Seahaven "Ghost"

I had heard a lot about this band and decided to give it a listen. Apparently Seahaven features a former member of Final Fight in the band. This band has no resemblence at all to Final Fight's melodic-hardcore attack. Instead Ghost sounds more like your usual indie/emo record. And it's a damn good one at that.

This is titled as an EP but it has 7 songs and they are all of a long length. I can't complain the longer the songs, the more insight I get into what this band is about. Soaring choruses, clean guitar passages jammed together with shimmering scales. Deeply personal lyrics sung with the power of the "hook" in mind. By track 5 the record begins to drag but then the next track, "Love" hits with it's catchy pop sensibilities and brings it back on track. Ghost is a very enjoyable listen. Im not really a fan of the artwork though. It seems like they were trying a little to hard to be different but really it's nothing we havent already seen . But that is besides the point. It's a great EP. If you are into Brand New or a band somewhere along those lines, this is for you.

My vote...

Tis the season for everyone to cast their votes on which record they thought was the best of 2010. Well this is mine: Integrity's The Blackest Curse. I haven't seen it on many other people's lists and that's a shame. It recieved a lot of favorable reviews upon release but I feel like it didn't get much recognition. This record is exactly what you'd hope for a genre defining band such as Integrity to sound like in the new decade. It is all at once evil, epic and heavy as all holy terror.

I am an Integrity fan. Some people love them, hate them or just don't care enough about them to pick a side. This is one of the most storied bands in hardcore for better or worse. To me, the music has always withstood all of the rumors and negative attention this band gets. That is why this album was so exciting to me. I didn't have many high expectations for it and I was completely floored once the record came in the mail. It's as if all of the material of Integrity 2000 and it's kind didn't even exist. It feels like such a natural progression of their old material while still keeping up with the times.

The album opener "Process of Illumination" lets you know whats in store. Another classic creepy sound clip, another punishingly evil riff and more indecipherable Dwid vocals. Some suprises on the record; the epic and hauntingly beautiful metal of "Through the Shadows of Forever" and the exotic dueling guitar solo's of "Spiderwoven".

The record only came with a poster so I couldn't tell you what the hell the lyrics are about and quite frankly even if I did I probably wouldn't get it. While on the subject of that giant poster, I 'd just like to say that the album artwork perfectly matches this record. It's dark, grainy, and scary because I have no idea what it is or where it came from. Much the same with these 10 songs. It's hard to pin-point what kind of genre of fans this record would please. Upon first listen you can hear classic Integrity metalcore, speed metal, and dare I say, traces of black metal are definately present.

What I'm saying is that The Blackest Curse stands on it's own and no other ecord in 2010 sounded like it. I was a little disappointed that the band didn't play any new tracks off of this record at either of their 2 SoCal shows that they played this year. And say what you will about Integrity playing as a scab lineup, it's still fun to see those classic songs played out to a packed room of fans chanting along.

Put aside all of the BS that gets thrown around messageboards and blogs revolving around Integrity and listen. Truth is that this record killed it and this is what you should remember this band for.

Killing The Dream "Lucky Me"

Here we have one of the most anticipated records of 2010, the return of Sacramento's Killing The Dream. The new album out on Deathwish, Lucky Me, finds the band taking a turn for the EPIC. That's not a bad thing as sometimes it seems hardcore can become over simplified, so it's nice when a band is trying to push the boundaries of the genre. The only trouble is that expanding the sound of hardcore can be hit or miss. Such is the case with "Lucky Me"; while being an overall engaging record, there are parts that are less than desirable.

Lets start with the opener "Blame the Architects" which kicks off the album with vocalist Elijah Horner's hoarse screams as a great intro to the chaos that ensues. This song is probably the most divers on the record as it features an off time tempo and of all things- violins. And well, it works. Violins suit the track perfectly as it helps to build the emotion and momentum of the songs just before it comes to a screeching halt. "Walking Diseased" snaps you back into the usual KTD breakneck tempo as it hurls you into the destructive depths that follow. Another standout is the final track "Black" which features a stunning one minute intro full of enchanting guitar, echoed screams, and tribal drumbeats fueling the power and rage of the song that closes Lucky Me out. Such a great ending.

