Review: Hopesfall - A Types

artist: .hopesfall. album: a types label: trustkill records released: 11/2/2004 by: eduardo moutinho It would be an understatement for me to say that I eagerly anticipated this release. In fact, it would be a gross understatement. I peronsally viewed A Types as a potential creative plateau for hopesfall, and I couldn't help but wonder what kind of revolutionary advancements they would incorporate into their already unique melodic hardcore sound. Unfortunately, A Types is a complete devolution. It is also a complete disappointment. Granted, the band showcased here really isn't the hopesfall we are familiar with. The drummer is new and one of the guitar players is new (the fourth guitarist to accompany Josh Brigham since the band's inception and first to work on a hopesfall release since the original guitarists, Brigham and Ryan Parrish). The only remaining member of the band that was present when the iconic songs of No Wings to Speak Of were created is Brigham. Yet, the band still calls itself hopesfall, and that name carries lofty expectations. The music showcased on A Types is good, yet it is fundamentally unoriginal. The wonderful organic song structures and masterful transitions of yesteryear are gone, replaced by traditional and often-times boring choruses, verses, etc. The music seems to have a sugary coating to it, giving it a tint of radio-rock blandness. The drumming is uninspired, which makes me miss the amazing skill of Adam Morgan. Also, unlike hopesfall's previous releases, the vocals comprise of 95% singing and 5% screaming. It's almost as if the screaming is there to make the music seem hard, yet it comes across as cheap and forced. But like I said, the music is good, and there are instances where some hopesfall staples shine through, such as the chorus-effect driven guitars. It's definitely on par with most of the decent emocore out there. Songs like "Icarus," "Champion Beyond Blessing," and "Owl" are solid pieces. However, hopesfall isn't a dime-a-dozen emocore band, and this is what truly makes this album an ultimate letdown. I was so upset to see hopesfall go in this direction; they went backwards to become more acceptable to mainstream audiences. So I'm left astonished, angered, and saddened. This band isn't hopesfall, plain and simple. The guys should have released this album under a new name. In fact, this album has made me appreciate the genius of No Wings to Speak Of and The Satellite Years even more, which is amazing. Part of me is in denial, almost as if A Types is a bad dream to be forgotten. It's tragic to wonder how the sound hopesfall pioneered has been abandoned. The guys dropped the torch, and bands like Jairus have picked it up and continued the journey. favorite song: "champion beyond blessing" rating: 75%/100% listen to .hopesfall.

Interview: Letter Kills

bst interviews letter kills. by rob tatum Recently, bst had the chance to interview Kyle Duckworth, the bassist of Letter Kills, during the band's stop in Denver as part of this year's Warped Tour. We spent some time asking Kyle about the band's new album, The Bridge, as well as hitting other topics such as touring, Island Records, and mp3's. The following is a recap of the interview. If you are interested in learning more about and listening to Letter Kills, visit the band's official website, and Island Records. This interview took place on July 18th, 2004 at Invesco Field in Denver, CO. bst: Your new album, The Bridge, hits stores next week, what do have to say to someone who is thinking about picking it up? Kyle: We feel that the album offers a little something for everyone. Our goal with the album was to breakdown barriers and touch base with numerous genres. That was a big part of the reason behind the album’s title. bst: You guys hail from Southern California, do you find it difficult to stand out from the stereotypes that are given to bands from that area? Kyle: We’ve heard just about everything, but we really try to distance ourselves from that. It takes away from the scene and it really has little effect on the band. bst: I know that you guys toured pretty relentlessly last year before the album was recorded. How did the break from touring effect the recording of the album? Kyle: It was the best thing for us as a band. The touring allowed us to build chemistry and helped make the songs tighter. We were stubborn kids and we wanted to record right away, but after all that has happened we’re really glad we waited. bst: Speaking of tours, how was this year’s Warped Tour been so far? Anything out of the ordinary? Kyle: Nothing too bad. We had a lot of lightning in Salt Lake City, but nothing compared to the rain that hit last year in St. Louis during Warped. bst: Do you think the diversity of the bands on big tours like Warped Tour helps the music community or do you think it drives some fans away with such short sets and so many bands? Kyle: The tour is great for up and coming bands. It’s a great way to get your name out there and introduce people to your music. As for the established bands, it’s a different story. They are better suited for headlining shows in clubs, not cramming a few songs into a half an hour set. bst: How has working with Island been? Kyle: Island has been great. They treat us really well. We made the right choice. bst: How do you feel about internet music sites/zines? Do you feel that mp3’s are an asset to up-and-coming bands? Kyle: The music sites and online zines are great for the music community because they help bands build a fan base. Instead of dumping all their money into tours, bands can establish a following by posting some songs for download. Obviously stealing music is bad, but I’m all for bands having the opportunity to expose themselves if they want to. bst: Thanks for taking time to speak with us. letter kills official site

