Welcome to the reviews section of calihardcore.com. Here you will find the latest reviews of both California and non-California bands. Check the archives in the box below for older reviews which have been seperated by Cali and Non-Cali sections. If you want your cd vinyl record reviewed send it to calihardcore.com, P.O. Box 271765, Concord, CA 94527-1765. No need to e-mail me regarding reviews, just send the stuff in to the post office box. All submissions will be reviewed and posted. Please keep in mind it usually takes 3-4 weeks for me to get a review posted. All reviews by Nick Martinson except where noted.

added: 1/26/08
Crucified - "Demo 2008"
Fuckin' THANK YOU. I get so much mediocre crap these days to review it thrills me to get a demo as intense as this one from Crucified. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Northern California produces some of the best hardcore bands in the country. The unfortunate part is rarely do any of them get the recognition they deserve. Although not long together in existence this band deserves much recognition. They mix up Ringworn and All Out War fury and create an abrasive and gritty chainsaw-esque sound. Recorded at Panda Studios in Oakland, a studio I'm not familiar with but look forward to hearing more work come out out of there because the recording quality is perfect for a band like Crucified. This is easily the best demo I've heard in a very long time. They've got a split coming out with No Truce later in the year and I will eagerly be waiting for it to come out. Check out the band's myspace page at myspace.com/crucified13 to hear two of the four tracks from here. Contact the band and get the full demo. You will not be dissapointed. Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 1/26/08
Arson Anthem - "Arson Anthem" - Housecore Records
Most of you probably aren't already familiar with Arson Anthem so here's a brief introduction... The band is comprised of Philip Anselmo (ex-Pantera, Down, Superjoint Ritual, etc) on guitar, Mike Williams (Eyehategod, Outlaw Order) on vocals, Hank Williams III (solo artist, Superjoint Ritual, Assjack) on drums, and bassist Collin Yeo. The band formed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and there was instant buzz around New Orleans about the new formation. The goal of the group was to re-capture the emotions of and set fire to the music scene like bands like Negative Approach, Hellhammer, Discharge and Void did when they first started. Anselmo manages to create riffage in exactly that way but adds his own style on top to create a furious and intense sound. Williams brings his usual trademark torn, ripped and shredded vocal style to the forefront and Hank III's drumming skills may not revolutionize the world of drumming but it compliments the music perfectly. Lastly we have Yeo holding down the distored back end on bass solidifying the groups delivery and fury. At first Arson Anthem may seem like just another run of the mill band but after multiple listens you will hear a lot more going on a realize the group holds a lot of merrit on it's own. There's eight tracks on here but no song is longer than 100 seconds so they go by quickly. The music is straight to the point and they go right for your throat. I really hope the band sticks with it and tours. Arson Anthem is for people who really understand and have a "fuck all" attitude about things. This is raw and furious punk in it's purest form. No bullshit here. Check out the band's myspace page at myspace.com/arsonanthem or go to the Housecore Records site to hear tracks. Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 1/26/08
Killing California - "Goin' South" - Basement Records
Real solid gritty-edged rock band that's a mix of Zeke, a little Black Flag, and The Bronx. They come from Orange County but there's no emo pop garbage here just dirty rock the way it should be. Not a ton to say about these guys but check them out if you like bands like The Bronx. Their myspace can be found at myspace.com/killingcalifornia. Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 1/11/08
The Fire The Flood - "Truthseekers" - No Sleep Records
Good stuff here from The Fire The Flood who hail from Charlotte, North Carolina. Their sound is similar to some chaotic-metal bands like Coalesce, early Botch or Dillinger Escape Plan but what they're playing is more riff oriented and groovy for the most part; almost like Helmet. I guess they're more a hardcore band then a metal band but within the genre they're making some fairly original noise here. Definitely give this band a couple of listens and I think you'll be pleased. The Fire The Flood is a keeper. Hit up their myspace page at myspace.com/thefiretheflood. Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 1/11/08
Immortal Souls - "Wintereich" - Facedown Records
This is the 3rd full length album from this Finnish metal band and the first to cross my path. Overall pretty good stuff here in the somewhat typical Swedish/Finnish/Norwegian modern metal sound. Think older In Flames, Witchery, Soilwork, etc. This isn't a style I listen to much these days but if you're into really solid metal with good musicianship then you should check this out. For being on Facedown Records, a label with bands who usually sing most of their songs about Jesus and God, the prescense of both in the lyrics are nearly absent here. As the title of the album suggest the songs all revolve around the theme of Winter. For more info on the band check out their website at immortalsouls.com. Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 1/11/08
Impending Doom - "Nailed. Dead. Risen." - Facedown Records
More "hurray for Jesus" metal from Facedown Records. Think Cattle Decapitation goes to Church. Toss in a little Dying Fetus and Animosity and you get the idea. Lyrics aside musically they're pulling off what they do very well. Brutal death-core with blast beats and breakdowns around every corner. The vocals are virtually indistinguishable low growls so the Jesus and God love lyrics are not really a factor unless you're really flat out against them or really want to hear the praise clearly; In which case you'd probably like this less if at all. Overall I'd give this a slightly above average rating. The musicianship is tight and for what it is, it's good. Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 10/16/07
Terror - "Rhythm Amongst the Chaos" - Reaper Records
The mighty Terror from Los Angeles are back with four new original songs and a cover of Breakdown's "Kickback." The EP kicks off with the title track and gives us a heavy dose of Terror's fury that we've heard on past albums. The opening song is about the sanctuary that is, for the band and so many others, "the road." The next track to pound our ear drums is "Disconnected," my favorite of the CD and one about feeling alone in a crowd and being a true outsider. The third song is the 93 second "Vengeance Calls On You," a song with as hard an edge as any other from the band. The final original song of the EP is "Arms of the Truth" and then closing out the album is the cover of "Kickback" featuring guest vocals from Vinnie Paz of Jedi Mind Tricks. Overall this is a strong delivery of the classic style hardcore Terror is known and loved for. If you loved them before you'll love them just as much when you hear "Rhythm Amongst the Chaos;" Another classic from Terror! Review by: Nick Martinson

