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"

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