Boston natives Death Before Dishonor really broke through with their 2007 full-length Count Me In. Like it's predecessors, it featured a punishing assault of metallic hardcore that captivated hardcore fans around the globe. In addition, the band infused their standard sound with some of their hometown punk upbringings, which - for me - brought up mixed reactions.
Two years later Death Before Dishonor return with their second full-length effort, Better Ways to Die. "Peace and Quiet" doesn't waste any time dillydallying around. This is a minute blast of ferocious hardcore that is anchored by a truly dynamic drumming assault and the barking vocals of Bryan Harris.
"Remember" follows and continues the assault, with a slow dirge of heavy riffs and a muted solo before quickening the pace to a punk rock-inspired beat. If Rancid and Blood for Blood got in a fistfight, it would surely sound like this song. There are whoa-s and there are harsh breakdowns. You'd think they wouldn't' work together, but somehow they do. Unlike the songs that experimented with this style on Count Me In there is more care in the structuring and execution of these varying styles. As a result, they come off less generic and more focused.
From here on out it is business as usual for Death Before Dishonor. For the most part they stick to the metallic hardcore sounds that got them where they are today, but occasionally work in other styles. "Fuck This Year" is a high-octane thrash infused assault that brings to mind the classic Bay Area crossover sound. This might be my favorite cut on the album, actually. "Black Cloud" further experiments with this style. The title-track is hardcore punk anthem that brings to mind classic Agnostic Front. The album closes with "Our Glory Days," which again combines classic punk with their hardcore sound.
Better Ways to Die is another solid venture from Death Before Dishonor, and - in my eyes - it is an improvement over the previous venture. I'm still not completely sold on the recent recordings of the band, but, their live shows, on the other hand, are rather enticing. With their constant touring regiment and backed with this new arsenal of songs Death Before Dishonor will continue to see their fan base grow.
