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Records and their “Victory Metal” spinoff, which has seemingly only signed one noteworthy act, Dead to Fall, whom are no longer active.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

Hear ye, hear ye, thick slabs of metal concrete beaming through your earbuds. Too Pure To Die ("TPTD") debut on Trustkill is quite the treat. Each track is comprised of multi-faceted and unheard of breakdowns and guitar tone that alludes to Soulfly. These fine young gentlemen have the same precision tuned voracity as Fear Factory. Their music arrangements are current and present a refreshing attitude towards metal and hardcore, bringing to mind Lamb of God (via the Prosthetic Records days). There seems to be some digital sampling or sound bytes that resound the genius of the UK's Pitchshifter. If you are a fan of Rammstein's short outbursts of groove tinted riffs, you will love the blizzard of heart rendering guitar work, cadence driven drums tracking, and solid semi-truck-weighted bass lines. TPTD deliver a gargantuan assault of the audible senses, yet have no worries, nor fear, for there is no deprivation. Besides the hammering down hardcore vocals, we hear what seems to be a baritone vocalist that drives your experience farther into the realm of new heavy music possibilities. Clocking in at over 30 minutes you get your money's worth. This is so, because each track is enjoyable, heavy and gets you moving. You won't want to stop listening. Here are the tracks you can expect to peel your ears back: Confess, My Vow, Gotham City, Can I Live, Saving Grace, One True Thing, Define Irony, Rock Bottom, Omerta, Trial, Find My Way. The only drawback I see is the language that surpasses the PG rating. Let us affirm for you that you will hear influences, that can only be linked and/or ties to Corrosion of Conformity. Uncanny string bends and funky tight drum breaks present the Southern style flare of fracas -- if you like Pantera in any sort of way, you will love TPTD. All together they are different than any aforementioned bands, yet at the same time is is an eye-opening and ear-deafening experience for those new to hearing TPTD. Full up, pedal to the metal heavy music. Thanks to Trustkill Records for sharing this. Pick up your copy today!

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.