Omsorg - Echoes

 

Omsorg are a thoughtful and exciting hardcore band emerging from Denmark. Their new EP, Echoes may only be 4 songs across 13 minutes but it is impressively articulate. It's a hardcore record for the thinking man, full of post rock flourishes and some truly exciting drum performances. Omsorg prove they are more than just a hardcore band, infusing their music with emotion, exciting sonic explorations and all sorts of twisted underground sorcery. There is a very real sense of poetry that fuels Echoes and makes it far more than just another hardcore record. Omsorg have taken the bones of the genre and reframed them in their own image. Definitely something worth checking out for those looking for new breath in hardcore.

Pre-order the album!

https://omsorg.bandcamp.com/

Impure Wilhelmina - Antidote

It's hard to believe that it's been four years since the last time we heard from Impure Wilhemina. The post-rock/post-hardcore masters have consistently captured the imagination since their inception in 1996 and this latest offering, their seventh full length is another impressive step forward for the band. It proves once more just how talented project mainman Michael Schindl is, but also sees him cultivating some truly exciting collaborations with some wonderful partners, making for comeppling heavy music that you're guaranteed to be enamored with. 

Antidote is an exciting offering because of the depth of the compositions. The layers of guitars and the immaculate execution that shines through on a track like 'Jasmines' is truly potent. It speaks to the year that went into writing this album and refining it into the masterpiece that it is. In an era where we are all trying to return to normal and get a grasp once more on our lives, Antidote shines as a stellar example of just how we can strive to be better and what can come together to make for compelling listening in an era where so may of us just feel devoid of emotion. Impure Wilhelmina come through with their antidote, a heartfelt cure for our woes. 

There's a very high replayability to this record. It really speaks to a distinct approach and the bands ability to dredge up deep emotions. While Antidote doesn't necessarily reinvent what Impure Wilhelmina do, it does consistently point towards growth of the band. There are new ways tracks are locking together and bold new visions that unite to craft a record that leaves you scraping your jaw off the floor. Dive into this with me and you won't regret it. Antidote is a post-hardcore record for the soul and one we all need right now.

Pre-order the album! 

https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/IWshop

Refused - War Music

Refused are one of a kind. They emerged from one of the worlds most interesting hardcore scenes to become a band who permanently altered the nature of rock with their unique take on post-hardcore. Now they are back with their first record since 2015's comeback, Freedom. War Music is a masterful release, exploring different facets of the band and seeing these pioneers push the boundaries even further. In an era where Refused could just put out music aping The Shape Of Punk To Come, they instead opted for pure sonic absolution, redeeming their birthright as triumphant artists.

War Music is one of the most elegantly concieved rock and roll cum post hardcore offerings that I have heard in a good long while. While on the one hand they excited the listener with high energy choruses and potent lyrics, they also embrace more subtle elements. For whatever its worth - the production on War Music is some of the best in the bands career. It elegantly fuses the angry hardcore anthems with the more contemporary rock leaning elements. This makes for a record that provides a sort of top down look at one of the most interesting groups in rock. War Music continually impresses with the breadth it's able to combine in a logical way.

In brief - War Music is a thrilling offering. It's a statement of intent from a group who basically singlehandedly elevated the dialog around hardcore. If you care about heavy rock music or hardcore in any shape or form then this is an album that you are going to need to listen too. 2019 has been one of the best years for music ever, and Refused's contribution should not be forgotten. It speaks to the bands willingness to keep growing, even now that their status as bonafide rockstars is just about set in stone.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/RefusedBand/

Vesperine - Espérer Sombrer

Vesperine are a band who dive into a sort of neverending human struggle. Their new album Espérer Sombrer literally translates to 'Hope Sinks'. In fact, it gets darker, as the French word 'sombre' means dark. A possible double meaning? Given the bleak content of this record I certainly think so. Espérer Sombrer is a twisted testimony to the darkness of this music and the sort of immortal suffering we all must trudge through in this life. Inspired by the likes of Amenra and Cult of Luna, Vesperine are French post hardcore for the ages.

