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Die Young

Graven Images
Eulogy (2007)

Each year, like so many other music-obsessed individuals, I make a list of my most anticipated albums. In doing so, I am setting myself up for the possibility of total disappointment. Die Young (TX) was one of the bands on said list, but this album is not a disappointment. On the contrary, not only did Die Young (TX)'s - it … Read more

Orthodox

Gran Poder
Southern Lord (2006)

Spanish doom? Southern Lord's Orthodox might want to rethink their name - honestly. Sure, the black robes are spooky and all, but it's a lot easier to wear them all the time if you're Sunn0))). Los Angeles is warm, I know, but fucking Spain? It's got to be sweaty inside those things. I suppose if the prime directive is to … Read more

Cursed

Blackout at Sunrise
Goodfellow (2007)

Cursed are one of those hardcore/punk bands that are genuinely worth people's time and attention. Their music is vicious, honest, and gloriously consistent. The lyrics are both personal and politically driven. One could almost say that topically there is something for everyone, particularly for those into heavy punk rock and hardcore. Every record that they release is almost guaranteed to … Read more

Khlyst

Chaos is My Name
Hydra Head (2006)

Khlyst, being comprised of James Plotkin (formerly of Khanate and involved in a multitude of other projects) and Runhild Gammelsaeter (formerly of Thorr's Hammer), could easily be expected to produce some of the most unsettling music out there. But Chaos is My Name is almost too avant-garde for its own good. Chaos is My Name has an ebb and flow … Read more

Protagonist

Reasoning with Time
Stakeout (2007)

Reasoning with Time is the follow-up offering to Protagonist's debut effort, Hope and Rage, which was put out by Blackout! Records back in 2003. It's been sometime since we last heard from these boys, but I'm glad to hear new material. Oftentimes promising acts wait too long to write, record, and release new material and end up being forgotten. So … Read more

Middian

Age Eternal
Metal Blade (2007)

I can think of very few albums I have ever purchased, listened to once, and sold back to the store. Generally, I am a pretty forgiving guy and I can find something worth listening to on a disc. However, YOB just was not my cup of tea. I don't know what it was, but after I listened to the latest … Read more

iamthethorn

You are the Lamb
Goodfellow (2007)

Nevermind the seeming monopoly that John Pettibone has on vocals for metal and hardcore bands in the Seattle area. The band, dubbed iamthethorn, that began as a project between he and friend Aaron "Edge" Connell (former member of Himsa, Genuine, Harkonen, The Horde, Grievous, Hellephant, Christ, Autumn, Grip Inc, and probably countless others) lays down its debut EP You are … Read more

Psyopus

Our Puzzling Encounters Considered
Metal Blade (2007)

Tech-metal reached perfection with The Dillinger Escape Plan's Calculating Infinity. That is my opinion, and you may argue that it is wrong or that my definition of tech metal is incorrect. But I don't care; I will argue right back that you're the one that is, in fact, wrong. I do not see any album in the realm of technical … Read more

When We Fall

A Cry in Despair
Panic (2007)

Most of the materials I get in for review usually goes on at least one bus ride with me. It's the perfect time for me to take a more in depth listen without being interrupted by work, phone calls, roommates, Josh IMing me about Fastbreak lyrics, or any other hinderances that deviate from the task of giving a CD a … Read more

Cassius

I Am Jim Jones
Lifeforce (2007)

My first impression of Cassius is "Oh no, not another metalcore band." As time wears on, I hope that a lot of the kids in these bands wake up and stop perpetuating a mostly tired genre. Cassius at least does a solid job of playing in the genre. They also bring refreshing brevity to their songwriting and arrangements. I must … Read more

Tar...Feathers

Make Way for the Ocean Floor to Fall to the Surface
Release the Bats (2006)

How many Swedish bands do you listen to? Wouldn't your friends think you're way indie if you told them you're diggin' on this sick Swedish band that produced their album on a laptop? You guessed it, my obscure band-loving friends, Tar...Feathers is straight out of Göteborg, Sweden and yes, they recorded Make Way for the Ocean Floor to Fall to … Read more

Time for Change

Wasting Away
Glory Kid (2006)

Two years ago when reviewing Time for Change's debut EP, Profound, I made it known that while the band delivered some quality music, they hadn't yet found their own voice. Well, it seems as though time was all they needed. Wasting Away is a brand new 7" with four new tracks from the Southern California hardcore outfit. Time for Change … Read more

In the Face of War

We Make Our Own Luck
Detournement (2007)

I remember this band; a few years ago I picked up Live Forever or Die Trying with false promises of sweet melodic hardcore. We all know how much I love sweet melodic hardcore. Unfortunately, I was rewarded with another bland disc of substandard metallic somewhat fast hardcore. The only redeeming factor on Live Forever or Die Trying was a good … Read more

Get a Grip / Hammer Head

Split
Strike 3 (2006)

I guess I'm really spoiled living in New England and all. Being so close to Massachusetts, and not a far cry from New York City, it's almost impossible not to catch any up and coming hardcore act. Hell I don't even have to leave my home state of Connecticut to see a fair number of the heavy weights that reside … Read more

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