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 still feel's weird putting in the "(TX)" - debut offering for Eulogy Recordings exceed my high expectations, Graven Images is an early contender for my top album of the year.
Die Young (TX) begins Graven Images with the set 'em up and take 'em down combo of "Making a Killing" and "The Story of Our Lives." The former is a less than thirty-second attack of blazing hardcore punk; the latter is a more aggressive metallic hardcore piece that has a slower section with a nice groove in its second half. Lyrically, the two tracks are connected by their commentary on our lopsided economy. "Fuck the Imperialists," a hardcore anthem filled with huge opportunities for sing-alongs, follows with an attack on the U.S. government's connection to white collar American and the true motivation for their decisions.
As Die Young (TX) makes its way through Graven Images, vocalist The Reverend White Devil continues to move from one topic to the next. "To Forget Civilization" questions the point of existence; no matter what we accomplish, we all end up as "dust." The title-track touches on the ironic evolution of Christianity and its role in society over the years. "Your Trusted Friends" attacks the world of advertising. All these songs are set to a soundtrack that perfectly melds the early years of hardcore punk with the 90's perfection of metallic hardcore.
"Desperate Hope," an instrumental interlude, provides a brief period of rest during which we can reflect on what has just been communicated to us. The recess doesn't last long as "Carried by Visions" jumps right back into things. The song starts out like many of the others on the album, but distinguishes itself by closing out with an epic sing-along ala Modern Life is War. "Ghost Towns" really slams it home; it's a heavier hardcore track that draws heavily from Seasons in the Size of Days-era Integrity.
"In Limbo" is another instrumental interlude; this one is highlighted by electronic noise and samples of police sirens and helicopters. It made me think of the film Strange Days. "The Dying Atheist" is another fast-paced hardcore punk song with some excellent guitar work towards the end that gives it a very 90's feel. "Becoming the Change" hits just as hard, the open riffs partnered with The Reverend White Devil's horse vocal delivery are quite punishing. Graven Images concludes with "Reiteration," a re-recording of "The Message" from their self-titled release. Even though the song is a few years old, the song's music and message fit perfectly onto this album. It's a testament to the fact that even though Die Young (TX) have refined their sound as the years have passed, their older material is still relevant.
In addition to the lyrics in the insert, each song is accompanied by a different literary/philosophical/sociological quote. The quotes are quite varied in their origins: included among them are lines from George Orwell, William Shakespeare, Sigmund Freud, Jack Kerouac, St. Thomas More, and even Greg Gaffin. Talk about a motley crue; they rival The Usual Suspects.
Bottom-line, Graven Images proves itself to be the essential hardcore record of the year. Not only does Die Young (TX) deliver a full-length compiled of brilliant hardcore, they also fuse their music with thought-provoking lyrics that should inspire even the most politically and socially naïve hardcore/punk/metal kids into action.