All these short reviews without cover images were added 8/14/07

Turn It Around - Demo 2007
Some of the lyrics in this band's song "Marshall's on Second," track two of this five song demo, sum the band up for me; "This is passion. This is heart." Even if a band sucks if they've got heart and passion they're going to reach some people if they can really show that in their performance. Luckily Sacramento's Turn It Around does not suck and their passion and heart for hardcore music shows in these songs. You can grab four of these songs on their MYSPACE page and I suggest you do so. For fans of Chain of Strength, Trial, etc.

Plead the Fifth - Demo 2007
Negative Approach influenced hardcore with a slightly updated sound born out of Sacramento. A newer band worth looking out for that shows lots of signs of greatness. Hopefully they'll land a label soon, which by the sounds of this demo shouldn't be much of a problem, so we can get a better recording. This recording is decent but there's definitely some room for improvement. If you're into old Boston Hardcore bands with mob vocals and lots of circle pit action check out Plead The Fifth. myspace.com/pleadthefifth

Green Lizard - "Las Armas Del Silencio" - I Scream Records
This is sort of like New Found Glory meets Snapcase. Their myspace page says "Alternative / Grunge / Rock".. sure, ok. It's definitely not hardcore but there's a few of the lighter elements there. This isn't really my thing. It's odd to hear that Henry Rollins did some guest vocals on their last album. The band is from the Netherlands and has been around since 1994. Experience definitely comes through in their sound, as it's clearly not ameatur hour with these guys. Still though, style wise, it's not for me. I'll pass.

Achilles - "Hospice" - Hex Records
Not bad but not great hardcore from Rochester, NY. Achilles is pretty straight forward but they do have some originality to them. I think Earth Crisis (sans Vegan politics) meets Shai Hulud is a brief description of their sound. I'll probably listen to this again. They're definitely worth looking into. Check out their myspace page at myspace.com/achilles for some tunes.