It's fun to get lost in the massive sonic waves of absolution that make up Vesperine's music. These are odes to the human condition and the way that we all must trudge forward, no matter what the consequence. There is something utterly mesmerizing and immaculately put together about Espérer Sombrer, and while it doesn't quite reach the transcendent levels of some of their influences, they are clearly turned on to something deeper. Vesperine is majestic and powerful, the sort of heavy music we can't quite escape.

As the soundworld comes crashing down around you on a track like Mille Couleurs I think that it becomes increasingly clear that Vesperine are ready to take the plunge and get a little bit deeper. They are a band full of potential, full of hope and with a clear drive to go further. Their aesthetic is wonderfully put together, and there is so much to pick apart here. Listening to the band as they continue to expand is going to be a rare treat. Espérer Sombrer is twisted and grim, a trip into a darker side of the human psyche, a trip that you won't regret taking.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/vesperinemusique/

Bind Torture Kill - Viscères

The world of chaotic hardcore is losing one of its shining stars at the end of this year with the planned breakup of Dillinger Escape Plan looming over all of us like the inevitable execution of an old friend. Fortunately there is no end of bands trying to pick up the mantle ranging from God mother to Plaque Marks to of course Bind Torture Kill, one of the most interesting post hardcore bands to come out of France in a good long while. With truly powerful songwriting and a visionary approach to songwriting this is something you can really sink your teeth into. 

Starting off with the ominous intro of Fléau before diving into one of the most intense and pummeling records in the genre that I have heard in a minute it's clear that Bind Torture Kill did their homework writing Viscères. Elements of Trap Them and even Converge bleed into an attack that can't help but to fascinate the listener. The driving force of these tracks is undeniable and there is something strangely addictive about them, the fact that only a couple of them bleed over the five minute mark is a huge selling point too - this is intelligent post hardcore driven by an ADD generation. 

Bind Torture Kill is a monster of a band who just dropped an utter teeth gnasher of a record. The madness and mathiness that defines this album is precisely calculated and it's clear from top to bottom that Bind Torture Kill have the forward thinking vision that it takes to really drive things to the next level. I'm curious to see how these Frenchmen develop as they continue to refine their sound and find new ways to tear throats out across the globe. Fascinating, rapidly evolving and worth many a spin, Bind Torture Kill have started something monumental. 

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/BTK.bind.torture.kill.metal/

Husbandry - Bad Weeds Never Die

Brooklyn has a really interesting scene going right now with a ton of bands taking some very interesting and diverse influences to create fresh new sounds of the sort that have never really gotten traction in this world before. Bad Weeds Never Die is one of the freshest and most interesting EP's of the year, courtesy of post hardcore masters Husbandry, a band who are just starting to get their long deserved momentum. This is a group have always ground it out and Bad Weeds Never Die is a fascinating tribute to all they have accomplished. 

There is a certain masterful presence to what's happening on Bad Weeds Never Die, with this record Husbandry have taken their weird side and run it through avant-focused post hardcore in order to refine something that is simultaneously as bizarre as it is inspirational. Husbandry understand the inherent magic of this genre and their compositions are powerfully thought out and betray an artistic vision that transcends many of their peers. With surprising lush orchestrations and a few unique ideas (I especially dig the drone remix of the lead track, Elder Spencer Deery) this is an EP that can't help but to turn heads. 

What really gets me about this record though is that it has strong replay value. Whereas many EP's these days feel like the band ran out of budget or idea for their LP and the focus feels wrong, with Husbandry this EP feels like its own powerful entity. It's a record that tantalizes you with crushing heaviness, fresh ideas and fascinating fucking songwriting. Tongue in cheek, jazzy, and frequently inspirational Bad Weeds Never Die points you in the direction of a band where the sky is the only limit.