It's not all perfect though. Take for example track 3, "Testimony" Now, I'm not hating on this song just because it features the singer of Dance Gavin, Dance and blah, blah, blah...but really he just DOESN'T SOUND GOOD! High pitched, off note singing never does. The rest of the song has it's moments though so try and not let the singing kill it for you. I also wish there was a little more to the instrumental track "Part IV (Sinner's Future)".

Some people were saying "Hey there's only 7 songs, that's not an LP!" I to was skeptical on the length of the record, but after listening, Lucky Me plays out and feels like a full length. 7 songs is good; there are no fillers and every track has it's chance to shine. As far as the J. Bannon artwork, it might seem a little to familiar, but hey it still looks cool. I for one think the album cover is rad.

This isn't a perfect record, but it's nowhere near bad. More like, "just right"

http://deathwishinc.com/estore/product/DW111v.html

Disengage "Look Back"

Chances are you've heard the buzz around this band made up of some familiar faces from the Wilkes-Barre hardcore scene. If you haven't, then X the fuck up and get into it! Disengage are waving the flag of straight edge hardcore and kickin' it to you old school.

Just from looking at the album art you should know what you're getting into. The art (reminiscent of Release's The Pain Inside EP), recalls a throwback to '88 style youth crew hardcore. The music does as well. Low-fi production, circle pits, simple lyrics, dance floor clearing mosh parts...ahhhh yes it's all here in 7 super short blasts. "Drinking Song" is a personal favorite, with its classic DYS/SSD inspired riffs, along with the 2 second proclomation that says all that needs to be siad on the song "I Am". This record is pure fun.

Disengage reminds us why those classic east coast hardcore bands that they emulate are awesome, while still creating something that kicks the shit out of a lot of modern day bands.

http://www.backtobackrecords.com/

http://www.facebook.com/BACKTOBACKRECORDS

Ringworm @ The Roxy, Hollywood 10/10/10

Just came across this video. Really great show. First time getting to see Ringworm and was not dissapointed. Blacklisted also played an intense (last??) set. Not sure what your stance is on Scion putting together hardcore shows but if it's bands like Ringworm and Integrity they're flying over to California AND it's free...uhh yeah doesn't really bother me.

OFF! "S/T"

This record will really tap into the Black Flag fan in all of us. Keith Morris' new project sounds and feels like the long lost b-sides to Nervous Breakdown. And I'm not just talking about the songs themselves, the production totally brings you that same vibe. So it shouldn't surprise you that this EP is damn near flawless. These fours songs blow right past you and leave you craving more. The thing that is great is that these short displays of fury all have their own hooks that make them memorable and easy to repeat over and over. Punk rock in it's most raw state; pissed off, paranoid, and reckless.

http://www.facebook.com/offband

Madball "Empire"

Let's get one thing clear; when it comes to New York Hardcore, Sick Of It All will now and forever hold my vote for the kings of NYHC. Still, Madball reigns along side them at the top of my list.

If you've heard their last release or any other bad ass Madball record, you know what to expect. Empire is tough, street wise and heavy as fuck. Lets talk about some standout tracks starting with the opening song "Invigorate" with its driving double bass attack and defiant lyrics. Track 4 "All Or Nothing" is another hand pick and will have you smashing your enemy and singing along in the process, no kidding this song is catchy. My personal favorite happens to be "R.A.H.C." ( REAL American Hardcore) ,which is a violently fast "FUCK YOU!" to naysayers who claim hardcore is dead and buried (Looking forward to that American Hardcore re-write Mr. Blush...).

Another great Madball record. Still throwing punches and perhaps more relevent than ever.

http://www.facebook.com/madballNYC

Buy it at RevHQ
http://revhq.com/store.revhq?Page=search&Id=GFM008

Hands Tied "Through The Wreckage"

Hands Tied wins against Mouthpiece in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, MP rules but there is just an energy and excitement in Hands Tied that gets me pumped!

Through The Wreckage is a 2 song ep released by Tim McMahon and crew. I think it's so rad that Hands Tied put this out and is playing shows again. These couple of songs do not let me down and HT has not lost their magic. Straight up youth crew inspired hardcore with some great mosh parts. The intro to "Empty Words" alone makes me want to clear that dancefloor for some serious stomping. Anyway, i'm not even sure if these are still in stock they sold out pretty quick. Either way find a way to hear this EP and get happy, Hands Tied is back!

http://www.livewire-records.com/


Oh yeah and read DOUBLE CROSS too!
http://doublecrosswebzine.blogspot.com/

Betrayed "Suffering"

OK so it's been way to long since I've reviewed any new material but I can't think of a better record to start back up with than this.

