Killing Time Til It's Time To Die.: 2010

Friday, October 22, 2010

Verse - Aggression

One of the most inspirational hardcore acts of our time, and another casualty among the great hardcore acts of today. I'm starting to think Bridge 9 might be a curse to some bands haha. "Aggression" is a modern hardcore fans dream. Perfection throughout the entire listen. Never a dull moment, and great all over. Lyrics, production, to the music it's self. If you like bands like Have Heart, Modern Life Is War etc, then don't hesitate to check this out.

Ion Dissonance - Cursed

While a lot of people were disappointed with "Minus The Herd", it seemed like ID had to prove themselves once again, and regain that trust they had with their fans. Well if "Cursed" didn't get them back, nothing will. This album is probably their most technical album to date. Everything mixed so well together on this release. It's pure hell on CD. It's pretty much everything you can ask for from the Canadian "deathcore" band. Hostile from beginning to end. Not a moments rest. Enjoy, but with caution to your ears.

Hospital The Musical - REDorphan

If you like super tech guitar riffs, drumming and all that great stuff, plus a dude screaming his vocal cords off for a whole album, then welcome Hospital The Musical into your life. You'll be happy you did. This is a genre that I had thought to be rather dead, but every now and then a good band like these guys pops up in the Screamo scene. This album is so intense, you can't help but wanna hear the whole thing. Australia has been putting out some pretty good band in the last few years, and I might have to say Hospital as pretty close to the top of the heap.

The Hives - Barely Legal

The Hives=The Rolling Stones of swedish punk rock. This band is a lot more legit then what people give them credit for, and we can thank the crappy music media outlets like MTV and MuchMusic for having their hands in that. Another great way to take away a bands credibility these days. Now this album doesn't have any of the Hives big hits on it or anything, as it was their first release ever, and they hadn't blown up. But this record is great non the less. I'd say its their best of their entire career, and I'm an actual Hives fan. Give it a shot, you might actually see how great this band really is.

Death By Stereo - If Looks Could Kill, I'd Watch You Die

When I used to live in Edmonton, about 7 years ago, I worked with a guy who was insanely obsessed with DBS. Everyday on the ride home from work, he would play this mixed CD he made of them. I liked them instantly as well. They had their own sound, and still do to be honest. So I bought all their music, and each record at that time was punk as fuck, and just awesome. Unfortunately DBS is a mere shadow of the band they used to be, but that still doesn't take away from how amazing, and genre defining their first couple of records are. If anyone knows Eighteen Visions or Throwdown, then you have probably heard the name Keith Barney. He's kind of a legend in the Orange County hardcore/metal scene. Being a founding member in each of these bands, and back when I first got into DBS, that was a big thing that pushed me into their stuff. But "If Looks Could Kill" (Keith's one and only album with the band) has to be the record that truly defines the true DBS sound. Nobody sings like Efrem. For some thats a good thing haha.

Conditions - Fluorescent Youth

I found this band one day out of pure luck. I can't remember the exact way, but when I took my first listen I was pleasantly surprised. Apparently after Brandon Roundtree had seen the demise of his former band, the great Scarlet, he decided to start Conditions. Now if you're thinking this band is going to sound like Scarlet, you will be greatly disappointed. I guess they label themselves as Rock/Alternative, but most call them Emo, but thats mainly cause those people think anything without screaming these days should be labels as such. I wouldn't put them in that genre myself, since they don't sing about any of the things that mostly lump bands with that scene. Anyways, "Fluorescent Youth" is their newest release, and I find myself horribly addicted to it. They right great songs with awesome hooks. Very good song writing, and structure. They rerecorded 2 songs off their previous EP's, being "Keeping Pace With Planes" and "Illuminati". Give them a listen, and if you dig it, check their previous releases.