Find Them On Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/husbandrynyc/

Impure Wilhelmina - Radiation

Imagine if Warning were a post hardcore band. That's essentially what Impure Wilhelmina do with their minor key magic on Radiation. There are few records these days that capture the same breadth as Radiation, this is a release that understands the scope that you need to have when writing powerful music and the gorgeous production only serves to make the listening process fascinating and delectable. With big choruses and stunning melodies Impure Wilhelmina can't help but to entrance the listener.

There is a certain breadth to the sound you hear from a band like this one, especially in their willingness to push boundaries and keep growing the possibilities within their music. These tracks are all delicately and exquisitely composed. The amount in which you can sink your teeth into these songs is stunning. As much as this record might hit a lot of the post hardcore tropes that are fairly common within the genre, the band still manages to easily sound like something that would fit perfectly at Roadburn. It speaks to the power of Season Of Mist, that they can put together something so different and yet so in touch with their vision.

What it comes down to with Radiation is the songwriting. Hinting at prog, black metal and countless other genres,  Impure Wilhlmina only serve to fascinate with each and every new chord attack. The guitar tone is so rich you can practically taste it and the driving force behind the music is incredibly strong, only serving to make Radiation an incredibly addictive listen. The sublime poetry behind every lead line and the jarring roalty of the progressions leaves you in awe, I dare you to try and turn this record off.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/impurewilhelmina

Adept - Sleepless

If you read this blog regularly you know I rarely cover metalcore - but sometimes I like to get out of the box, so fuck it - here goes. A metalcore review, because I trust Napalm Records. Sleepless is actually a step beyond anything I have heard from the metalcore scene, in a way it's a concept album, and though yes it does have the occasional post-hardcore cliche Sleepless proves that Adept are masters of their craft. With a powerful spoken word intro triumphant orchestrations and stunning melodies Sleepless is an absolute motherfucker of an album. 

One of the things that impresses me about Sleepless is how soundscape-y it is. These songs aren't just metalcore songs, they take the listener on a journey, and while yeah - you occasionally do have a breakdown or two and even the occasional djenty moment as a whole Adept feel a lot more like a really good pop punk band who use growls. Of course - that's not all, again, the way that this record is put together is truly unique with parts flowing gently into each other, caressing your ears and then stunning you with an impressive angular melody. Toss in a few moments that seem to be there purely to add bombast and you start to understand what makes Sleepless so fascinating to me.

That's what I love about this blog - that every once in a while I stumble across something I never would have touched on otherwise and it leaves me agog. Adept are able to take a lot of traditional metalcore ideas but then infuse it with something that is truly their own, strangely technical and compositionally on point. Perfectly organized, tightly structured and full of the sort of mourning that comes from the albums essential question, "Do I really deserve happiness?" and by the end you realize - maybe you do.

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/adeptofficial/

Coheed and Cambria - The Color before the Sun

Coheed and Cambria is a band I can quite surely qualify as an instant crush at first listen. Ever since having heard the first few minutes of “Domino the Destitute” off of The Afterman : Ascension, I’ve frequently and consistently found myself having a hard time laying off of their extensive catalog. It’s now been 2 years since the release of The Afterman: Descension and Coheed and Cambria are back with a new record titled The Color before the Sun, their first to break away from the band’s lineage of concept albums centered around the Armory Wars universe and storyline.