It has been a while since Betrayed has released new material (Substance 2006) and for me at least, the wait has been unbearable. This time around this EP is being release on singer Aram Arslanian's own label REACT! Records, one of the best labels out there in 2010. When this 7 " arrived on my doorstep today I couldn't wait to give it a listen. What I found was something a little different from what I expected but was awesome none the less.

Betrayed is known for infusing a late 80's DC hardcore vibe into their music courtesy of Todd Jone's melodic guitar passages. With Suffering, Betrayed seems to have eased up on their usual sound and has gone for a more straight ahead hardcore assault. With the exception of the stunning title track, the three other songs on the EP are lightning fast and razor sharp traditional youth crew anthems. "Against The Grain" kicks off the record with a great bass and drum roll build up and does not look back. "To Try" spits some courage at you and charges straight for the gut. The song "Suffering" has a beautiful jangling guitar riff and is a real mid-tempo rocker with a unique bridge featuring harmonizing vocals. "Your Response" finishes off the record with one last call to arms to take action against poverty and consumerist culture. In a matter of a short few minutes this record rips and shreds through your stereo leaving you feeling exhilerated and inspired to do something!

Do yourself some good and buy this record through the REACT! webstore or through your favorite distro. This band and this label are doing something great for the hardcore scene and bringing a message back to the music. I was lucky enough to have seen Betrayed perform a couple of these new song's at both the Insted reunion and the React! showcase and well I can't wait to hear them again now that I am more prepared. So guy's where are the shows!?!

http://www.itstimetoreact.com/

108 "18.61"

All of the drama revolving around this album aside, 108's latest release (recorded in 2009) has all of the fury of what is (or was) a 108 record with a new found affinity for shorter and more spastic songs. In a way its a new (old) 108.

The albums title, 18.61 refers to a section of the Bhagavad Gita, yet lyrically speaking this record is much less related to Krishna conciousness then most of 108's other material. I'm assuming this is obviously because of former singer Rob Fish's decision to leave because of his choice to stop believing in the religion soon after the record was recorded. Whatever the case, what you get with this record is a very wild and chaotic sound. The songs play out as short blasts of anger on the brink of insanity. You can really feel the rage pouring out of your speakers. There is a lack of stucture that comes with 18.61, which defines the record. Short, loose, and schizophorenic are perfect adjectives to describe it. It has a way of making the record feel slightly unfinished but at the same time it's what makes it so unique and what draws you in. There aren't any real structures or patterns with these songs an each track stumbles into the next without any concern for order. The recording seems to reflect this style as well. The overall analog only sound is distorted and fuzzy and very in your face. The album finally collides on the last track "Early Funeral" a strange 5 minute acoustic song with distant, almost dream-like sounding vocals. It is a curious way to end a curious record.

If you like 108, you will like this record. Then again, the album is such a departure, you might even like it if you didn't like them before. Definately worth checking out. Whatever this band decides to do in the future without Rob Fish, I hope it's still this heavy, angry and different.

www.weare108.com

The Gaslight Anthem "American Slang"

Not exactly punk or hardcore, but I still think this record kills. I'm sure you've heard plenty about this band from New Jersey and how they sound like Bruce Springsteen. Regardless of where they are from or who they sound like, they write catchy and heartfelt rock music plain and simple. They are The Gaslight Anthem and American Slang is their 3rd full length.

This record started off a little slow for me. Much less urgent than their older material. I was prepared to be bummed out that had I put down some cash for this. But then after hearing a few more tracks, things began to click. It can become easy to get lost in the mumbled and rusty verses in these 10 songs, but when those choruses hit, oh fuck, they hit you HARD. The band sticks close to their old time rock and roll roots and touch upon some Clash worship ("The Queen of Lower Chelsea") and soft ballads ("We Did It When We Were Young"). The sound is bright and clean and all of the instruments are well balanced in the mix. The songs tend to focus on themes of nights gone by, better days and "old haunts". It can be a little too much and it would be nice to hear something different but the songs still work. No reason to fix what isn't broken yet.

