End of Summer

Hey Everyone,

As you probably noticed, the last month was hectic for us. Eddy was in Brazil for most of the month and I've been slammed at work. Hopefully things will slow down for us in October. We have at least 2 interviews lined up this month, so check back for those in the near future.

Until then, keep rockin'.

Review: For the Fallen Dreams - Changes

Artist: For the Fallen Dreams
Album: Changes
Label: Rise Records
Released: 1/8/2008

BSTscore: 90

Every once in a while, I stumble upon a band that I can’t stop listening to, regardless of the band’s strengths or weaknesses. Saginaw, Michigan’s For the Fallen Dreams is one of those bands. The band’s album, Changes, has been on repeat in the car, at home, and at work for a couple of weeks now. For some reason, it’s one of those albums that just clicks for me.

Musically, the band is something along the lines of a bastardized offspring of Misery Signals and Bury Your Dead. I can’t say they’ve stepped too far outside the box with their brand of metalcore, but the melody of the guitar work makes for some of the best sounding songs and breakdowns I've ever heard. For music this heavy, I can’t use words like beautiful, but it is close. On the flip side, the punishing rhythms will put you back in your place pretty quickly.

One of the glaring strengths, and yet weaknesses, of For the Fallen Dreams is vocalist Chad Ruhlig. It’s certainly not his fault, but his voice shares an uncanny resemblance to former Bury Your Dead vocalist Mat Bruso. First time listeners are bound to assume they are hearing Bury Your Dead. The angry, crisp vocals are a perfect fit for the music, but only further the comparisons. Chad’s lyrics are passionate and sing-along friendly, adding to their effectiveness.

Changes is an excellent album. From the anthems “Brother in Arms” and “Never Again” to the epic “Through the Looking Glass”, there isn’t a bad song on this release. I have to knock the band a little, as I can’t help but dwell on the similarities to other bands on the same genre, but it doesn’t change the quality of the music. The combination of brutal breakdowns and melodic harmonies is one that works for me and I look forward to more from For the Fallen Dreams.

Musicianship: 95
Vocals: 90
Creativity: 80
Impact: 95

Favorite Song: “Hopeless”

Listen to For the Fallen Dreams

Review: This is Hell - Misfortunes

Artist: This is Hell
Album: Misfortunes
Label: Trustkill
Released: 2/19/08

BSTscore: 79

One of the most difficult things for bands today is finding their own identity. Long Island’s This is Hell has made a terrific album with Misfortunes, but as with the band’s previous album, Sundowning, I found it difficult to find uniqueness to the band’s sound. The hardcore genre itself has become saturated through the years, and it has become harder and harder for bands to truly stand out from the crowd.

Upon my first listen of Misfortunes, I instantly started thinking back to bands This is Hell sounds like. The obvious one is Comeback Kid, as vocalist Travis Reilly’s voice is eerily similar to that of Scott Wade and Andrew Neufeld. There are also similarities to the Hope Conspiracy and 100 Demons, as well as many of the old-school style bands from the east coast. The biggest aspect of Misfortunes that instantly won me over was the lyrics. The album is strong, passionate, and begs you chant along as you listen.

Comparisons aside, this is very solid listen from start to finish. The band’s ability to take fast-paced songs and turn them into melodic sing-alongs is excellent. Hardcore music may not require the most talented musicians in the world, but This is Hell is a band that is tailor made for this sound. The driving guitars mixed with blistering rhythm work produce a catchy album that begs you to listen to over and over again. I know that I’ll be listening to this quite often.

Musicianship: 85
Vocals: 85
Creativity: 70
Impact: 75

Favorite Song: “Disciples”/”Last Days Campaign” (tie)

Listen to This is Hell

Review: Misery Signals - Controller

Artist: Misery Signals
Album: Controller
Label: Ferret
Released: 7/22/2008

BSTscore: 85

Controller is the 3^rd full length from Wisconsin’s Misery Signals. I’ll be straight forward and honest. Misery Signals is one of the more refreshing metalcore bands around and Controller carries the band’s sound to a more refined level.

Pulling from the strengths of their prior release, Mirrors, this album is loaded with heavy melodies and gripping breakdowns. Although vocalist Karl Schubach’s range might be limited, it’s his crisp delivery and identifiable voice that help give the band its unique sound. The clean singing is harmonious with the music and fits well. See “A Certain Death” or “Set in Motion” for good examples. While I'm not too sure about the lyrics on the songs, “Nothing” and “Parallels”, the majority of this album is excellent.

My favorite part of Controller is the flow. Not just song to song, but as a whole. You can listen to it straight through or on shuffle and everything fits together. Even the heavy and fast paced parts to the album are melodic in their own way. I find it very hard to argue with what the band is doing musically. The tempo and time changes go unnoticed to the untrained ear and will certainly help Controller gain listeners. As far as metalcore bands go, Misery Signals is a step ahead of most and they will continue to be in my rotation if they keep producing music like this.

Musicianship: 90
Vocals: 80
Creativity: 85
Impact: 85

Favorite Song: “A Certain Death”

Listen to Misery Signals