The Ocean - Precambrian

All the way from Germany, The Ocean has managed to make a pretty good name for themselves, with the help from such legends as Nate Newton(Converge), Sean Ingram(Coalesce), and many others who have helped lay down vocals for their last 3 albums. Still having a main vocalist, they decided to make their sound more interesting, that they would mix it up with other people contributing their vocals to all the songs. Its a pretty cool concept, and a brilliant idea to help get your bands name out to people who normally wouldnt listen to them. I first heard their album "Aeolian" when i was working at a college radio, hosting my own show. They soon became a love of mine, and have since blown me away with their latest album, which is a double disc called "Precambrian" With one disc taking a bit of a slower pace then the 1st disc, but yet still crushing in its own way. They recently had lost a vocalist, but have now replaced that spot, and began recording 2 albums which will be released next year, at 2 separate times. Keep your ears open for them, cause this band is soon to be a staple for experimental crushing sludge metal.

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To Cherish - In Sickness & In Health

This next band, To Cherish, is actually a group of guys, i became really good friends with during a May/June 09 tour that i did with my friends band. To Cherish is not just an awesome set of guys, but also some of the best musicians i have met in my life. This band has been around the Ontario scene for sometime now, and have faced many member changes, and even at one point, completely called it quits. Reactivated a few years back, they have started to make a name for themselves. Their songs contain raw aggression, heart, and a sound that alot of bands are missing out on these days. no cheesy metalcore shit here, just the perfect balance of punk/metal/hardcore. With fast paced rhythms, punk aggression, Sludgy type mellow parts, with breakdowns that actually make your neck hurt, but not your typical cheesy breakdowns. This band is bringing something fresh to the Canadian market, finally. Currently writing a new album, there a band you should keep your eyes and ears open for. Soon to reissue there album "In Sickness & In Health" Via iTunes (Dec 28th 09), with a bonus track to be includes called "Years of Nights". I highly suggest you support these guys, go see them live, pick up some merch, buy the album, or anything you can to show your love for them.

*December 28th 09 reissue on iTunes, DONT FORGET!!!!

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Sole - Selling Live Water

Recently i went through all my old hip hop albums and renewed my love for the artist Sole. Hes a 17 year vet of the hip hop scene, and has always released high quality hip hop. I cant think of an actual Sole album i dislike, but i can truely say his last solo album "Selling Live Water" is my all time favorite Sole album. Its been 6 years since its release, but i still can remember the first time i heard it in my friend Curtis's basement. I had him burn me a copy of it ASAP, and i have loved it ever since. Hes also part of what i think is the greatest hip hop crew of all time, known as Anticon. A group i have always made sure to keep my eye on for new releases, and they happen to have my all time favorite rapper part of their group, Dose One. This album has lots of different topics, from life, to the war that was raging in Irag at the time of its release. Even if you dont like most hip hop, there is a great chance youll love this album still.

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The Carrier - One Year Later

This is actually another Deathwish Inc band, i found during my search of the label's site. Abrasive, full of heart, and great song writing makes The Carrier a band that more "Hardcore" kids should open their ears too. This album really got me stoked from beginning to end, which doesnt always happen to me off a first listen. Considering their from the biggest metalcore market state in america, being Massachusetts, they actually are doing their best to bring back the Boston hardcore sound, that seemed to be lost on bands like Killswitch Engage and such. It would be disappointing to not give this album a chance, if you like real hardcore at all. This album is perfect in my opinion.

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The Bronx - The Bronx I

I cant think of the last time i was actually tired of listening to The Bronx. For years i would see their name in magazines, and on the internet, but had never heard anyone say they knew of them or anything. Finally one day in January, i took the time to download one of their albums, after hearing someone finally tell me how much this band kicked ass. Well he was right, cause The Bronx have since become one of my all time favorite bands. Every album they have released up to now has been amazingly full of awesome sauce. The only way you could dislike this band, was if you had lost your hearing to awesomeness. They even released an amazing mariachi (traditional mexican music) album earlier this year, that is ridiculously great. This is their 1st album im posting, and its actually recorded by Gilby Clarke formerly of Guns n Roses. Hilarious, i know, but he did a great job of keeping a great punk sound. Hardcore punk, that makes you wanna dance, is always great.

