In the genre of Melodic Aggro/Hard Rock, therea

From the depths of utter brutality rising…. The Metalcore band If Hope Dies unleashes some sheer, apocalyptic hostility. Their 2004 opus, “The Ground Is Rushing Up To Meet Us” [Ironclad Recordings], is a brilliant execution of pure, brute force aggression. And it’s a killer thing. Harsh, growls pierce frenzied and disjointedly perfect rhythmic barrages. Viciously …

One could blather on endlessly about the greatness of the legendary Carcass. And rightly so, because besides being one of the greatest Grindcore bands ever they evolved into one of the best Deathrock Metal acts before their untimely demise in 1997. The British act’s 2004 compilation of rarities and glories, titled “Choice Cuts” [Earache Records], …

Forged in rage, the brutal power of the new Metalcore beast Martyr A.D. is an undeniable force. Their 2004 debut, “On Earth As It Is In Hell” [Victory Records], is a primal onslaught of savage glory. Martyr A.D. takes a relentless Metalcore edge, and sharpens it with Powercore grooves and a melodic undercurrent. Martyr A.D. …

As the darkness slips into consciousness, every truth becomes an abyss. From the most shadowed realms of aggression returns the fiery Centinex. Their 2004 ode to the grim, “Decadence – Prophecies Of Cosmic Chaos” [Candlelight Records], is a slick aggregate of Black Swedish Death Metal and Dark Metal aesthetics. This is their best release yet. …

Brutal, bizarre, and bloody…Macabre makes Horror Grindcore with a gory twist of black humor. Their 2003 opus, “Murder Metal” [Seasons Of Mist Records], is a ghastly mixture of serial killers, Boston Hardcore, and Grindcore greatness. Macabre is as unique as a crime scene. The Macabre schema has one gutting principle, and that is horrific intensity. …

Born of fire and primal power, the Metalcore band Hoods is a gloriously savage cut above the rest. Their 2003 opus, “Pray For Death” [Victory Records], smashes with pure intensity. There is no peace here…just spine-cracking, awe-inspiring brutality. Hoods takes a “no mercy” approach to Metalcore… the songs are compact and visceral. They go for …

The infinite abysm of Greece has produced many exemplary Metal bands, and one of the very best of those acts is Horrified. Their 2003 opus, “Deus Diabolus Inversus” [The End/Black Lotus Records], is Melodic Death Metal at its experimental best. Horrified does not disappoint. Touches of Black Metal, Classical, and Avant-Garde elements are fused into …

Darkness and brutality, these are the things that make Atreyu such a great Metalcore band. Taking their name from the movie “The Neverending Story,” Atreyu has left a bloody path of creativity that few could match. Their 2004 opus, “The Curse” [Victory Records], is Gothic Metalcore built on the splendid wreckage of the dying light. …

Extremely dark and melodic, Insomnium adds an interesting twist to the Melodic Death Metal genre. Their 2004 opus, “Since the Day All Came Down” [Candlelight Records], fuses eclectic elements with Death Metal. It’s diverse, powerful, and extremely sublime. Behold the beauty of darkness…. Insomnium has a radiant quality that surpasses mere heaviness…it transcends to a …