Calico System - "Outside are the Vultures" - Eulogy Records
Most of you are probably familiar with this band. I never really got into them. They're not bad but this sort of "metalcore" thing I got over and out of a long time ago. Apparently they're breaking up soon. Last time to see them tour will be this year. For fans of Evergreen Terrace, Killswitch Engage, etc.

To The Lions - "Baptism of Fire" - Goodfellow Records
Really good stuff going on here from this Ontario band but I think the production is a tad too slick for the music being created here. Think early Integrity, demo era-Hatebreed mixed with some Bane. Check out the band on the record label's myspace page.

Ruiner - "Prepare to be Let Down" - Bridge Nine Records
There's a lot of hype surrounding Ruiner these and although I don't think this record lives up to it for the most part I certainly was not let down as the title suggests I might be. Ruiner plays fast and furious hardcore that grabs you by the throat and does not let go. It's a great release, don't get me wrong, it's just not some monumental recording that's going to change the face of hardcore. For fans of American Nightmare, Terror, and Trial.

Kill Your Idols - "Something Started Here" - Lifeline Records
Surely most, if not all, the readers here are familiar with Kill Your Idols. But whether you are or not this 38 track compilation of rare and out-of-print songs from the group is a great release for long time fans or new. In case you are one of the few unfamiliar with this band that was around for 12 years (from 1995-2007) they took their cues from bands like Negative Approach and Poison Idea and kept them going strong. A great band and a great CD that should be in your collection.

Black Spring - "Dagger Poems" - Howard Records
Texas band that plays Dillinger Escape Plan meets Curl Up and Die style tunes. Not bad but not great either. The music is heavy and chaotic but every song just blends together more or less and makes for a slight boring listen. I like Dillinger Escape Plan and old Cave In a little bit but for the most part I don't care for this style.

Beowulf - "Westminster and 5th" - I Scream Records
And the "Stupidest Band Name" award goes to... Beowulf! Think a bad version of Suicidal Tendencies with more rock influence. Solid musicianship and performance here but they're missing the mark. They need a new singer too. I'll pass on this one.

Deathkiller - "New England is Sinking" - I Scream Records
Think more recent Sick of it All style with more melodic parts. The band mixes hardcore with rock, usually a disasterous combination in my eyes but the band pulls it off. Still though, I'm not feeling much for this release. It just doesn't catch me enough either way. I can see a lot of people liking this though. You can check out their website at deathkiller.net to check them out for yourself.

Token Entry - "The Re-Issues" - I Scream Records
Long over due re-issue of "Jaybird" and "Weight of the World" by Token Entry together on one disc. Old school classic NYHC I'm sure most of you are familiar with it. If you're not, pick this up for a history lesson. Great stuff.

Dashown - "Vengeance is Mine and I Shall Repay" - Dyslexia Records
Malaysian new school hardcore/metalcore in the style of As I Lay Dying mixed with Earth Crisis. I'm not a huge fan but everything is well executed here and there isn't too much on the negative side of things to say about them. I just don't like this newer style. Check out their myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/dashown if it sounds like your type of thing.

Wisdom In Chains - "Class War" - Eulogy Recordings
Another good score for Eulogy. This PA band features ex-members of Krutch, Boxcutter, Out To Win and Mushmouth so that should give you a pretty good idea of their sound as Wisdom In Chains combines elements of all their former bands. A real solid release. Heavy, fast and intense hardcore with some good catchy melodies thrown in at just the right moments. Definitely check these guys out. myspace.com/wisdominchains

This Time Next Year - "A Place For You" - Escapist Records
East Bay Blink 182/New Found Glory pop-punk with the usual "I-Sound-Like-A-14-Year-Old" on vocals. I am not a fan at all of this sort of music. Their myspace page is myspace.com/thistimenextyearca to check out if you like this type of music. I don't. Sorry.

