Adversary “Singularity” CD

Adversary’s debut release Singularity was discovered by me only today, and let me tell you, this thing is such a blast to listen to! Why I have been spending all this time not listening to this record is beyond me, in fact, it’s a sin that I haven’t discovered this gem sooner. Combining catchy hooks and melodies akin to All That Remains, while maintaining the brutality of traditional melodic death metal, Adversary is the perfect progeny of mainstream pop sensibilities, and underground heaviness. What’s most surprising however, is that Trustkill Records, a label traditionally associated with its hardcore releases, has picked up this band and is marketing Singularity which originally was released independently. From a metalhead’s perspective, this is a fantastic acquisition by Trustkill as it gives a huge amount of legitimacy to a label that is attempting to enter the heavy metal market much like Victory Records and their “Victory Metal” spinoff, which has seemingly only signed one noteworthy act, Dead to Fall, whom are no longer active. I am not the type of person who is all or nothing concerning metal, obviously there have to be labels for other genres as well, hardcore included. However, if you, as a traditional hardcore label, want to enter the world of heavy metal, please do it right and treat the genre with respect. Trustkill Records signing Adversary is a definite great start in their effort to fully extend into metal.

Terror “Forever Crossing The Line” CD

A while back I had the pleasure of reviewing Terror's Rhythm Amongst The Chaos EP and thought it was the shit so I was glad to see Forever Crossing The Line:5 Years In The Making land on my desk. As expected, this disc is loaded with raging pit riffs, massive break downs and old school shouted vocals. Terror have just solidified their spot amongst the H/C elite.

Too Pure To Die “Confess” CD

Weight: A genius full length called confidence & consquences came before. Significant Findings: This album leaves with a good feeling in the direction this band went. It progress out of the genius confidence and consequences and moved on to an equally awesome album. This album to me is parallels with anthrax's we've come for you all. In the way that this band will prove to all the non believers that this band is not about to drop of the side of the earth along with every band that once populated this era. This albums is a new territory of sense the vocals are more broad and it adds to the fullness of the album. Seeing this band live, Paul was a great front man and he pulled the old songs lives without effort and deliver a top notch show. In this new album where Paul is full part of it he proves that this band can only get better and there is no limit to where it can go. The songs are maybe out of reach of the old fans but than again that scene is gone and the times have move forward. Possible Diagnosis: The release of this of confess will settle some debates that this band might be a fluke and that they might be a one trick pony. This albums delivered on all fronts. Sometimes one may think that greatness can not be duplicated or follow but TPTD proves that it might be a dynasty. It follows a in it's own footstep a task that many have fail. This album in the right hands and in front of the right audience will be contaminating any one that comes in touch with it. If you decide to part ways with TPTD do so but you can't part ways because they suck or because they have reach it's end. It will be a mutual and friendly departure. If it all ended right now this band would leave in a high not unlike most of it's peer of the time. Recommendation: This band and new album is too good to die.

Walls Of Jericho “The American Dream” CD, 12" vinyl

Not many bands today in the extreme music business manage to keep their energy and make albums that not repeat each other but have something new, still explosive, to present. Add a female vocalist and you’ve got Walls Of Jericho. “The American Dream” is nothing less than a loaded shotgun ready to burst as the album prepares its own war to the politics of lies and deceit. Thrash metal attacks, hardcore attitude and the always pissed off voice of the unique Candance Kucsulain give the American dream the middle finger for good this time, while the lyrics and the music are angrier and heavier than ever. It also presents the continuing growth of the band’s thrash/hardcore mix along with other elements which can be found on their previous EP release “Redemption”, which was an acoustic effort of the band produced with the help of Corey Taylor of Slipknot. The album is probably the band’s best to date and shares several elements with their previous effort “With Devils Amongst Us All” which was also a killer album.

Bleeding Through “Declaration” CD, 12" vinyl

Bleeding Through's third album "Declaration" is indeed quite that. The album makes a definitive statement about where the band are in their career and potentially where it is going. A heavier and more aggressive effort, probably in no small part to the production work of Devin Townsend. Having endoured the lost of Scott Danough and poor label support, the band took stock and added Jona Weinhofen to the fold, with the result being an impressive third release. Mixing elements of death and black metal, with more melodic aspects, along with some cool old school punk and hardcore influences, Bleeding Through have crafted a unique sound. A myriad of influences can be heard from the likes of Cradle of Filth to Fear Factory, and Soilwork to Pantera. The opening track, "Declaration (you cant destroy what you cannot replace)" shows the band in full flight and demonstrates the heaviness that this possesses. Yet other tracks such as "There Was A Flood" see the band performing in a mellower vein with greater intricacy and finesse on the introduction as Marta's atmospheric add to the bands vibe. Brandan Schieppati's vocals are strong and both his death and clear styles shine. The guitaring is fast and riff heavy and Brian Leppke and Jonas Weinhofen have a lot to be proud of. All in all, "Declaration" is a strong album for Bleeding Through, who have crafted quite an interesting mix of styles to arrive at something which is fast, yet intricate, but able to show softer, more mellow elements. An aggressive album that raises the bar for all.