Cancer Bats - Hail Destroyer

Cancer Bats is one of the best Canadian acts around these days. There isn't many bands from my knowledge that have the sound that this band has, or the unique vocals that Liam offers. It took me an extra long time to finally get into this band, and that mainly had to do with how the scene had swallowed them up, and every kid with a swoop hair cut, and spray on jeans had a Cancer Bats shirt on, and for some that can really take away from a bands credibility. But I decided to finally form my own opinion of this band, and they didn't disappoint. Their first release blew me away right away. Aggressive, and heavy in so many different ways. So I moved on to their next release. Being Hail Destroyer, which seems to have been the album that pushed them to where they are now. Man, am I glad i got out of my hard headed ways, cause this band is something special, and everyone should give them a shot. If you don't, you're missing out.

All Pigs Must Die - All Pigs Must Die EP

Recently I found out that the singer of the great Hope Conspiracy (Kevin Baker) has been mingling in a band with Converges drummer (Ben Koller). The combination is amazingly aggressive and pissed off. I cant even really think of any other way to describe this new venture, other then the words used above. I guess I'd say if you enjoy the sounds of Converge, Nails, and Hope Con, then there is no reason why this band wouldn't give you a little tingle in your pants. This self-titled album is apparently only a sign of things to come, as it has been released via Twitter that they are currently already working on the follow up to this current 5 song EP. Also, if you're a Hope Con fan this will hold you over til they release their next brutal assault upon your ears. Til then, enjoy All Pigs Must Die.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

From A Second Story Window - Conversations

This band recently broke-up, and I found myself listening to them today, and decided to add this to the blog, cause its by far one of my all-time favorite albums. This band started out as a complete deathcoreish band, but by the end had flourished into an amazing musical act, that is pretty hard to describe, other then just awesome. "Conversations" was supposed to be a concept album about some conversations the singer had been having with homeless people while on tour through out the years. I thought this was a pretty awesome concept, unlike some of the concept albums that people try to pass off these days. This band took a massive turn with this release, and let their singer show his true talents, that werent completely shown on "Delenda". I think they ended it on a pretty high note with this one. More melodic then past releases, but just amazing.

Hayden - The Place Where We Lived

This album is nothing like the normal stuff I post on this blog. This is an amazing Canadian folk musician named Hayden. This guy has been around forever in Canadian music, and has always released strong albums. This is possibly his finest work. I remember picking up "The Place Where We Lived" while on tour in Winnipeg last June, and I haven't stopped listening since. This album also made me so addicted to his stuff again, that I have since went out a re-bought all his previous albums. If you just wanna listen to a great chilled out album, then this is for you.

Carnifex - Hell Chose Me

Mostly I wouldn't post a band along the lines of Carnifex, but this band is actually unlike their fellow counterparts. This band has the perfect mix of death metal/black metal/breakdown riffs, and is just extremely fun to listen to. This album is a massive step up from their past releases, which are also good, but don't carry the same level of intensity as "Hell Chose Me". I have fallen away from this kinda music in the past few months, but this is for sure an album I put on every few days, and blast as loud as I can get away with. A lot of people label these guys as a Suicide Silence rip-off, but SS doesn't deserve to have their name said in the same sentence.

NAILS - Unsilent Death

I never though I would see the day that extreme blast beats would be mixed with 2-step hardcore, but that day has come, and I highly doubt anyone will be able to do this better then NAILS. This band was introduced to me by a friend, who I trade bands with everyone once in a while. I haven't stopped listening to them since. This is one of the most furious releases I have ever heard in my life. "Unsilent Death" is pummeling, and hateful. This band also has some members from some legendary hardcore bands, Terror, and Carry on. Give this a listen, if you wanna hear a band that has its own sound within the hardcore scene. I think the only way to label them is Extreme Hardcore.

Defeater - Travels

Another amazing B9 band, I recently found out about them with their new album "Lost Ground". I went back and checked out their album "Travels", and it blew me away. Its fast and furious, and the lyrical content is absolutely amazing. Their name has slowly began to creep up more and more. I fully suggest giving them a chance, cause I think they will soon be a main staple of the ever growing hardcore punk scene that is now exploding. Also, this is a concept album about a life from birth to death, and as far as concept albums go, this one is near the top of the list.