Death Before Dishonor -"Count Me In" - Bridge Nine Records
Ah, Death Before Dishonor, one of the few current hardcore bands I eagerly await hearing new material from. These guys have kicked and screamed their way to the top of the hardcore scene and are one of the best bands around these days in my opinion. Death Before Dishonor is everything a real hardcore band is and should be. Furious, true and hard working. This release does not disappoint and gets my highest recomendation. If you're only going to buy one CD out of all I've reviewed today, get this one. Check out their homepage at bridge9.com/deathbeforedishonor if you're not convinced.

Far From Finished - "Living in the Fallout" - Think Fast Records
Catchy punk rock from Boston, sort of like a cross between the Bouncing Souls and Social Distortion. Check them out on the Vans Warped Tour and their myspace page at myspace.com/farfromfinished

War of Ages - "Fire From The Tomb" - Facedown Records
This is a re-recording of War of Ages' first self-titled album plus one new song, "The Awakening." I haven't heard the original but I did review their last album "Pride of the Wicked" and thought it was decent. This album is along the same metalcore lines. As with "Pride of the Wicked," this album doesn't do a whole lot for me. For what it is everything is done very well. Solid musicianship and production rounded out by great cover art for the album. I'm not big on this type of metal/hardcore crossover. For fans of As I Lay Dying, All Shall Perish, etc.

Sons of Azrael - "The Conjuration of Vengeance" - Ironclad Recordings / Metal Blade
New York death metal with breakdowns in the style of Dying Fetus, Job For A Cowboy, Black Dahlia Murder, etc. There's a lot of bands doing this style right now and while it's done well by Sons of Azrael it's nothing new and this style makes me yawn. If the previously mentioned bands are what you're into then check these guys out as I'm sure you'll be into them. metalblade.com

Four Year Strong - "Rise or Die Trying" - I Surrender Records
Pop-punk with some hardcore influences sort of like Set Your Goals but a little heavier at times. For the most part this fits into the "styles I don't listen to" category (the pop-punk part that is). There's some traces of originality but they need to lose the synth player. Not bad for what it is but what it is something I would never listen to.