Review: Unearth - The Oncoming Storm

artist: unearth album: the oncoming storm label: metal blade records released: 6/2004 by: rob tatum By far one of the most anticipated releases of the year, Unearth’s The Oncoming Storm is the band’s debut on Metal Blade. The band had a tough act to follow, as the band’s previous release, The Stings of Conscience, propelled the band to forefront in the metalcore scene. The transition to Metal Blade did little to compromise the band’s sound or direction as the album crushes any doubts. The Oncoming Storm is leaps and bounds ahead of any metal or hardcore release of the year thus far. From the blistering intro in “The Great Dividers” to the last breakdown in “False Idols,” the album is a roller coaster of metal riffs, breakdowns, and powerful masterpieces. I’m sure that many fans would have liked this album to have been released much sooner, but after one listen, it’s easy to see the time spent on this album was well worth it. The tight knit songs contain everything you’ve come to expect from Unearth, but with much more purpose. The album flows much better than The Stings of Conscience and the songs sound much more complete. Trevor’s powerful voice bellows angry lyrics and enhances the songs with authority. The lyrics are very refined and remind the listener that Unearth isn’t about love songs. Of course the lyrics are not the first indication of Unearth’s power, as the music explodes in chaotic barrages. Breakdowns are plentiful, as are the metal riffs Although this album is not really anything new for Unearth, it is so far ahead of the other bands in the genre, you can’t help but want more. There’s some melody here and there, but it really goes unnoticed in the swing of things. The only parts of the album that I didn’t like are the mellow “Aries” that seems out of place and the fact you can't hear the cymbals very well in any song. Otherwise as an Unearth fan, I couldn’t be happier. The re-recorded version of Endless is excellent. Even the cheesy call out of breakdown in "This Lying World” couldn’t sway this listener. The best band in metalcore had only gotten better. favorite song: "this lying world" rating: 95%/100% listen to unearth

Review: 100 Demons - Self-Titled

artist: 100 demons album: self-titled label: deathwish inc. released: by: rob tatum I had never actually heard 100 Demons prior to popping this CD into my player. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. The second full length from this Connecticut hardcore band is full of energy and passion. This isn’t the typical band that I would enjoy, but I can’t help but sing along to the songs on this album. The best way I can describe 100 Demon’s music is to compare them to a more hardcore oriented Killswitch Engage. There is more emphasis on breakdowns and sing alongs than a KsE release, but the talent is still here. The occasional metal riff will ring in from time to time, but not often enough to be considered a metalcore release. The absence of clichéd melodic breakdowns from this album really makes it a more complete album. This is straight up, energetic hardcore. Vocalist Pete Morcey carries a deep voice that bellows from within. His voice fits the style of music very well. As I mentioned before, you really can’t help but sing along. The album is filled with angry, passionate lyrics ranging from personal angst to fiery attacks. Some of the songs hit close to home and that may be why I enjoyed this album as much as I did. This is rock solid hardcore album. I wish I had gotten into 100 Demons before now because this album is a great listen. I look forward to what this band will offer up on its next release and hopefully they can match the intensity of this album. favorite song: "his father's son" rating: 86%/100% listen to 100 demons

Review: Burnthe8Track - The Ocean

artist: burnthe8track album: the ocean label: abacus recordings released: may 2004 by: rob tatum One of the most refreshing things in music today is when bands stray away from just one genre and play whatever they feel. The best way to describe Burnthe8track’s sound may be to not describe it at all. The Ocean carries elements from emo, punk, rock, and everything in between. It’s almost impossible to pin-point the band’s sound and that really helped win this listener over. I wouldn’t necessarily say that Burnthe8track has broken down barriers or anything that drastic, but they have dipped a little from a variety of genres to pull together a very definitive sound. At times I hear Jawbreaker, then I hear Small Brown Bike, then maybe some Brand New, and finally topped off with some Thursday. It’s really a roller coaster of sounds that makes The Ocean a fun listen. If I had to generalize the band’s sound, I would say it’s poppy, but not in that watered down, irritating way that most bands are. The musicianship on this album is much more dynamic than anything ever released by a pop band. The band doesn’t lull you to sleep like and emo band and they don’t bore you with repetitive beats like a punk band. Derek Kun’s vocals are equally as hard to describe. His voice is much scratchier than any pop or emo singer, but his voice is much higher than any hardcore or punk singer. It’s a nice combination with the style of music that Burnthe8track plays. The melodic riffs pounding from guitarist Jason Kun and bassist Mike Goreski make for a great flow to this album. The backing vocals from Jason and drummer Sam Oslund create some interesting vocal overlays. This album rocks. It takes the listener on a journey through many genres and never gets boring. Fans of almost anything can find something good in this album. It’s a great debut and I can only hope for more from this band. favorite song: "buried beneath us" rating: 90%/100% listen to burnthe8track