Strike Anywhere - Iron Front

This release is hands down one of the best records to have ever been released, PERIOD!!! These guys have been a pretty legendary band for a few years now, and they have only released 4 albums. With the release of "Iron Front" I believe they will only cement that fact a bit more. This album has everything you could want from a melodic hardcore band. TONS of gang vocals, amazing anthem parts, and amazing lyrics, that make for great sing along's live. . I personally cant find a single bad song on this record, which for me is a rare thing these days. They can also help tickle that political bone in your body, if you have one. Seriously don't make the same mistake I made a few years back, and check these guys out now!

Dead Swans - Sleepwalkers

Dead Swans is another amazing young hardcore band coming out of the UK. Recently they released their 2nd full length album "Sleepwalkers", on Bridge Nine records. Upon my first listen I was drawn to this bands pure aggression, and anger. It didn't seem contrived, like you will sometimes find among hardcore bands. I first heard of these guys when they released a split with Architects a few years back, and I have to say a lot of people kinda looked them over, and didn't give them a second chance. Now is the time to go back and check them out, or you'll be missing out on one of the best up and coming hardcore bands around. I also really love the artwork on this release. You kinda get an idea of the sound from the imagining. Another amazing B9 release.

The Ghost Inside - Returner

Ghost Inside might have just released one of the best hardcore albums of the year, with their second effort "Returner". I wasn't a really big fan of their 1st album, so I wasn't expecting much of this release. I must say I was pleasantly surprised with how well this album actually turned out. I highly enjoy this album, even though I am kinda tired of the breakdown thing, they don't seem boring or annoying. They actually fit each song very well. Another bonus of this album, is the stunning production value, that has easily made this record a stand out for sure. Give it a listen, its a 5 star album!!!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Refused - The Shape Of Punk To Come

Released in 1998, yet still far beyond its years. "The Shape Of Punk.." is one of the few albums, from any time frame, that still today can stand its ground next to any modern hardcore punk album. 12 years ago this album came out, and Refused called it a day right after. Mainly cause of a dislike for each other in the band, and the toll the road had taken on the band. If this album and its results, are the product of hate amongst band members, id gladly be apart of it. I cant say enough good things about this record, its quality, the songs, and the impact it has had on me, and many of my friends. The problem with this record though, is its lost on the younger generation of people coming up in the music world. Which is a shame cause this is a classic for everyone to hear. If you have never heard this take the time, youll be doing yourself a big favor.

Blacklisted - No One Deserves To Be Here More Then Me

"No One Deserves..." is the latest Blacklisted album to date. Released just suddenly by Deathwish Inc at the end of 2009, at first is was a giant disappointment to me. It just didnt seem to have what their previous albums had. But after a few months of listening, and letting it grow on me, this is actually one of Blacklisted's strongest records to date. It might not be their fastest, or most in your face record of them all, but its got alot of stuff that Blacklisted always brings to the table. Its even got this acoustic song, that at first just doesnt seem right, but after a few listens, Georges voice actually fits the song perfectly. Its actually kind of a very unsettling song. The album actually seems to have a theme of Georges uncomfortableness with people and his nerves breakdown, which has been touched upon on previous albums. But either way, if you enjoyed any of the old Blacklisted stuff, id say check this one out, even if you have never heard them before. There just one of those bands that change people.

Modern Life Is War - Witness

Im not sure why this album has taken me so long to post, but here it is. "Witness" is the 2nd album from MLIW. Unfortunately they recently decided to call it quits, but left one hell of an album to remember them by. Now this isn't their last album, they released one more after this, but it just didn't possess the kick, or bite that "Witness" did. I still remember the first time i heard it, the vocals reminded me of a dirtier, grittier version of the singer from Rise Against. The music of course wasn't even in the same ball park. Meaning MLIW takes a giant steaming pile on Rise Against. Its one of those albums that you always know how good it is, but find even more things to love about it the next time you hear it. Enjoy!