added: 6/14/07
Know The Score - "All Time Low" - Eulogy Recordings
Fast and abrassive, Know The Score bust through seventeen songs in about fifteen minutes. The band hails from Florida but sounds like they've spent some time in Boston. I love the production and the fact that the bass guitar can be heard clearly without being too loud in the mix. Not much else to say but if you like your hardcore with a fast gritty punk edge to it then get your hands on this album. Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 6/14/07
The Burning Season - "Onward Anthem" - Eulogy Recordings
Shame on Eulogy for tarnishing their roster with a crappy Iron Maiden influenced metalcore band like this. The Burning Season play the same shit every other Hot Topic metalcore band is playing right now and mixing strained screams and clean melodic vocals. If that's your thing then you will love these guys. I however, am not a fan nor am I impressed. Next. Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 6/14/07
Furious Styles - "Life Lessons" - Hand of Hope Records
New York style hardcore with a little bit of hip-hop flow added in is what Furious Styles is bringing here on "Life Lessons." This Seattle based band is solid but the abundance of very bland breakdowns takes away from overall ferocity. The album starts off as typical Madball style hardcore but tracks like "On Blast (D.W.C)" and "Reality Check" show off vocalist Mike Torres strong ability to vocally flow in hip-hop-esque fashion although I don't think I'd quite call it rapping. Here they get into more Biohazard type territory. It's a nice touch though to an often too bland musical delivery from the band. Lyrically it's the standard hardcore themes of family, loyalty, strength, etc. Nothing really new going on here but overall everything is solid despite some very bland, almost cliche, moments.
Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 6/13/07
Seventh Star - "The Undisputed Truth" - Facedown Records
Seventh Star has been around for nearly nine years and I've heard a lot of good things about them, seen a lot of people wearing their shirts, but until receiving this album I had never actually gotten around to hearing them. Now that their new album, "The Undisputed Truth" is in my CD player, I can say that the band does in fact live up to the hype I've heard about them. Musically they're straight badass, heavy, down-tuned hardcore just how I like it. Yes, they're a Christian band and yes their lyrics go a little too far in that direction for me at times, but overall I can't help but like what I'm hearing. Production is very solid as it comes from Kurt Ballou (Converge) at Godcity Studio; a place that always makes great records. Even if you're hard headed against Christian bands like I am give this record a listen and I think you'll find yourself over looking the lyrics and just slamming to the music. Great cover art as well to top this one off.
Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 6/13/07
This Time Tomorrow - "Nadir" - New Age Records
Seatle's This Time Tomorrow finally release a full length album. I reviewed their 7inch on New Eden Records last year which I liked but "Nadir" rips the 7inch apart. The band plays very chaotic and fast without being too "math-metal" or on the flip side, sloppy. The production is gritty which is perfect and the vocals are harsh and strained. Think Gather meets Soilent Green meets Trial. The package design and artwork are simple but I'm really digging it. Highly recommended! Check out the band's myspace here: http://www.myspace.com/vthistimetomorrowv
Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 6/10/07
Agnostic Front / Discipline - "Working Class Heroes" - I Scream Records
Split live release from Agnostic Front (NY) and Discipline (Holland) recorded in Belgium in 2001. Not much to say other than the sound quality is good for a live release and seems to capture the energy of both bands well. If you're looking for some live songs by either band I see no reason why you wouldn't enjoy this release.
Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 6/10/07
Naj One - "Foeknawledge" - New Eden Records
A hip-hop album from New Eden Records? Yep. And if you're familiar with New Eden Records you know this isn't going to be any hyphy/crunk/get-down-at-the-club party jams. Political and Socially themed with his rhymes, Naj One (formerly known as FOEK/Foeknawledge before his converting to Islam) smoothly lays out his message over some really tight beats and sounds. I'm no hip-hop expert but I do like intelligent well thought out music and that's exactly what this is. This is not spoon-fed mainstream hip-hop this is get-off-your-ass-and-do-something music for people are pissed off about the direction this country is going (and the rest of humanity for that matter). I think Naj One sums himself up best in his song "Knowledge is Key" when he says "Political talkin' - the system won't stop me - I'm the straight edge hip-hop Noam Chomsky." Definitely check him out. Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 6/10/07
Cherem - "In the Land of the Dead" - New Eden Records
Political vegan straight-edge from Salt Lake City. Musically very heavy as you might expect with vocals ranging from high screams to lower end growls. Overall really good stuff here without being cliche. There's breakdowns-a-plenty, strong lyrical themes to make you think and lots of fury. This release was originally recorded back in 2003 but this is the re-mastered re-issue that was recently released. The band has a newer album out called "We Are the Revolution" which is even more brutal and intense judging by the songs on their myspace page. The band is playing a weeks worth of shows in California in July with Remembering Never. Check 'em out if you can. Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 5/1/07
