Review / 200 Words Or Less
Guiltmaker
Driven By Arms

Kiss of Death (2006) Neil

Guiltmaker – Driven By Arms cover artwork
Guiltmaker – Driven By Arms — Kiss of Death, 2006

Despite featuring ex-members of Combatwoundedveteran and Reversal of Man, Guiltmaker is distinctly less heavy than you might initially assume they would be. In fact the band does a fairly catchy take on the mid 90s emo rock/ post hardcore sound. Reminiscent of both bands like Rival Schools, Jets to Brazil and Jawbreaker, as well as uber popular present day acts like Brand New and Taking Back Sunday. Apparently this four song EP is merely a taster for what is to come as the band are presently writing the material for their debut full length. If they continue with the same approach to song writing it will be one to look out for when it hits the streets, and will undoubtedly see the band propelled far beyond their present Florida base.

7.0 / 10Neil • June 20, 2006

Guiltmaker – Driven By Arms cover artwork
Guiltmaker – Driven By Arms — Kiss of Death, 2006

Related news

Guiltmaker gives away new EP

Posted in Records on August 24, 2010

Recently-posted album reviews

Palette Knife

Keyframe
Take This To Heart Records (2026)

There’s a fine line between being a quirky emo band with scene references and something that actually sticks. On Keyframe, Columbus trio Palette Knife don’t just flirt with that line but sharpen it, name it after a Final Fantasy item, and build ten huge choruses around it. The band’s self-described “Nerd-Core-Mid-West-Emo” tag could easily read like a gimmick, but this … Read more

The Downstrokes

The Furious Hours
Independent (2026)

There is a specific kind of sultry, salty sweat that only happens in a room with low ceilings and a tube amp screaming a warm hum for forgiveness. You can smell the lingering kerosene and the stale beer on The Downstrokes’ latest LP, The Furious Hours, before the needle even hits the groove. It’s the sound of a band that … Read more

The Arrivals

Payload
Recess (2026)

It's been a short lifetime since the last Arrivals record, Volatile Molotov, but in many ways the new Payload picks up exactly where the last one left off. It straddles the mid-tempo punk spectrum while drawing influence from seemingly all realms of the rock 'n' roll cannon. I'd state that mod, power-pop, Brit Invasion, and even R&B are some of … Read more