Review / 200 Words Or Less
Just Went Black
Embracing Emptiness

Assault (2007) — Michael

Just Went Black – Embracing Emptiness cover artwork
Just Went Black – Embracing Emptiness — Assault, 2007

Hamburg, Germany is a city that is known more for its architecture than it is for its musical output. In fact, if you were to ask anyone about the music of Hamburg, they'd probably start talking about some classical composer from the 1800's and not a hardcore band of today. And while I'm sure they are popular in their native country, it's my guess that Just Went Black is known more in the U.S. than they are in Germany thanks to their previous full-length release on New Age Records.

Embracing Emptiness is a six-song 10" from the five-piece group. The album is primarily 90's metallic hardcore with a smattering of progressive-hardcore and various melodious nuances. Cuts like "Withered (A Goodbye)" and "Losing Heart" show similarities to the work of Shai Hulud in style. But the highlight of the EP is "Twice as Sure" with its epic-esque Modern Life is War buildups and the inclusion of an acoustic guitar to wrap things up.

If you've missed out on Just Went Black up to this point, I suggest starting with this, their latest release and working your way backwards. You'll thank me later.

8.0 / 10 — Michael • March 3, 2008

Just Went Black – Embracing Emptiness cover artwork
Just Went Black – Embracing Emptiness — Assault, 2007

Recently-posted album reviews

Heather The Jerk

Scroll If You Love The Devil
Mpls Ltd. (2026)

On Scroll If You Love The Devil, Heather The Jerk is back with more curmudgeoncore. This vinyl is an upgrade -- I suppose the marketing team would call it the deluxe -- adding four new songs to a full album that was previously released on cassette this year.I've covered a lot of Heather Sawyer's music, beginning with The Hussy and … Read more

Skeptic?

Graphic Details
Independent (2026)

One of the things I love about reviewing music is stumbling across bands that have somehow managed to fly under my radar for years. Sometimes it's a new band just getting started, and other times it's a group that's been kicking around the underground for decades without me ever crossing paths with them. Birmingham, Alabama's Skeptic? falls firmly into the … Read more

​Pressure Set

​Pressure Set
Dr Strange Records (2026)

Punk rock has never needed complexity to make an impact. Sometimes, all it takes is a handful of riffs, a relentless rhythm section, and enough attitude to make the whole thing stick. Pressure Set understands that formula, but rather than simply recycling it, the band coats it in layers of filthy fuzz, garage-rock swagger, and an unexpectedly sharp melodic sensibility. … Read more