It wouldn’t be inappropriate to say that TCBTS marks a more direct and less ambitious approach to writing from the behalf of the band, though that is not to say that this album marks any sort of radical stylistic shift for Coheed and Cambria. It is thus not so much in the way of the bands’ instantly recognisable progressive pop-rock formula than in the overall pacing and flow of the album that we may notice somewhat of a break in the band's’ tradition. Rest assured for those fans out there, Claudio Sanchez’ serenading voice and the band's’ dynamic and theatrical compositions are still present on this record, most notably illustrated by the epic single Here to Mars. The album also has a fair share of Coheed and Cambria's’ upbeat and straightforward tracks such as with the chiming You’ve got spirit, kid or the sunny and irresistibly catchy pop-punk opener to the album Island. The track Atlas that was first introduced as an acoustic track on the band's’ youtube page is present on the album, though rearranged revamped as a overdriven rock song that fails to captivate me as much as its first form.  Overall, all of the elements of a solid Coheed and Cambria record are present on TCBTS, however it seems to be the pacing and overall balance in the track list that seems to be lacking for this record. Though the production and performances on this album are top notch as always, I couldn’t help but feel as though some of the songs were missing the sense of “direction” that seems to guide most Coheed and Cambria compositions, be it through their catchier songs or through their epic and compositionally ambitious tracks.

While The Color before the Sun may serve as an introduction to Coheed and Cambria in their most “radio-friendly” format for some, as an avid fan of the band I can’t help but feel a sense of redundancy upon hearing some of the tracks on the album.  As harsh as it may seem, while there isn’t so much as anything inherently bad in TCBTS, I doubt the album will leave a lasting impression on its audience, it’s fair quality being greatly overshadowed by the band's’ extensive back catalog.

Coheed & Cambria

Official Website

http://uk-eu.coheedandcambria.com/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/coheedandcambria/

Twitter

https://twitter.com/coheed

Counting Days - Liberated Sounds

Now this is my favorite part of the job.  Listening to a band that is hands down better than what the main stream kings are selling.  "Liberated Sounds" by Counting Days is a mind blowing reminder of what bands you don't know of yet have to offer.  Before I get too deep into the songs I also want to point out the value of having a physically appealing album cover or merch design and I know someone will say "looks are deceiving" or I'm "superficial" but why do you think bands pay for professional artwork?  Because they are professional. It's a representation of what you are and the first thing someone sees on your merchandise.  It's your brand and this band has bad ass written all over it.  

"Liberated Sounds" starts off with a straight dropkick to the face and no apologies.  This is the sound bands in the hardcore scene wish they could write but lack the ability to think of the song as a whole.  These songs are groovy and heavy with a sound similar to bands like It Dies Today and Chimaira.  This has the elements expected of a hardcore band with that thrash edge combined with a metal background ever present in these songs.  As I listen to the album more and more I find that I'm involuntarily playing air guitar while head banging in my kitchen with people just staring at me.  There is some slower parts in the song which show off a more relaxing side of the band also.  I personally love when bands take it down a notch and get fresh with the audience.  These bands members are no strangers to success and the road, which shows in this well executed medley of hardcore music with metal and punk influence.   

There is a common idea that all metalcore/hardcore music sounds exactly the same and I can see where that stems from but it doesn't change the fact that there are bands out there that are doing it right and make a name for themselves and break away from the pack to become a force of nature.  Counting Days is a quintet of mayhem that has put in the work and it really shows.  Don't get me wrong you aren't getting something groundbreaking but your getting the cream of the scene when it comes to "Liberated Sounds."  There are people that imitate and people that are real songs writers, and for me this band delivered one hell of an album.  If you like tons of screaming with gut punching guitar riffs, dirty breakdowns and catchy melodies than you need to look no further than my friends from the U.K.

Find them on Facebook !!
https://www.facebook.com/Countingdaysuk

Upcoming show: Deathwish Fest Europe - Converge, Trap Them, Harm's Way, Young and in the Way (01/06)

It doesn't take a whole lot of effort to guess that June will be kicking off to a great start this year for us Parisians. Indeed, June the first is most definitely a date you're going to want to mark on your calendars and get ready for, because independent record label Deathwish Inc will be blessing us with a show lining up a show with 4 bands, 4 reasons not to miss this event under any circumstances. 

The boldly named Young and in the Way will be kicking things off with their terrorizing concoction of dirty, energetic Crust punk drenched with loud, abrasive black metal. Their latest full-length release, titled When life comes to death, pulls no punches, as evidenced by the bold album art displaying a clenched fist wielding an army knife.