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Blacklisted - ...The Beat Goes On

Checked this band out for the first time, a few months back, off the Deathwish Inc site. I really got into alot of the bands from this label, and almost every band on it, is amazing in there own way. Blacklisted is a bit more straight up then other bands on the label, but when you hear them, youll understand why Jacob Bannon would want them on his label roster. Pure aggression, and hatred, make this band a pretty enjoyable listen. I have become addicted to everything they have released in their careers. Its been a great 6 month love affair with these guys. 3 albums, 2 EP's in, and a new one on the way, i highly suggest checking these guys out. The album im posting isnt their newest release, but my favorite of theirs to date. Not overly produced, so you get that nice raw aggression, and awesome hardcore guitar tone, making this my favorite. Check out their album "Were Unstoppable" if you like this one, its just as intense.

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The_Network - Bishop Kent Manning

Hmmmm, how do i explain The_Network???? I guess, AWESOME!!! This band is absolutely amazing, and one of the first few bands on the Blackmarket Activities label, that i ever heard. There first album "This is Your Pigs Portrait" was a pretty good album, but has been completely over shadowed by their newest offering "Bishop Kent Manning". And yes, its a concept album, but an amazing one at that. Kurt Ballou also left his signature touch on this album, with his production. PUMMELING!!! Not over polished, and just dirty sounding enough. This is a must have for anyone that likes either Ballous production, or that likes over barring and in your face music. This one will be in my rotation for a long while. Chaotic as FUCK!!!

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Narrows - New Distances

BOTCH IS BACK!!! Well not really, but its the closest well probably ever get. NARROWS, the new group featuring original Botch vocalist, These Arms Are Snakes Guitarist, and former Some Girls Bassist, have come together to create this unbelievable debut album, "New Distances". Originally just a studio only band, but now appear to have taken to the stage band, are bringing back the original feeling of "Mathcore" as the genre is titled. This album is for the most part pretty intense, but takes a break hear and there to get a little experimental, which is really the only thing that separates them from Botch. If you dont listen to this album, your just robbing yourself from a delightful treat, and if you liked Botch at all, then youll love this. Did i say Botch enough??? BOTCH BOTCH BOTCH!!!

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The Grouch - Dont Talk To Me

My first Hip-hop post is here!!! I have always been a big underground hip-hop fan. In high school i kinda dove in head first to it. I still remember the first few times i listened to Hiero, Del, Slug or Atmosphere as everyone thinks hes called now (Atmosphere is a group, not a rapper), and the Living Legends crew, which consists of Eligh, Murs, The Grouch, Sunspot Jonz, LuckyIam.PSC, Bicasso, Asop, and Scarub. Some members of the group stood out much more then others. Mainly Murs, Grouch, And Eligh, With Scarub close behind. Grouch always kinda grabbed me the most cause of his lyrics, and his beats were excellent, and self produced. 2 of his albums are still in heavy rotation for me, "Dont Talk To Me" and "Making Perfect Sense". Dont Talk To Me is still my all time favorite though, cause its his first album ever, and it holds everything that underground was built on. It was recorded on the classic 4-track, and was released as a tape, which gives it, its authentic feeling with all the pops and fizzes, which made it my favorite. Its since been re-released, but still sounds just as amazing. One of my all time favorites. Give it a real listen, it will help change your idea on REAL hip-hop.

