progressed in the interim. The ten new compositions that Josh Graham (Neurosis, Red … Read more
When was the last time that you experienced an extremely impressive musical project that made your jaw drop to the ground in awe of the scope, execution, and general quality of the complete package (sound, music, record art, record packaging, etc)? Speaking for myself, I know of the last record (or group of records) that I considered exceptionally impressive in … Read more
The Blind Shake are a power-garage trio from Minneapolis. They play highly synchronized, precision rock with guitar, tenor guitar, and drums. Michael Yonkers is a noise-guitar pioneer, having finally gained recognition when Destijl and, consequently, Sub Pop released the 1968 recorded, but never released, Microminiature Love in 2003. The record starts with haunting, dark, and heavy guitars and Yonkers' warbly … Read more
Everlovely Lightningheart was a band (even though championed by Hydra Head for some time) that exists in virtual obscurity. And considering what this collective offers people, aside from a bunch of limited releases (one of which includes an LP that is still only limited to 5 or so copies), the challenging soundscapes on their albums beg to be heard. Sein … Read more
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