Chicago-based act Harm's way will be there to follow things off with their blunt, bone-crushing set of hardcore punk delivered with the sonic ferocity of an old-school Swedish death metal act. Don't expect any more respite from these pissed-off gentlemen, as their latest release with Deathwish Inc. titled Rust clearly shows that they have no intention of toning down their sound nor their message.

Speaking of which, if you're a fan of Swedish buzzsaw guitar tones, hardcore/grindcore act Trap Them should most likely be a well-established band for your musical repertoire. The band started out in 2001 and has quickly earned itself a rock solid reputation in the hardcore punk scene, blowing us away with one crushing release after the other. Amongst the bands' intense sound one can find influences from Crust punk, D-beat, Hardcore, Swedish death metal and Grindcore all clenched together and ready to be delivered straight to your face. It's dark, it's blood-pumping and it's incredibly effective: what more could you possibly ask for?

Up on top of the roster of bands for the evening is a band whom I doubt really needs much of an introduction. You'll have trouble finding a hardcore show without at least one fan bearing the mark of frontman Jacob Bannons' iconic band art. Simply put, Converge are one of the most innovative and influential bands in the hardcore scene today, with their sound having served as a blueprint for an entire generation of hardcore-derived bands. 25 years into their career however, the Massachusetts-born quartet remain a driving force for the scene with their untamable, chaotic and groundbreaking sound delivered with an untarnished sense of honesty and passion. From their debut album to their now classic Jane Doe and up to their latest full length effort All we Love we leave behind, Converge have yet to let their loyal fans down. Reinstating their place as one of hardcore’s most intense live acts with every performance given, Converge shows come nothing short of an unmissable event for fans of hardcore punk and forward-thinking loud rock acts.

If you're anything like some of my friends who were unfortunate enough to miss out on Converge's sold-out show last year, I recommend not taking too long before grabbing your tickets. Better safe than sorry, trust me on this one.

Robin

Links to the event (with links to grab some pre-sale tickets)
Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/events/431319043686123/

Lastfm

http://www.lastfm.fr/event/4018367+Deathwish+Fest+2015

Digitick

http://www.digitick.com/deathwish-fest-w-converge-concert-le-trabendo-paris-01-juin-2015-css4-digitick-pg101-ri2875193.html

This gig is brought to us by Hi Booking.
Be sure to check out and subscribe to Hi Booking for updates on their upcoming shows 

http://www.hibooking.fr/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/hibookingfrance

Deathwish Inc.

Official Website

http://www.deathwishinc.com/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/deathwishinc

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/profile?user=Deathwishinc

Twitter

https://twitter.com/deathwishinc

Bandcamp

https://deathwishinc.bandcamp.com/album/live-at-the-bbc

Converge

Official Website

http://www.convergecult.com/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/converge

Bandcamp

https://convergecult.bandcamp.com/

Trap Them

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/TrapThem

Bandcamp

https://trapthem.bandcamp.com/

Harm’s Way

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/harmsxway

Bandcamp

https://www.facebook.com/harmsxway

Young and in the Way

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/yaitw

Bandcamp

https://youngandintheway.bandcamp.com/

Fleshworld/Gazers/Viscera/// - Split

It's Thanksgiving in America and I am suffering from the most ungodly food coma. Imagine a hangover along with feelings of bloatedness and spontaneous patriotism, it's not pretty. So as I sit here nursing my aching head (and bulging gut) I'm trying to find it in me to reflect upon the otherworldly magic of the one of the most interesting splits to have hit my inbox in a good long while. Filled with beautiful songs of majestic heavy metal triumph, this split between Fleshworld, Gazers and Viscera/// has all sorts of unique twists and turns that make it worth many a spin.