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Scarlet - This Was Always Meant To Fall Apart

Its a rare find when a band doesn't sound like every other band that surrounds them. Scarlet is one of those bands that doesn't fit any "genres" or "styles", they are simply just Scarlet. Unconventional time signatures, technical riffs, vocals that push the throat to its limits, then soar into a melody like no other. This is what Scarlet is, and always was. This was their first album without their vocalist Jon Spencer, and first with Brandon Roundtree. Unfortunately, it would be the last for the band as well. it might have been the fact that alot of fans missed the signature sound of Jon Spencer after he left to join Spitfire, or maybe it was more. Either way, their final offering was a great note to go out on. "This Was Always Meant To Fall Apart" is an under appreciated album by the music scene, and by Scarlet fans who turned their backs on this release. This album is well worth the time, or else its just your loss.

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The Red Chord - Fed Through The Teeth Machine

FINALLY!!! Its here, the brand spanking new Red Chord album has been leaked boys and girls. Best part, its not a pile of disappointment, like the new BTBAM album, ugh. This is the most blistering album the Red Chord has ever released, and im so happy. So crushingly brutal, as always.

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Rise And Fall - Our Circle Is Vicious

A 4 year wait for this??? Id do it all again. This album is pure crushing hardcore punk, with the feel of Black Flag, Converge, and Tragedy. One of the many amazing acts that Jacob Bannon has managed to sign to his Deathwish Inc label. Into Oblivion brought them to alot of listeners, but this album should make them a more well known name. Just when i thought i liked Belgium for just their waffles, they produce the band Rise and Fall. Wonderful news!!! Our Circle is Vicious is a very fitting name for the album, the music, and the scene for which it has come from.

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Moneen - The World I Want To Leave Behind

I have never been the biggest Moneen fan, but im not going to lie and say i hate this album, cause of my dislike for their former works. This is the first Moneen album where i didnt feel forced to give it my time. It still has the signature Moneen sound of course, but with alot more maturity. The Songs actually all grab you, instead of just 2 or 3 of the 12 on here. Im going to be a little surprised if this isnt their golden ticket out of wherever they have been for the past decade. Then im sure they will go back to making music i dislike haha.

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The Secret - Disintoxication

What do you get when you cross the uncomfortable feeling of Converge's intensity, with a little bit of the bone crushing wall of heaviness of Neurosis??? You get Italy's, The Secret! This shift in tempo each song delivery's, is probably the same feeling youd get being tossed around in a car that just flipped 20 times. 4 years between their first album "Luce", and their newest album "Disintoxication" makes me wonder how long the wait will be for another new The Secret album, but i think it will be well worth the wait. It could be 3 more years, so grab this one and wait in anticipation. If you get a weird feeling from the artwork, then thats how the album will make you feel as well.

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Ruiner - Hell Is Empty

If your a Bridge Nine fan, then i think you shall enjoy this tasty little treat. There a hardcore band from Baltimore called Ruiner, and there new album "Hell Is Empty" is just as good as your turkey dinner, with all the fixings. This their 3rd full length album will be the one to cement there status as another legendary B9 band. They kinda have a Modern Life Is War vibe to them (if you dont know them, you should). Id says its atleast a 9/10.

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Harlots - Betrayer

Unfortunately this next blog is about a band that recently said farewell, which is so disheartening, but everything good comes to an end. The band im speaking of is called Harlots, which has had members of such great bands as Shai Hulud and Today Is The Day. There considered a "metalcore" band, but i say with a little more progression to them if you asked me. They have 4 insanely great albums, but their last album has to be by far their most amazing. Its weird that a band as good as this one never got off the ground, while shitty bands like Born of Osiris, and Veil of Maya are massive. Just proving people are retarded. Either way, i just felt that even though they have closed the door on the band, people should still know about the amazing music they produced while they were around. Im posting the link to their finale "Betrayer".

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Maths/Throats - Split

Yay! Its my first split blog. I recently was wondering around some myspace sites looking at some sweet new bands. One i had found (Throats), because they have actually released a split with a North American band called The_Network (AWESOME!!!), and the other i found cause they had done a split with Throats as well. Both bands are up and coming UK bands (Noticing a trend here in my blogs?). Both bands are kinda of the noise/punk genre, which happens to be something refreshing lately.