Die Young (TX) - "Graven Images" - Eulogy Records
Texas heavyweights Die Young are back and kicking ass as usual. Socially conscious hardcore that's furious as all Hell. This is one of my favorite releases as of lately and have been listening to it a lot. This is a total package album: Heavy music, social/political lyrics, and thought provoking liner notes and artwork. The band is not the first to do it, but in the liner notes they've included qoutes from authors and intellectuals that compliment the lyrical topics expressed in each song; very cool. In concept and attitude you could compare the band to Trial but musically they're more along the lines of Cold As Life, Terror, and Ringworm. Eulogy Records scores again with these guys. Pick this one up if you haven't already. If you need more convincing visit the band's myspace page at myspace.com/dieyoungTXHC Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 5/1/07
Say Bok Gwai - "Say Bok Gwai" - Monkey King Records
Here's a hard sell for you: "Canto-Core"... Hardcore punk sung mostly in Cantonese by a band consistenting of just a vocalist/guitar player and a drummer but that's what San Francisco's Say Bok Gwai is doing. Sub-par recording quality here but aside from that it's at least an interesting listen. Songs are mostly short and more towards the punk side of things but there's an occasional song more towards the grind/death side. Late era-Black Flag seems to be a big influence and I wonder if these guys were big Spazz fans as well. Slap-A-Ham Records would have been a good label for them. Lyrically, I don't know what they're singing about but the song titles are in English (as well as Cantonese) and include gems like, "White Demon Stir Fry", "Mail Order Wife", "Straight Outta HK", and "Lick N' Puss". It makes me wonder how serious they are with some of their song titles not having the full lyrics to go with them. Could be a joke, could be real social/political issues with a sarcastic twist. Either way the band is pretty good, just listen with an open mind. The more I listen the more I like. Check out their myspace page: myspace.com/sbg Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 5/1/07
Dropstep - "Our Inheritance" - Self Released
Dropstep is a metal band from Sacramento with some hardcore influences in their sound. This is a self released 5 song EP that certainly leaves a lot of room for improvement. The songs definitely suffer from poor production as it's low demo quality by today's standards. They play Pantera style metal that's neither great nor terrible, just kind of middle of the road. They've got some gang vocals which is cool but it's not enough to make me want to listen to this a whole lot. Future recordings will surely be better if the band sticks with it. There's definitely some potential with Dropstep but I think they've got a ways to go. I'll look forward to hearing stuff in the future but at this point I can't say you need to run out and buy this. Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 4/24/07
Skare Tactic - "The Rage Within" - Our Blood Records
SoCal ragers Skare Tactic are back with a new album and the fury is as strong as ever. Ten killer tracks of Los Angeles hardcore done just the way hardcore should be. True, they're not the most original bunch of musicians from this state but the viciousness of their delivery more than makes up for it. Words like "intense" and "brutal" get attached to many undeserving bands but the words fit well with Skare Tactic. "The Rage Within" is one of the better hardcore albums I've heard in a while. Get it! Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 4/24/07
Sleeping Giant - "Dread Champions of the Last Days" - Facedown Records
As soon as anyone in band says something like, "give your heart to one love, Jesus Christ," I stop listening... which is why I only made it through half of this album by Sleeping Giant. In the four songs I heard from the band, musically, it was pretty impressive and covered a lot of heavy musical territory. If it weren't for their lyrics, I'd be giving them a good review but there's one thing that always pisses me off in this world and that's when religious people of any religion start telling me to join their "team" and rant about how good it is on their side. I'm not interested and I find it offensive really. I will say this though, if you like most of the stuff on Facedown Records, you'll like these guys. Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 4/24/07
When We Fall - "A Cry In Despair" - Panic Records
There's not exactly a lot of Swedish hardcore bands making waves over here the U.S these days but When We Fall might be one to start doing so. Their sound is not too different from a lot of radio screamo stuff happening right now but very thankfully they stay away from melodic clean vocals and keep with the harsh screaming. They also have a good amount of gang vocals which means extra points in my book. American Nightmare/Give Up The Ghost pops into my head while listening to them as well as Shai Hulud but they have enough tempo variations and solid riffage to seperate them. Just five songs on this EP release so it goes by quick but they manage to cover a good bit of musical territory in the short period all the while maintaining a solid hardcore base. Overall a pretty solid release worth checking out. For more info go to the label's webpage or the band's at www.whenwefall.se. Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 4/10/07