Here's the thing about this record, though a variety of genres are represented in the individual sounds of the bands I think that it's easy to make a case that in fact these tracks are fairly interrelated. They all have the same ethereal touch that makes them a joy to listen too and a journey to explore. There is a clear sense of psychedelia that pervades throughout the album. Each of these bands seems to have a merely casual attachment to reality, as if listening for too long will make you leave your earthly body behind as you search into the astral plane. Fleshworld brings a rather reflective and epic sound to the table that will open your mind and have you searching beautiful soundscapes. Meanwhile, Gazers have a slightly more hardcore oriented style, but there is so much post music mixed in there that you have to acknowledge these guys are far more than a mere hardcore band. Finally, Viscera/// have a sound that ebbs and flows, delving into strange parts of the mind I wasn't entirely aware existed, they give the listener a wonderful sense of conclusion as this all levels out.

In the end, I still have a food coma, and this record is still really interesting. While tomorrow the effects of today's poor decision will (hopefully) have gone away, the spiritual experience that I got from listening to this record will not. This split is a journey and proves the eternal might that splits have. The fact that I won't get the chance to seem them put it all together at their upcoming show in Krakow leaves me very disappointed. Every band left me begging for more and I sincerely hope these acts decide to collaborate together in the future!

Find the bands on Facebook!

Fleshworld: https://www.facebook.com/fleshworld

Gazers: https://www.facebook.com/Gazersband?ref=br_tf

Viscera///: https://www.facebook.com/viscera3stripes

Dustbloom

Another day, another band, another way to look forward into that sempiternal pit which we all must face sooner or later. So why not fill the time between now and said pit with some really good music? So come on in and dig in to today's band with me, the Salt Lake City based band whose heavy sound defies genres. While I might try to tie them into ideas like 'post hardcore' (In the proper sense of the term and not the bullshit that dominates today's market) they are so much more than that. Dustbloom are one of those bands who are doing something different, but that also fits within the greater context of past work, it's possible to see where these guys are coming from, but it's hard to compare them to other bands. In terms of vibes I might say they are close to The Mars Volta or Fugazi, but they are so much more than that, and it makes me excited to see what they do next. With a fair amount of material out so far (Including a split with Huldra) I'm excited to hear how they evolve, they have a lot of good ideas, and I feel like they could go far.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/Dustbloom

The Grasshopper Lies Heavy-Every Man For Himself And God Against All

I've never been to San Antonio, why, I've never even been to Texas, but they must have some pretty crazy stuff going on out there for a record like this to come from those sun-blasted fields. The Grasshopper Lies Heavy are the sort of band who make you ask, is this even music? And somehow, you find it within yourself to realize that the answer is a resounding yes. There new record Every Man For Himself And God Against All is a release that almost annihilates the need for traditional music because it is so all encompassing, and somehow, all powerful.

These guys have done something with Every Man For Himself And God Against All they have captured my imagination, and then beat it it to a pulp. This is the sort of bloody, ungodly destruction that leaves people feeling weak and overcome, there is no redemption from this pure nihilistic annihilation. The Grasshopper Lies Heavy speak right to the heart, soothing and strange words, before reaching down your throat, and ripping it out. Four listens in, I'm still not quite sure what to make of this very unique release, only that it defies genres and leaves me almost in tears at times, simply that powerful of a record, it escapes all human comprehension, leaving you to put together shards of memory.

In conclusion, Every Man For Himself And God Against All may not necessarily be the best album of the year, but it is certainly one of the most interesting. It crafts bizarre and unique soundscapes that leave you trying to understand where you came from, and then where you are going. This record is completely instrumental, allowing it to talk to us on a much more fundamental level and then makes you lose yourself in the nihilistic apocalypse that is ungodly and pure heavy metal madness. So open your heart, fall into the void, and become aware.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/grasshopperliesheavy

Amber/Locktender Split

Two incredible artsy hardcore bands, one mind bending split, what could possibly go wrong? This new seven inch from two masters of the genre showcases the best of a pair of groups I could see going far. On the one hand you have Amber, a German band with a true dedication to all that is extreme, yet with a much more intelligent and developed atmosphere. On the other, you have Locktender who have very quickly risen up to be my favorite hardcore band of the last few years, with their upcoming record Rodin being about the famous artist of the same name.

