Final Fight / Life Long Tragedy
Split
Deathwish Inc. (2006)
A quick warning before you read this review: This will be the most biased review I've written for Scene Point Blank. Remove from the equation the fact that I have business relations with one band. Remove from the equation the fact that both bands I consider to be some of the best friends I've ever made in the hardcore "scene." … Read more
Integrity
The Blackest Curse
Deathwish Inc. (2010)
Finally, after literally years of waiting to hear this new Integrity album and a couple of teaser releases that barely whet my appetite for this monster, The Blackest Curse sees the light of day with all the power of a dark, ominous poison cloud alighting on the bland morass of what passes for hardcore punk these days. Admittedly, as I … Read more
Integrity
To Die For
Deathwish Inc. (2003)
"Welcome to 1996." I think that would be a more appropriate name for this record. Integrity is back with the original line-up, sans Melnick, after a stint doing the really terrible Integrity 2000 records. They are now on Deathwish and they haven't been this pissed in some time. The record starts off with "Taste My Sin" which I must say … Read more
J. Bannon
The Blood of Thine Enemies
Deathwish Inc. (2008)
A few years back Jacob Bannon took some time from his busy schedule of providing vocals for Converge and design work for a whole lot of bands to create the as yet and more than likely only Supermachiner album (with Kurt Ballou also of Converge, Ryan Parker, and Seth Bannon of Daltonic). The effort was a foray into ambient music … Read more
Killing the Dream
Fractures
Deathwish Inc. (2008)
I'm going to be straight up; Fractures is the most anticipated album of 2008 for me. Sure, there were other albums that I have really been looking forward to hearing, but the latest from Killing the Dream is at the top of my list. And the Northern California hardcore outfit does not disappoint with this their second full-length recording. After … Read more
Killing the Dream
In Place, Apart
Deathwish Inc. (2005)
It wasn't too that ago that Killing the Dream was just a band with a demo. Upon first hearing said demo, I shared it with every single person that I knew telling them "this band is going to be huge." So maybe they're not selling out amphitheatres, but Killing the Dream are signed to one of hardcore's largest labels and … Read more
Killing the Dream
Lucky Me
Deathwish Inc. (2010)
Lucky Me is easily my most anticipated release of 2010. When I first started listening to hardcore, Killing The Dream were one of the first bands I connected with. Over the years they have become one of my favorites. I’ve been practically frothing at the mouth waiting to get my hands on this record, but upon giving it a few … Read more
Lewd Acts
Black Eye Blues
Deathwish Inc. (2009)
Lewd Acts finally release their debut full-length in the form of Black Eye Blues. And with their first long-player, the San Diego outfit makes good on all the promise of their early recordings. But in addition to their classic-hardcore inspired approach, we also get a few other musical nuances that showcase influences that weren't readily apparent on their previous recordings. … Read more
Life Long Tragedy
Runaways
Deathwish Inc. (2008)
Evolution in the music world results in one of two things: fame or infamy. Life Long Tragedy have slowly grown from a group of young individuals writing blazing, punishing, and angst-ridden metallic hardcore jams into a group that has honed their craft to construct cathartic, brooding, and dark songs that blur the definition of hardcore music, all while maintaining a … Read more
Modern Life Is War
Witness
Deathwish Inc. (2005)
There are undoubtedly many of those who claim that hardcore is a dull, stagnant genre in serious need of a quick, timely death. It's easy to see from where they draw their argument, because hardcore is a hugely popular genre that has simply refused to evolve for far too long. Fortunately for the hardcore aficionado with discerning taste, there have … Read more
Modern Life Is War
Witness
Deathwish Inc. (2005)
Let me say this right off the bat: this album is perfect. Modern Life is War has created a record that, at least to this reviewer, ranks right up there with Bane's Give Blood and American Nightmare's Background Music. The sound is actually remarkably similar to Background Music, however not in any way that My Love, My Way wasn't. I … Read more
Narrows
Narrows
Deathwish Inc. (2008)
The first mentions of Narrows are enough to give someone chills, particularly if that individual is a fan of any of the groups from which this outfit sprang. Thinking on the possibilities from the membership roster (former members of Botch, Unbroken, Some Girls, etc as well as a current member of These Arms Are Snakes) alone brings much speculation as … Read more
Narrows
New Distances
Deathwish Inc. (2009)
Yes, this is finally out and not a moment too soon! The first Narrows full-length, New Distances, is indeed finally available for the shattering of our ear drums. And it must be said that it does come amidst a slew of hype and anticipation (and no small amount on my own part to be brutally honest). Coming off their first … Read more
Narrows
New Distances
Deathwish Inc. (2009)
Narrows return to the musical fold with their debut full-length and follow-up to last year's very impressive self-titled EP. Like many others, when news of this project was first announced, I was beyond excited and anticipated great things. Who wouldn't be when members of Botch, Unbroken, Some Girls, and These Arms are Snakes get together? Fools. That's who! The band's … Read more
Oathbreaker
Maelstrom
Deathwish Inc. (2012)
Oathbreaker are a Belgian hardcore (for lack of a better expletive) band with a tendency towards fast-paced metal riffs and an evil, crusty tone. This is their first release for Deathwish Inc. and a fairly solid debut that I’m sure will turn at least a few heads and gain them a few fans. The vocals are the standout performance of … Read more
Oathbreaker
Rheia
Deathwish Inc. (2016)
Starting off with an unusual combination of crust, hardcore and black metal, Oathbreaker have evolved significantly since their debut album, Maelstrom. The follow-up album, Eros/Anteros saw a further evolution of their sound, with post-metal elements beginning to populate their palette. This slightly eased the connection between hardcore and black metal, and resulted in a more expansive vision. Rheia comes now … Read more
Pulling Teeth
Martyr Immortal
Deathwish Inc. (2007)
Pulling Teeth have quickly emerged as one of hardcore's most respected groups following their formation a couple years back. With a steady supply of releases coming in their short lifespan - a self-released demo, last year's Vicious Skin, and a split 7" with U.K outfit Frightener earlier this year - they've garnered the attention of just about every individual that … Read more
Pulling Teeth
Paranoid Delusions | Paradise Illusions
Deathwish Inc. (2009)
Pulling Teeth continues to be an extremely active and productive group - touring the world and releasing three full-lengths and several singles since their inception. Paranoid Delusions | Paradise Illusions marks the band's third full-length effort, though I use that term loosely as the length of this recording is a bit on the short end for a "long player" (though … Read more