Pressvre - "Beasts" - High Fidelity Records
Pressvre is from Los Angeles. I don't like Los Angeles. I like Pressvre. You should too. They play hardcore with some crusty rock n' roll influences. At times they remind me of the gone but not forgotten All Bets Off. They're definitely trying and succeeding at not sounding exactly like everyone else. They draw comparisons to Doomriders and Cursed and they wouldn't be too far off but Pressvre certainly holds their own. You'd be a fool not to check these guys out. Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/pressurerocknroll.
Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 4/10/07
No Truce - "My Life. My Struggle." - High Fidelity Records
I reviewed No Truce's demo back in December 2005 and gave it overall thumbs up but said the band had room for improvement. It's 2007 now and the band has released a six song EP and indeed the band has improved. Recorded by Aaron at Castle Ultimate Studios this is classic style New York Hardcore with a few slight modern twists to make a rock solid listen. Lyrically it's still a little bland but I'm willing to overlook it as everything else is nearly perfect. Salinas has produced a lot of bands from that area but I think No Truce stands out on top of the rest. Overall this isn't a ground breaking EP but done extremely well for what it is and I definitely recommend it. High Fidelity Records scores big with this one. Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 4/10/07
Until The Fall - "Enslaved" - High Fidelity Records
Circle pit! Now! Until The Fall are keeping the flags of thrash metal waving high in California and that's a good thing. Think "Beneath the Remains" era Sepultura with the Kurt from D.R.I on vocals and you'll have a rough idea of Until the Fall's sound. Production is solid although there's definitely some room for improvement. Not too much to say about these guys except that if you're into old school thrash it would be worth your time to check these guys out. Their myspace page is: http://www.myspace.com/untilthefallcv.
Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 4/10/07
Permanent - "Sink | Swim" - 6131 Records
Never judge a band by its album cover, right? Right. Luckily Richmond, Virginia's Permanent is better than the cover art on their first full length album "Sink | Swim". They're certainly not blowing me away in any regard but this CD isn't bad. Thoughtful hardcore on the melodic side of things with some hints of originality here and there. Take the second track, "Sidestepping", for instance where it starts like any other standard melodic hardcore song but ends with a totally random reggae section that the band makes work and it ends up sounding good. Most of the songs here are around two minutes in length so it makes for a short full length album but everything melds together nicely. Production is solid as well. Overall worth checking out but don't expect a life changing album.
Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 3/4/07
Gather - "Beyond the Ruins" - Catalyst Records
Gather is the perfect example of hardcore band for the 21st century and I am quickly becoming a very big fan of this Bay Area group. Gather has a great sound and play with maximum intensity and passion which clearly comes through in the music and vocals. I got to first hear them on their split with Seven Generations and this album, "Beyond the Ruins," is their first full length. Eleven songs of politically and socially charged fury; just what hardcore should be. They draw comparisons to Earth Crisis but I would say it is mostly because the two bands share such similar ideologies. Fronted by vocalist Eva, musically Gather certainly stands on their own, playing heavy metallic hardcore, but their sound is in fact not too far from what Earth Crisis had going on. All in all a great album here. Songs seem to blend together too much at times and they lack diversity from track to track but over all this is a great album and great band. For anyone who gives to shits about what's going on in this world check out Gather. And if you don't care check them out anyway because they're just damn good. Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 3/4/07
Get A Grip / Hammerhead - "split" - Strike 3 Records
Richmond, VA is home to Get A Grip and Hammerhead comes out of Philadelphia, PA. Both are pretty run of the mill NYHC-style bands. Neither offer anything new to my ears. I'm liking Get A Grip a little better than Hammerhead but only because their lyrics aren't so cheesy and cliche. The only thing that is really good about this CD is the artwork which was done by a guy who's website is boycottchristianhc.com. Check out his work. If you're really bored and have nothing better to do check out Strike 3 Records' website to download a couple of the songs. Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 3/1/07
Various Artists - "Harder They Fall: A Tribute To Integrity" - Escapist Records