So what really sets this split apart? Well it isn't the name, that's for sure, seriously, what is it with bands naming their split releases "Split", couldn't you try just a little? Ranting aside, the thing that engages me about this is that both of the bands have a very distinct flavor. Ambers music is wholly unique, but so is Locktenders. The similarity lies in the general goal of both bands, to show that hardcore is the true  successor to famous composers of yore. The raw energy found in both is also impressive and shows that even if these bands are going for something a bit more 'out there' they haven't lost touch with their roots, this just adds to the magic of the music.

If you want the kind of split that people will talk about twenty years from now, then buy this as soon as you can. Amber and Locktender are both groups with careers on high flying trajectories, hosting unique sounds on a hardcore basis. This is more than just music, both of these groups make statements, exposing their very beings to the listener. While it may be tough going for some fans, I certainly feel that as I write, on my fifth time through the record, I have not wasted any time. There is a lot to dig here and I'm excited to hear how both groups develop in the future!

Find the bands on Facebook!

Amber: https://www.facebook.com/hereisamber

Locktender: https://www.facebook.com/locktenderband?ref=ts&fref=ts

Locktender-Rodin

Locktender are the kind of artsy and beautiful hardcore band that might alienate many listeners, but I tell you my brethren, Locktender are this centuries answer to Debussy. What you have to understand with Locktender is that each of their releases is centered around a different artist or author. This ends up impacting the taste and feel of the entire record, from the lyrics, to the music, and beyond. Their newest one, Rodin is an impressive testament to one of the greatest artists to ever come from France. These Ohio natives are crafting something new and exciting, hinting at a bright future ahead.

Rodin immediately launches with the seventeen minute long think piece, The Burghers of Calais. Perfectly putting the atmosphere of a painting into music, they capture the spirit of Rodins art in four progressive, multi part epics. In many ways, the longer track remind me of the Mussorgsky classic Pictures at an Exhibition. Even the records shorter tracks like, The Thinker which is under four minutes long, features a variety of different parts, flavors and moods. Locktender are this generations classical artists. While they might put off many with their brainy sound, they will surely stand the test of time. Locktender have gone above and beyond what hardcore, post hardcore, or really any sort of extreme music is capable of and created something all encompassing and spiritually significant.

Rodin is not a record to be taken lightly, not something that you can just spin once and then put away, their is an incredible depth to the music here, even in the most simple bare bone arrangements. Not a lot of bands are as mind bendingly unique as this one, and few have such a clear and distinct artistic direction. Locktender are breaking all the rules and coming out stronger because of it. What will happen next, no one can tell, but if the band continues to develop and evolve in this way I think that they could very soon rise to the top of the hardcore scene!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/locktenderband

Mur-S/T

When I first saw Mur in my inbox I shuddered to see a group labeled as Post hardcore/Black Metal. Was this some cruel bastardization of something I hate (Post Hardcore) leeching onto something I love (Black Metal)? Fortunately for me this was not the case, Mur are in fact an interesting blackened hardcore band who with their self titled debut bring in some fascinating post hardcore elements like electronic keyboards to get something that while maybe not trve or kvlt is actually very enjoyable after its own fashion. Mur are crafting a new breed of blackened hardcore and I have to say I like it a lot.

See, Mur are taking something traditionally unaccessible as a base (Black Metal) and are giving it interesting hardcore frills to find something that would be much more enjoyable for more casual fans. The five tracks that make up Mur are both highly intelligent and well crafted. Because of the unique nature of their sound with Mur the band are able to craft soundscapes of a sort I have not previously gotten the chance to explore. The power behind tracks like Hermetic Party is impressive fusing the might of genres to get something otherworldly in scope. This is the sort of EP that you have to spin many times to really get and even then, there could be more to explore.