This is the perfect record for summer night drives and for anyone who wants to listen to something that is catchy but doesn't suck . Definately not my favorite Gaslight release (that spot is reserved for the Senor and The Queen EP) but a solid one to be sure. My only problem with this record; I wish there were a couple more tracks. I guess thats a good thing though, right?

http://gaslightanthem.com/

Cruel Hand "Cruel Hand"

I've been anticipating this one for a while. Cruel Hand is just one of those bands that puts out great music, tours like no tommorow and puts on kick-ass live shows. As a preview for this summer's full-length Lock and Key, Bridge 9 has released this lovely little treat. From the album art to the music, this record is bare bones, no bullshit hardcore. Following in the same vein as Prying Eyes, Cruel Hand deliver their hard as nails sound loud and clear. Showcasing thunderous drums, coarse vocals, and the heaviest riffs that Metallica never got around to writing, it's stanard issue CH. One thing that I did notice was the addition of some melodic vocals. Not in a whiny, sing-songy kind of way though. More in like a James Hetfield melodic crooning sort of way. It's a nice touch. The EP features the self-titled track which will appear on Lock and Key, and a special b-side track "Still" which will only be released on this recording.

http://www.bridge9.com/cruelhand

Dead End Path "Death Walks Beside Us"

Coming at you heavier than a 2 ton sledgehammer, is the new 7" from Wilkes Barre PA's own Dead End Path. One word that comes to mind when blasting this ep is "hard". Hard ass beats and hard ass lyrics that paint a musical and lyrical landscape of utter despair and anguish. It has a strong Madball vibe and will have you bobbing your head till your neck snaps off. 5 songs for fans of classic NYHC or anything else you may have heard coming out of Wilkes Barre. Really digging this record can't wait to catch them this summer at Sound and Fury. Features guest vocals from singers of Cold World and Mother of Mercy.

www.myspace.com/deadendpathwb

http://triple-brecords.com/

This Is Hell - Weight Of The World

This Is Hell return after the fallout of their old label (Truskill) and the loss of a guitar player. They sound leaner and meaner than ever. This is a band that in my opinion has never gotten enough credit for what they do. It could be because of the fact that Trustkill fell apart and didn't properly promote their last full-length "Misfortunes". It could also be due to the fact that one of their last major tours was opening for a mismatched lineup featuring Funeral For A Friend. It could be for a lot of reasons, but the excuses stop here. If you haven't checked them out since their breakout record "Sundowning" then now is the time to catch up!

"Weight Of The World" changes up This Is Hell's sound by adding more of a cossover/thrash element to their music that was absent in their older material. Guitar solos and fast palm-muted picking are everywhere on this record(Check out track 9 "Shadows" for further proof). The songs are faster and more to the point than on Misfortunes. One of the reasons I like this band so much is because of their lyrics; always deep, personal, and pissed. That hasn't changed. In fact they sound more pissed now than they did before. But even with all of these new elements thrown into the mix, there is still room for the usual This Is Hell musical interlude ("Eagle of Justice").

Great band, great record. It's time to update your catalog, Sundowning has nothing on this.

http://www.thinkfastrecords.com/thisishell

Black Breath "Heavy Breathing"

Right from the get go this album's intentions are clear. It was sent to this planet to kick your ass, fuck your sister, and steal your car as it rides off into the desert. Heavy Breathing is the first full length from this metal minded band from the great northwest. After listening to Black Breath's EP "Razor to Oblivion" some time ago I was hooked on them . If you could imagine Motorhead, Entombed, and your favorite crust punk band all partying together, you might have some kind of clue as to the kind of sonic assault Black Breath is creating.

The production on this album is great, most notably on how it gives the guitars as razor sharp tone that pierces your eardrums in the most awesome way possible. This is mettallic hardcore without the lame vocals or tired ass breakdowns (although there are a few mosh parts that will make you want to smash all in sight - i.e. "I Am Beyond"). This is a truly exciting record that sounds completely fresh no matter how much it emulates the speed/thrash/death metal bands that we all know and love. I caught these guys live when they came through town with Converge last month, and the music is twice as visceral when it is played live.