Throats is a young band, which actually has 3 split albums under there belts, and are currently writing a new EP, for release sometime early next year.

Maths is another young band, which has 2 EP's and a full length under theirs, with a new album due out very soon called "Descent".

I highly recommend giving this split a listen, i couldn't see it not being worth while.

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Blackhole - Dead Hearts

Very few bands these days sound like they have passion in what their doing. Really, the only bands I can think of right off the bat that sound like they truly love what their doing, and let it be heard in their music is Architects, and Gallows (Id even say the new ETID actually sounds pretty passionate and im not a big fan, so thats saying alot). Well now I can add one more band to that list. Another great UK band called Blackhole. They are about to release their sophomore album called "Dead Hearts" and I highly recommend giving it a listen. Its not a genre defining album or anything, but it has heart, and when you listen to todays music scene, its kinda rare to come by. Another beauty about this album is the lack of breakdowns, and the fact you can actually tell from the vocals that there a UK band.

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Burnt By The Sun - Heart Of Darkness

After 6 long and painful years of waiting, its FINALLY here!!! Burnt By The Sun's final offering as a band has now been released, and with no disappointment. The only thing sad about this album, is that we will never hear another one from this mind blowing band again. I shed a tear just saying that. I got into this band kinda late, well not so much late as I wasnt there from the beginning, but it was on their album "The Perfect Is The Enemy Of The Good" which some might say is there greatest album to date. So I have had 6 years of listening to their music over and over again. I have become a very big BBTS fan over these years, and have anticipated this album being made since it was first mentioned about 3 years back. Finally after years of being held off, its finally seeing the light of day, and at a time when metal needs something good. "The Heart Of Darkness" embodies everything this band has ever done, and it still pushes the boundaries that most bands couldn't even come close too. Open your ears, and shove them full of this album. If you havent ever listened to BBTS before, make sure to go and check their first few albums as well. Enjoy this tasty treat!!!

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Raised Fist - Veil Of Ignorance

THERE BACK!!!!! The best Swedish band since the mighty Refused, has returned. Raised Fist is back with a brand new album, and a brand new way to kick your fucking head in. There is very few bands that I dont worry about when they release a new album, and Raised Fist is forsure not one of those bands. Their new album "Veil Of Ignorance" is full of fast paced RF songs, and then there are some slower jams, that RF had shown they can do, and do it well on there last album, "Sounds of The Republic". Now this might not be what everyone likes to hear from RF, cause its not like "Ignore The Guidelines" or "Dedication" which were just pure pummeling riffs and fast as fuck drums. No, this time around RF has shown they are amazing musicians as well as a hardcore band. If you're an open minded music fan, and enjoyed their last album, then I highly suggest checking this one out as well. You wont be let down. Sweden wins again.

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Survive Atlantica - I Woke The Devil

To be honest, the UK probably has the most talented musicians in the world next to Sweden. Yes it does have a few that also ruin the state of music, such as Bring Me The Horizon, but I think the whole world is guilty of that. The USA with Brittany Spears, and Canada with Nickelback. But the UK has given us the greatest band of all time, being The Beatles, the band that changed everything after it. Then there are such great bands as Radiohead, Black Sabbath, The Darkness, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and now with younger bands like Gallows, Architects, The Eyes Of A Traitor, Biffy Clyro, and I'm sure many more. In my recent snoopings, I found a band called Survive Atlantica. I guess you'd say there kinda of a Rock/Indie band, but when I listen to them, I hear a UK version of Thrice, in there recent albums, mainly "Beggers". Anyways, there new album, which is also there debut called "I Woke The Devil", its probably one of the best albums that you could hear this year. They for sure have the ability to be a band that can continue to make amazing albums for years to come. I highly recommend you check out this album, if you just wanna hear something thats not like everything else out there. Also, this isn't a metal band by any means, so maybe turn back now.