In closing, Mur have crafted an excellent and frequently stunning debut here. This is not your typical blackened hardcore record, why, Mur is not your typical anything! Yet it is approachable and easy to engage with. The electronic elements provide flavor and the riffs are crafted by some wonderful guitarists who really get what they're trying to do. Pure and distinctly different, the future seems bright for this young French band. Now working with Dooweet Productions I could see them rapidly rising to the top of the countries vibrant scene!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/murgenius

Fight From Silence

Now, normally I really don't like post hardcore, frankly it does nothing for me. Yet every once in a while there comes a post hardcore band who get what it means to be brutal and they embrace it with a fiery burning passion. Fight From Silence is one of those bands, a group who are not afraid to get heavy and do their own thing their is a certain unreal beauty to the music of Fight From Silence. These guys get heavy and it just works. The piano parts add some excellent melodies to the songs and keep tracks like Open Your Eyes exciting. Meanwhile the clean vocals are surprisingly well done and not whiny at all, in fact they straight up deserve their place in the music. In other words, Fight From Silence impress me even though they play a genre I often hate. Suffice to say, these guys bring something fresh and exciting to the table and I'd like to hear more from them then the 2 songs they have up on their Facebook page. Seeing them at Open Wall Fest next week should be a treat!

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/FightFromSilence

Underwell-Plan Your Rebirth

The problem with a lot of modern post hardcore is that it feels a little self conscious, its kind of afraid of its roots and doesn't want people to look to deep into the sound. And frankly, that's because often there's not a lot going on. This is what makes the new release from Underwell such a relief. Plan Your Rebirth has punchy riffs and a great attack that, when fused with some very solid clean vocals (I know right?) creates a record that is powerful and a lot of fun to listen to, an album that shows the potential that post hardcore can really have, as a genre that appeals to all sorts of metalheads.

I think the three main selling points of this record are, the great riffs, the semi shouted vocals and the use of acoustic parts. The riffs simply add a lot of flavor to the music and put this group a cut above the competition, not a lot of bands can really argue with a group who can rip out the riffs Underwell do on songs like Bye Bye Black Bird. Meanwhile, from the vocal perspective, these half shouted half growled cries the lead singer belts out have a true metal magic. That is not to say the cleans or the growls are bad, they just could be polished. I for one would be very content with this record simply having the middling vocal style used throughout, even if the other styles do add a lot of flavor to the songs. I really love the acoustic bridges that some of these tracks feature, while they are (Rightfully) not centerpoints to the music they sure do keep things spicy.

In conclusion, if you're looking for some post hardcore that might change how you feel about the gnere then look no more. The masters over at Wormhole Death have proved their competence once again by signing one of the more promising post hardcore acts to be found in a nauseatingly large scene. With their varied and crushing sound their is a lot of cool stuff going on here that few of Underwell's contemporaries can match. With Plan Your Rebirth Underwell show off the chops as well as where they could improve. Very much worth multiple listens for the crazy riffs alone this could very well be the record that changes many a metalheads view on post hardcore.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/underwell

Raised As Wolves

Raised As Wolves is a powerful post hardcore band who have a remarkably good mix of cleans and growls along with some very catch choruses. Tasteful through and through these guys are actually quite an enjoyable listen even for a hoary old metaller like me. There is quite a lot of dynamic interest in the music of Raised as Wolves, these guys certainly know how to play with light and dark, thus giving their music a bit of a progressive feel and making songs like This is not the End especially memorable. While the parts are usually pretty straightforward and rather simple they are certainly well written and the flow of the songs certainly seems to work rather well. With a new EP out only five days ago it seems like only good things are happening for this band, seeing how they develop this sound that they have polished so much will be very interesting. If you want to check these guys out then their An Ocean on Fire record should please you and other fans of good solid post hardcore.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/RaisedAsWolves/app_178091127385