Fast, heavy, and a little tounge and cheek, this is a record which would fit in perfectly at either your next animal sacrifice or backyard kegger. Or maybe just the within the comfort of your own bedroom.

Buy now and play loud.

http://blackbreath.com/

Danzig "Deth Red Sabaoth"

Lets just get one thing clear. Danzig in all shapes and forms is one of my favorite artists. Quite a few people may quarrel with his solo material but for the most part I think it rules (give or take most of the industrial songs he previously released). So when I heard rumors about this record i was obviously esctatic. I picked up a CD as soon as i could, popped it into my car stereo and proceeded to headbang all the way home.

Deth Red Sabaoth is a return to classic Danzig form with some more modern elements (anyone else catch those wicked double kick drums?). Every track on ths record is constructed with expert songwriting skills. Dirty blues mixed with evil mettallic riffs, soaring choruses, and creepy lyrics; ahhh i can feel the fog surrounding already! It's classic Danzig and it's everything you could want and expect on a kick ass hard rock/metal album. EXCEPT for one thing. A decent production.

This is where Deth Red Sabaoth fails. The recording just does not do these songs justice. For an artist on Danzig's level you would expect much more. I tried to justify it by telling myself "Well the Misfits never had decent recordings; and their records sounded fucking amazing!" While this may be true I had to remind myself that the recording process has changed much scince then and that now, modern production has its ways of stifling the music it trys to bring to life. The overall guitar sound is bass heavy and murky, the drums don't have enough punch and the vocals seem to fade out in parts where you would want them to pop out. It just sounds unfinished.

Nonetheless, if you can get past the lackluster production (which shouldn't be to hard to do) what you will find is the return of a great musician. It is easy to picture most of these songs going off well in a live setting, and hopefully if my wallet permits I can catch Danzig at the upcoming LA date of his tour. If you like anything Danzig has made in his long solo carreer, or in other words, if you are into any and all things EVIL, do yourself a favor and pick this up!

Sick Of It All "Based On A True Story"

With all of the reuions happening with late-great hardcore bands, it becomes easy to appreciate a band such as Sick Of It All. For over 20 years this band has been touring and releasing one great record after another with no breaks (or breakups) in between. "Based On A True Story", the bands latest offering, picks up where 2006's "Death To Tyrants" left off, finding the band going in a heavier sounding direction while still keeping it's old school punk sing-alongs intact.

Now being backed by none other than Century Media Records, the production on this record is amped up past 11, bringing the band's in your face sound to new highs and crushing lows. The trademark Craig Setari bass lines are dirtier and meaner than ever, Lou Koller's vocals brash and defiant, and Armand Majidi's snare drum is packed with so much attack, you'd swear he's going to smash a fucking hole right through it.

"Based On A True Story" sounds mcuh like you'd expect a Sick Of It All record to sound. It is unceasingly heavy yet somehow catchy. Highlights include the opening title track with its crushing breakdowns and gang vocals, the rampant speed and energy heard in "Good Cop" and the suprisngly melodic "Long As She's Standing". Throw in some good old working class punk tracks such as "Waiting For The Day" and what you have is yet another solid release from the best NYHC has to offer. Buy it, listen, and go see them when they smash into your neighborhood this summer.

http://www.centurymedia.com/
http://www.facebook.com/sickofitallny

True Colors "Consider It Done"

If you live in the states, and haven't already seen True Colors, you may have missed your chance, seeing that these Belgium natives just finished their 2nd U.S. Tour and are unfortunately calling it quits. Nevertheless, do yourself a favor and pick up this 7". The aptly titled "Consider It Done" is the most ambitous release the band has put together. It manages to stick to the band's youth crew inspired sound while exploring different territory.

"My View" kicks off the record in typical True Colors fashion; bad ass intro, passionate vocals, lightning speed tempos, and a stage dive inducing close. The remaining 4 songs are nothing less than awesome, with "Alone" being the heaviest TC song I've heard to date. The highlight of the album though, has to be, "The Kids are Alright" a near 3 minute track so melodic and moving that it makes you want to head on overseas and catch their final show.

With "Consider It Done" True Colors wrap up their time as one of the most exciting straight edge hardcore bands around. Staying true to form yet remaining completely original, it is the perfect way to finish off a string of great records.

http://www.sixfeetunderrecords.com