Spotlight: Alexisonfire

bst spotlight band. Forget Labatt Blue... this is Canada's finest. Alexisonfire bridges the gap between emo and hardcore in way that cannot be described. Their songs are unique and powerful, leaving the listener begging for more. The band's self-titled full length pushed the band into the spotlight. After constant touring, the band's follow-up album, Watch Out will be released in the US on 06/29/2004. If you haven't had the chance to hear this band or see them live, make sure to put that at the top of your to do list. alexisonfire official website listen to alexisonfire equal vision records

Review: Glass Casket - We Are Gathered Here Today...

artist: glass casket album: we are gathered here today... label: abacus recordings released: february 2004 by: rob tatum I don’t think that I have really heard many technical metalcore bands that I can tolerate outside of Botch and the Dillinger Escape Plan, but I have to say that Glass Casket is breath of fresh air on the genre. We are gathered here today… is a decent effort from this up and coming North Carolina band and should definitely draw some attention to the band. For those of you who are into this genre, this is something you need to check out, and if you have never gotten into this sort of music, this is a good way to start out. From the onset, this album punishes your ear drums with blistering riffs and blast beats. Normally that is something that turns me away, but Glass Casket pulls it off really well and the songs are tied together nicely. The problem I usually have with this genre of music is that the songs are too chaotic and hard to follow, but that’s not the case with this album. If it’s possible for songs from this genre to flow, then it happens on this record. Aside form the fast-paced parts of the album, the band exhibits quality musicianship and a great deal of energy in their music. Vocalist Adam Cody’s voice reminds me a lot of Tommy from Between the Buried and Me, but maybe with a little more emphasis on the hardcore vocals and less on the death metal stuff. The songs are fairly well organized and easier to follow than most bands playing this style of music. To be honest, I didn’t mind listening to this record. That’s saying a lot because I normally would toss albums from this genre to the side. It’s consistent from start to finish and although it runs together at times, it keeps the listener entertained. If Glass Casket can continue to put together efforts such as this, there should only be good things in store for them. favorite song: "chew your fingers" rating: 83%/100% listen to glass casket

Review: Skare Tactic - Remember When

artist: skare tactic album: remember when label: thorp records released: by: rob tatum There really are a lot of bands out there that play generic old school hardcore. Skare Tactic is exactly one of those bands. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but there’s really nothing special about this album. It’s got energy, passionate lyrics, and breakdowns, but then again, so does every other album from this genre. I don’t want to pick on Skare Tactic because the band pulls off what they wanted with this album. Remember When is fast-paced from start to finish. Keith Boyle shouts out angry, heartfelt lyrics. The band backs him up with typical breakdowns and blastbeats. The problem is that there is nothing new brought to the table. The album runs together and bores the hell out of me. I’m sure I have mentioned before that this isn’t my genre, and I don’t mean to attack the bands that play this style of music, but I really have trouble giving them a lot of praise. I know that they work hard just like any other band out there, but the lack of innovation pulls them down. Not to mention, the fact that this album is 11 songs long, but there are 27 tracks and 15 of them are just four seconds of silence is enough to really irritate me. favorite song: "collapse" rating: 70%/100% listen to skare tactic

