Death By Stereo
Death is My Only Friend
Serjical Strike (2009)
Before I start this review, let's have a little history lesson. Death By Stereo began their careers by releasing two very solid hardcore albums (If Looks Could Kill, I'd Watch You Die and Day of the Death) and winning a lot of fans over with their energetic live shows. In 2003, they released Into the Valley of Death, which showed the band embarking on a new sound, but still holding onto their punk rock roots. Then, two years later, came Death for Life, an album which sounded like Death By Stereo imitating a metalcore band. Four long years a couple more member changes later, they have a new album entitled Death is My Only Friend. The band's identity crisis continues and it's an even bigger mess than it ever was before. To start things off, I had a bad feeling about this album before even listening to one song off it. The atrocious album cover, the stupid title and the fact that their last album sounded like the band was doing their best Killswitch Engage impression, already gave me negative feelings about it. So, then I play the album and then the first thing I hear is vocalist Efrem Schulz's … Read more
American Steel
Dear Friends and Gentle Hearts
Fat Wreck Chords (2009)
After returning from a five year hiatus in 2007, American Steel released Destroy Their Future, which may have been their … Read more
Against Me!
The Original Cowboy
Fat Wreck Chords (2009)
I feel a bit silly for reviewing this since it's basically just the original versions of songs from my favorite … Read more
Dear Landlord
Dream Homes
No Idea (2009)
Too much hype is something that can kill a band in the end of things because there's a good chance … Read more
Brainworms
II: Swear to Me
Rorschach (2009)
There is a caustic, angry, and somewhat aimless feel permeating Swear to Me that convinces me that Brainworms is a … Read more
The Hold Steady
A Positive Rage
Vagrant (2009)
When it comes to live albums, it has to be a band I love or a band that puts on … Read more
