Powerwolves had been running around the northeast for a little while now. While this is not important in itself, the band does take their sound from a lineage of past Boston area bands. The most recognizable would have to be The Hope Conspiracy, while this is readily noticeable it comes through only in the style of the vocals. The band forgoes much of the prior's fury and songwriting. The band instead sticks to playing somewhat more melodic songs and keep firmly within current hardcore style. So while the band are not what generally gets noticed for coming from the Boston area (Bridge 9 style) they still have certain features that point them to fitting in there.
The band generally stay upbeat and semi metallic in their choice of riffs. When the band break out of their general style they become much catchier ("My Eyes Are Open") or creepier (instrumental " Welcome The End" and "They Keep Us"). These songs show the band going a little bit outside of their comfort zone by slowing tempos and building momentum rather than the first half of the LP being all go with only moment of two stepping to slow them down.
The more creeping and metallic style does well to help suit the vocals as they sound more menacing rather than just another angry hardcore guy.
The recording itself is not bad. Nothing in the mix sticks out as being really different. The band sounds clear and strong throughout sadly they lose some of the grit to their sound that i think would help tem especially in the more metallic sections later in the album. All in all, the album sounds strong and punchy without losing it's energy, and when it comes to a hardcore record that is all you can really ask for.
The verdict is in Panic Records has once again picked a winner. The band still has much growth to do to truly stick out from the pack. Meanwhile they have recorded a strong and interesting album of hardcore that bears metallic tendencies. The band would do well to bring more of their tension building techniques to the next batch of songs they write. When the band uses their more metallic elements within their songs their talent shows. These things would help them shine above most of the bands hardcore and give them a chance to further show their musical abilities. In the meantime there is this record which shows a young band with talent making good songs, unfortunately they still have growing to do.