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Converge - Jane Doe

In the recent weeks I have been in 3 conversations over the importance of 1 album, by a band by the name of Converge. Before even saying it, or typing it, most will already know which album I'm speaking of.... JANE DOE!!!! Now, not all 3 have been great conversations, 1 was about how amazing the album was, and how it had changed this persons views on music, 1 was with someone who had never really listen to Converge, and didn't know which album to check out first, and the last one was about how Converge was complete noise, and Underoath was much better. That was my favorite. If you listen to heavy music, for the most part you already understand the importance of this album, and this band. The artwork alone has taken on a life of its own. Alot of the people I know who like Converge, all have a fond memory or great connection to this album.

Converge - Jane Doe

From the opening track, Concubine, to the final track Jane Doe, this album is mind blowing. The lyrical content is about a withering relationship that Jacob Bannon had found himself in, and the toll it had taken on him in the time after the break up. BUT this is no emo album by any means. The lyrics are written poetically and beautifully. Its not an album of love by any means, just pure hatred and loathing towards that person. Which you can feel through each song and scream that comes from Jacob Bannon. Even when this album does decide to take a slower note, those 2 songs are still amazing. 8 blistering tracks, and 2 slow paced = the best hardcore album of all time (Take the word "hardcore" as you will).

This album changed my life with music forever, so give it a try yourself. The download link is right under the picture of the artwork.

Music to the ears.

In the recent months, I had kinda grown bored of the metal I had been listening to, and for one reason, which is OVER-SATURATION to the metal scene of a million bands that all sound exactly the same. That love I had was slowly dying off, and I had found myself listening to tons of other music I wouldn't normally listen too. My thirst for music was looking in other directions, which I'm grateful for. I have found many amazing musicians as of late, which I might not have, if it wasn't for this lull in metal. Don't get me wrong, there a still some amazing bands in the metal genre I am really into as of late: Dead and Divine, After the Burial, Heart of A Coward, and Architects. But they were all still lacking.

Trap Them Live (Picture)

Anyways, a few months back I had downloaded an album by a band called Trap Them (Which features the singer of Backstabbers Inc., who i love), and a band called Early Graves. I found myself getting really excited, cause they both had elements from 3 of my favorite bands, Converge, Tragedy, and Integrity. Just raw, gritty and real. These guys are finally the fresh breath I have been looking for in metal. These are the bands that are rejuvenating the scene of metal that was slowly, but surely dying. When I hear these bands, all I can think about is, is that this IS what metal is all about.

Check these bands out, if you havent already heard them. I posted Mediafire links to my favorite ones. Not all of these bands sound like the ones I was mentioning but they have that same spark to them:

The Carrier http://www.mediafire.com/?egioj3d2fyt

Early Graves

Trap Them http://www.mediafire.com/?ttmwjezulmt

Blacklisted

Akimbo

The Armed

Knives Exchanging Hands http://www.mediafire.com/?p4ntuds22um

Coliseum

As You Drown

The Boy Will Drown

Crime In Stereo

Polar Bear Club http://www.mediafire.com/?dicnjmmmmn2

Daggers

Tragedy http://www.mediafire.com/?ltkjmentjmj

The Ghost Of A Thousand

Hospital The Musical http://www.mediafire.com/?3qdcmyjdugk

Hot Cross

Phoenix Bodies

Rise and Fall

Rot In Hell

The Secret http://www.mediafire.com/?86blxgmtxnz

This Is Hell

Pulling Teeth

Touche Amore

Trash Talk

Victims

Young Widows http://www.mediafire.com/?emjjdckyml2

And one band that isnt new but not enough people know about is Some Girls, Its the singer from Give Up The Ghost, and Guitarist/Vocalist from The Locust. AMAZING!!!

Polar Bear Club (Picture)