Review: Secondsmile - I Am Not Romeo; You Are Not Juliet

artist: secondsmile album: i am not romeo; you are not juliet label: big scary monsters released: 4/10/04 (europe) by: eduardo moutinho Seriously, I have become disillusioned with the overwhelming presence of the MTV/Fuse-fueled dilution machine in our underground music scene. It seems that every band that’s coming out and joining a well-known independent label has some sort of agenda. Plus, great bands are changing their sound to join in on the money cock sucking. Yeah, you read that correctly. Most bands don’t seem to be making music for fun anymore. Rather, the more and more I listen to new bands that are coming out, I can see the music playing in the background of an episode of Real World/Road Rules Challenge. Shoot me in the head, please… The passion is fading away from our scene. More importantly, the music is losing its identity. For every Jairus that emerges, a dozen Hawthorne Heightses seem to follow. I felt such a rant was appropriate as a segue into this review. Good music is still out there. Yet, with exception to The Fall of Troy, the best band I have listened to since Jairus happens to also be from the United Kingdom, not the United States. This band is known as Secondsmile, and they are incredible. Interestingly enough, Secondsmile has a close relationship with Jairus; both bands are touring England this summer. Not only do they share a strong camaraderie, they seem to feed off of each other in a sonic sense as well. Secondsmile is all about driving post-hardcore. I Am Not Romeo; You Are Not Juliet is the band’s debut EP on Big Scary Monsters, one of the UK’s up-and-coming independent labels. The music on the album has wonderful ever-changing tempos made up of intricate guitar work, choppy high-pitched vocals, and a rare sense of raw passion. The songs are unpredictable and fulfilling. The best song on the album, Poets Unite in Hate (Their Gift for Love), starts out with a deliciously frenetic pace, yet it ends with an almost old-school hopesfall melodic breakdown. Fantastic. The instruments are wonderful. In addition to the aforementioned guitar mastery, the drums and bass are also quite good. Two other songs, “My Tribute to Those Eyes that Can Sink Ships” and “Easy Girls Are Always One Fuck Away,” have little nuances here and there that are plainly and simply cool. There are pretty little string interludes, single-guitar led “mini-bridges” to hard-hitting verses, effectively executed drum fills, and so forth. I even believe that there are certain portions on the EP played in odd times, which is always appreciated. Vocals share a lot in common with Jairus; the singer loves the high-pitched wailing. It’s appropriate, and there is some good singing thrown into the mix as well. The only other song on the EP, “This is Your Hometown and it’s Cutting You,” is one of those slow-paced atmospheric songs. Granted, it doesn’t follow melodicore conventions by having hollow ghost-like singing in the background; the song does seem like an added bonus, nothing more. It’s not bad though. Overall, this is an awesome collage of tracks, and I am excited to see what this band has to offer in the future. Since they are from the UK, where the mass media conglomerate still has its money cannons aimed at pop princes and princesses (look up Busted if you dare), the small rock bands still seem to be playing music out of pure joy. Hell, Secondsmile is unknown to most of the British… Unfortunately, while it’s great to hear awesome music coming from other countries (Amanda Woodward is another great up-and-coming band, from France), it seems like the good sound is thriving on other shores. Hopefully, I’ll be able to review a great record from a new domestic band soon enough. Well, I did mention The Fall of Troy. I guess they count… I’ll write about them shortly. favorite song: “poets unite in hate (their gift for love)" rating: 94%/100% listen to secondsmile

Review: Jairus - The Need to Change the Mapmaker

artist: jairus album: the need to change the mapmaker label: skipworth records released: 3/22/2004 (europe) by: eduardo moutinho The once fertile and promising fields of melodic hardcore have gone through tough times in recent months, with hopesfall presenting a damaged, nearly unrecognizable harvest via A Types and Taken providing its final luscious bounty, Between Two Unseens, in the summer of 2004. Yet, one crop is green and vibrant, nourished by a glorious and revolutionary sound. And that crop is marked "Jairus." Metaphors aside, Jairus (jy-russ) is the band that everyone needs to listen to right now. The Britsh band's debut album, The Need to Change the Mapmaker, is stunning, and it has given me hope for the future of melodicore. Every song is unique and beautiful. It is impossible for me not to think of hopesfall in its prime when I listen to this record. The guitars are moody and atmospheric, yet they are aggressive and driving. Percussion is technical and precisely arranged. The vocalist expertly exudes high-pitched, full-sounding, wails with spoken word and singing thrown sporadically throughout the tracks. Every song is solid, highlights being the dark and drawn-out "Ara Pacis," schizophrenically-paced "And Caligula Blushed," and fantastic "Cut the Six Minute Caller." When talking to my friend about the band, I told him, "Jairus is more of a true band than anybody that's out there." What I mean is that all the instruments feed off of each in a natural symbiodic relationship. Everything sounds appropriate and well-positioned. The songs come across as epic. In a way, it's aural poetry. While the songs don't display completely organic structures, they manage to break the barrier of traditional rock music. The breakdowns are melodic and stylized. In simple terms, these guys like to play music, and they do it incredibly well. What Jairus is creating is the future of hard music. I just hope they don't stray away from this sound in the future. favorite song: "ara pacis" rating: 97%/100% listen to jairus