The Hope Conspiracy - Death Knows Your Name

CRUSHING!!! THC is by far one of the most amazing hidden secrets among the hardcore scene. Im not sure why they have never made it to the level of such bands as Terror, or Bane, and this all could have to do with the break ups, and member changes over the years. But non of this has kept THC down at all. Each new release is stronger then the last, and even more pissed off then before. "Death Knows Your Name" is their heaviest release to date. This shit is as legit as hardcore can get. Its like having your throat torn out, and force fed back to you. I dont see how any hardcore fan could dislike this.

Melvins - Houdini

Im not sure really what i can say about The Melvins... THERE THE FUCKING MELVINS. I love anything and everything they release, but this has to be hands down my favorite album of theirs to date. "Houdini" was released in 1993, and co-produced by non other then Kurt Cobain. Which by the way, he did an amazing job on this record. He even lends some leads to the record. Anyways, The Melvins are a legendary band, amongst the sludge metal community, and for good reason. They are godfathers of this music. Now im not saying they created it, but they sure as hell helped it to the next level, and this album shows that in every way. Plus the artwork is HILARIOUS!!!

Minus The Bear - Acoustics EP

Not enough people understand the greatness of Minus The Bear, which is really sad for them. This band always blows me away, but not like they managed with their EP "Acoustics". MTB managed to take 6 already unbelievable songs from the past catalogs, play them acoustic, and make them better then they already were. Then wrote one extra song just for the EP, that is equally amazing, and probably my favorite MTB song to date. If your just looking for a good chill record, to lay back, and maybe read a book, or play some video games too, this is your album. And if your a Botch fan, just give this a listen, so you know the greatness has been carried on in other forms by the former members.

Tragedy - Nerve Damage

Not many Crust Punk bands can say they have critically acclaimed albums, but Tragedy sure can. This band contains members from some other highly regarded crust punk bands such as His Hero Is Gone, and Deathreat. After listening to this band for a few years now, i have to say that "Nerve Damage" is the album that still makes me drool after a listen. Its like the Apocalypse on disc. Pulverizing in each and every way. These guys embody the DIY factor to the core as well, no myspace of their own, just a fansite. Finding show dates for these guys are impossible, but thats the crust punk way. Take sometime to give it a listen, and im sure you'll be happy you did.

The Blinding Light - Junebug

After calling it quits in 2004 with just an EP and a full length, The Blinding Light regathered in 2009 to release their most devastating album to date, "Junebug". Another amazing band on the Deathwish Inc label as well. When i heard of this album, i was excited but kinda freaked out as well. When bands reunite to release a new album, those albums mostly tend to bite the dirt, and hard. Drowningman comes to mind when i say that. Anyways, TBL are a gem that all should see shine. When i first put this album on, and laid back, im pretty sure i found my happy place, cause once the album was over, i just pressed play again. The thing i love about this band, is nobody can give them a label. They have blistering fast songs, and then the most sludgy song you have ever heard. These guys are forsure living legends.

Century - Black Ocean

I had never heard of this band before, and just came across a review for their current album at the time, which was the album "Black Ocean". So i took a listen and was pleasantly surprised that there was a Metalcore band around that wasn't over saturating their music with breakdowns. This album has some amazing drumming as well, just really awesome rhythms that in some ways remind me of Meshuggah, along with just crushing guitar, and amazing leads when they are thrown into the mix. Take the time to give this a listen, cause this album actually made alot of top 10-20 lists for 2008, yet people still have no clue as to who Century is. My only complaint is the vocals could have been louder in the mix, but other then that 2 thumbs up. These guys are trying something different, among a sea of carbon copies.

Crime In Stereo - The Contract

After hearing the new Crime In Stereo album "I Was Trying To Describe You to Someone", which is a complete and utter disaster. I decided id take a listen to the back catalog again, for the 100th time. Of course like those first 100 times, this EP of theirs called "The Contract" stuck out over and over again. So much that i listened to it 10x over that day haha. If you have had the displeasure of listening to their new full length, and hate it as much as i, don't forget they once wrote amazing fucking punk records. So check this one out, if you haven't already, or if you have, but forgot about it. Complete masterpiece.

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)