I am not a fan of tribute albums. I think they're one of the worst ideas a record label can conceive of. I have heard only one good tribute album in my entire life that was actually worth listening to more than once and it is not this one. Let me also say that I am not a huge fan of Integrity. I always thought they were very over rated. They're not bad by any means in my eyes but I just never understood why so many people liked them so much. I could name a lot of bands that played a similar style, from around the same time period, that did it way better but I'll save that for another time. Despite the fact that this is a pointless album in my eyes, there are some stand out tracks on here. Force of Change, Rise and Fall, Eye of Judgement, Alcatraz, Phantom Pains and These Days all deliver great performances. The other bands aren't bad and as far as tribute album tracks go this ranks higher than most. Still though, as I mentioned, even a good tribute album is hardly worth listening to. If you're Integrity's biggest fan and need to own everything associated with them then I don't think you'll be dissapointed here. If you're like me, go ahead and pass. Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 3/1/07
Various Artists - "Louder Than Words" - New Age Records
On one hand, compilation albums are pretty lame. Very rarely have I listened to any single compilation more than a few times. On the other hand, compilations are great for discovering new bands and it's usually for a cheap price. New Age Records has released a low priced (5 bucks) CD featuring a good mix of hardcore bands from all over. Like most comps, some of the tracks are crap, some are good. Bands included on here are The Set Up, Brutal Fight, Where Eagles Dare, Blessed With Embers, Blood Stands Still, The First Still Burns, Aftermath of a Trainwreck, Heartache and Bloodloss, Tamerlane, Kill the Messenger, Plan of Attack, The Versus Project, XDeathstarX, Bring it Down, Zero Mentality, Fight Everyone, Countdown to Life, This Time Tomorrow, Hellfire Trigger, Just Went Black, Time For Change and Five Victims Four Graves. That's 22 songs for $5. Sounds like a good deal to me. If you're looking to check out some new bands this is a good way to go. New Age Records has always been a solid label with an ear for good bands. Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 3/1/07
Means - "Sending You Strength" - Facedown Records
I'm just going to start calling bands that mix heavy breakdowns, melodic guitar harmonies, screaming and/or growls with clean singing "radio-core". Means is a radio-core band from Canada. I was never into radio-core and I'm still not. Sure, everything about this CD is top-notch (musicianship, production, artwork, etc) but the originality is severly lacking. The album opens with the promising "Looking For Life" which has some nice riffage but the album quickly dives headfirst into bland metalcore territory. Lyrics are good however and better than most other Facedown Records bands as they leave religion out of the words, or at least make the lyrics abstract enough to have multple meanings. Best thing about the album: Dude in the band photo is wearing a San Jose Sharks shirt. At least they've got good taste in hockey. Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 2/27/07
In The Face Of War - "We Make Our Own Luck" - Detournement Records
This is the third CD from this band that calls Indiana their home state and my first introduction to them. Over all not bad but not great. Excellent production, musicianship, and vocals but not enough variation from song to song to keep me really interested. All the elements for a good hardcore record are here but for some reason it's just not hooking into me all the way. I can definitely recommend you check them out but I can't guarantee you'll love In The Face Of War. You can circle pit on over to their myspace page HERE and listen for yourself. Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 2/27/07
Wait In Vain - "Forget Me Not" - Self Released
Four song demo from a band comprised of ex-memebers of Trial, Champion, Sinking Ships and Love Is Red... in other words, you know this is damn good. Ex-vocalist of Trial, Timm McIntosh, leads his bandmates through an intense set of songs that are every bit as good as any of the songs in his or his bandmate's former bands. My only complaint about this is it's too short! Go to their myspace page to download the whole demo. Go right now. Go! http://www.myspace.com/waitinvain Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 2/27/07
Inhale Exhale - "The Lost. The Sick. The Sacred." - Solid State Records
This Ohio band has a good thick guitar sound but that's about the only positive thing I can say about them. This is radio mainstream Hot Topic-Core mall garbage. If you have a stupid haircut or are a 14 year-old suburban kid who just got into music you will love this.
Review by: Nick Martinson

added: 2/27/07
Killing Kings - "Delusions of Grandeur" - Self Released
"Delusions of Grandeur" is a very impressive self released debut from this Denver based hardcore band. Lots of bands to compare them to pop through my head while listening to this; Terror, 25 Ta Life, Biohazard, Downset and District 9 are just a few of them. While you could say their sound is classic mid-90s New York/New Jersey style hardcore, lyrically they're all about the current political times. Lots of audio samples from the Bush administration and those connected with it intertwine with the songs. They've got gang vocals in pretty much every song which is always a good thing for me. The "working class hardcore" moniker they've given themselves is very appropriate. One of the cool things about these guys is how they incorporate hip-hop into some of the songs. They are no-way a "rapcore" band but just to keep things from getting stale they're dish up some nicely done rhymes at just the right times. Overall a highly recommended release. Check out the band's myspace page for more info and song samples. http://www.myspace.com/killingkings Review by: Nick Martinson