One of the amazing things about music is that it is like a disease. It grows and with each new patient, it changes and adapts. Emocore or post-hardcore (whatever you wish to call it) is a relatively new evolution in music, and already there are bands emulating their elders. A Static Lullably is one of …
Machine Head has come under fire in recent years for the direction that their music has taken. Instead of sticking with the straight-forward crushing rock of their earlier albums, the Bay Area metallers have incorporated some rap-rock elements into their sound. While that has led to a legion of disbelievers, fans and haters alike acknowledge …
The phenomenon that was rap metal seems to be in its waning years but that has not stopped grade 8 from coming into prominence. Their debut release, a self-titled affair, has gained them a slot on Ozzfest 2003 and for good cause. With chugging guitars, a clean low end and powerful vocals, grade 8 should …
During the early 90's the grunge insurrection spawned a revolt of the alternative proletariat against the mainstream bourgeoisie. For the better part of the decade, a new musical order was emerging. The demographical chasm between pop, metal and hip-hop opened the floodgates for an influx of innovative and original sounds. Then it happened-the children of …
Sometimes you want to get hoochied out, slurp up a beer bong, and shake your thang like a 99 cent chicken wang (patience please – poetic slang is not my fo-tay). In other words, sometimes you just want to PAR-TAY, and what makes that party hop? Music! But the Chicago based band with a myriad …
Sometimes simple is just good. Such is the case with old school Hardcore. One band that vehemently, and successfully, adheres to this principle is Slapshot. Their 2003 opus, “Greatest Hits, Slashes & Crosschecks” [Bridge Nine Records], is a stomping, spitting, kick-in-the-face slab of early style Hardcore. Clean vocal yells, pounding rhythms, and churning guitar leads …
When one looks longs into the darkness, it stares into the depths of your soul as well. This abysmal introspection builds the beautiful ruins of truth. Just such a stark glory is what shines in the band Evanescence. The Little Rock, Arkansas band's sophomore release, “Fallen” [Wind-Up Records], is the most amazing effort I heard …
The Swedish underground produces some amazing, brutal bands. One such act, Eternal Lies, returns Swedish Death Metal to its glorious foundations. Not since the early days of Sentenced has this style been so intricate, pristine, and primal. Formed by former members of Fatal Embrace and Parazite, this manifestation of primordial radiance is pure ferocity. Their …
Hardcore takes many forms today, as artistic evolution has broadened the range of dynamics and facets that a band can implement. Melodic and powerful are the keys to the Somehow Hollow aesthetic. Their 2003 opus, “Busted Wings And Rusted Halos” [Victory Records], sharpens the edges and bludgeons the senses. This is a definitive piece of …
The realm of Hardcore has become tremendously diverse in the past decade. In the melodic subset, one exceptional act is Dogwood. Their 2003 opus, “Seismic” [Tooth & Nail Records], is a thundering display of beautiful Pop aesthetic and Hardcore power. Intense, bludgeoning instrumentals wash across Josh Kemble's clean, Pop-tinged vocals. Their melodious qualities are not …