Tag Archives: terror

04.02.13
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[MUSIC REVIEW] Dynasty – Beyond Measure

BM

DYNASTY
Beyond Measure
[Facedown Records]
Verdict: 9/10
RIYL: Terror, Stick To Your Guns, Biohazard, Death Before Dishonor & Madball

Flying the flag for hardcore is a tedious task these days. You are either heralded as it’s savior, an imitator or the death of it. Very few newer, younger bands have that ability to mix it up and blend, seamlessly, East Coast and West Coast Hardcore, creating a new and almost terrifying brand of genuine hardcore: DEAD ICONS nailed it. TERROR of course nailed it. STICK TO YOUR GUNS are leading the charge and DYNASTY, are proving they are more than capable of joining the movement. With the release of Beyond Measure, DYNASTY prove this in spades. High energy abounding, gang vocals in abundance and more than enough groove and riffs to wear out a floor and it’s hardcore kids easily. They not only found their sound but have easily mastered it as if they’ve been fighting the good fight for decades. There’s not one bad thing here on Beyond Measure: they brought it and mean business, and for good measure they brought along a slew of guest vocalists as well. DYNASTY aren’t for everyone, but those that want something pure and good? Beyond Measure is here for you.      -by Jon Hole

Recommended listening: ‘Rise To Victory’, ‘Beyond Measure’ & ‘Explicit Method’
Guest appearances: Jesse Barnett of Stick To Your Guns & Tommy Green of Sleeping Giant on ‘Rise To Victory’; Roger Miret of Agnostic Front on ‘Hard Pressed’; Martin Stewart of terror on ‘Savage Mind’ & Inspectah Deck on ‘Get live’
Production credits: Recorded by Andrew Glover at Sound Temple Studio
Release date: January 22, 2013
In conclusion…If fast paced hardcore is what you need in your life, then DYNASTY’s Beyond Measure is your cup of tea. If you think that bands like Attack Attack! are ‘hardcore’, this is your wake up call.

03.14.13
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[MUSIC REVIEW] Terror – Live By The Code

terror-live-by-the-code

TERROR
Live By The Code
[Victory Records]
Verdict: 10/10
RIYL: Terror.

Trying to fully explain and describe why Live By The Code is one of TERROR’s finest records is almost impossible. For the diehards that already know of them or that are already fully engrossed in the hardcore community, it’s as easy as saying…TERROR’s 6th full length, Live By The Code will easily go down as a ‘Hardcore Bible’ of sorts, much as Keepers Of The Faith was. It mixes the dirty, frantic energy of Lowest Of The Low with the pummeling groove and rhythm of One With The Underdogs & Always The Hard Way, topped with Scott Vogels ever venomous but truthful vocals. But theres always the ones that don’t know, or aren’t familiar with what TERROR do, or are. What TERROR means to the thousands of followers worldwide. Not since the early 90′s, that gave us MADBALL, has hardcore had such a single driving force that does more than just write and perform riffs with shouted vocals. They provide a cathartic release for the weary. They allow those that feel alone to know they aren’t alone in an unforgiving world that laughs at and looks down upon anyone not in the upper class. Until one has experienced the live show and felt the immense energy and felt the pure, unadulterated love between band and fans, you cannot fully appreciate what TERROR are. Live By The Code is more than just another hardcore release, it is almost a religion.     – by Jon Hole

Recommended Listening: Honestly? All 11 tracks, but to get a sampling: ‘One Blood’
Release Date: April 09, 2013
In Conclusion…TERROR have managed to, once again, release a record that will live on for years to come and mark what all hardore purists will call, real hardcore.

03.14.13
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[MUSIC REVIEW] Reign Supreme – Sky Burial EP

ReignSupreme_SkyBurial_Cover

REIGN SUPREME
Sky Burial EP
[Mediaskare Records]
Verdict: 9/10
RIYL: Crowbar, Everything In Slow Motion, Thick As Blood, Terror & Betrayal

REIGN SUPREME have had an intense fanbase for more than a handful of years now and not without good reason. Their brash mix of crushing metallic hardcore and groove laden metalcore has gone relatively untouched by many of their peers. The release of the Sky Burial EP is a sweet relief for the band and fans alike,as  it was originally slated for release in 2011, and it has been worth the wait. Not to disappoint, Sky Burial starts strong and never lets go throughout it’s blisteringly heavy 7 tracks. It’s an incredible mix of early 90′s era metalcore and punishing hardcore vocals that will leave the listener tired and begging for more. What makes REIGN SUPREME stand out though, is this isn’t just random  ’tough guy’ hardcore. The little elements mixed in of melody and metal are small enough to not be blatent but add enough ‘meat and weight’ to create a crushing, and at times, devastating wall of sound that one can’t help but to be instantly drawn in. The Sky Burial EP has been a while in the making but it is more than worth the wait. REIGN SUPREME are here to stay, and this should easily prove that as a fact.   – by Jon Hole

Reommended Listening: ‘It Feels Like A Thousand Years’, ‘Heartsick’ & ‘In Tongues’
Production Credits: Produced by Will Putney (Stray From The Path, Hundredth)
Guest Appearances: Scott Wade of Comeback Kid, Chris Colohan of Cursed/Burning Love, and Mike Moynihan/Steve Muscemi of Hollow Earth.
Release Date: March 19, 2013
In Conclusion…Pits around the world should be prepared for the beating that REIGN SUPREME are bringing when they crush stages with the insanely heavy material from the Sky Burial EP. You have been warned!

06.17.12
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[MUSIC REVIEW] Madball – Rebellion EP

MADBALL
Rebellion EP
[BNB]
Verdict: 9/10
RIYL: TERROR, AGNOSTIC FRONT and any real and pure hard core band

In MADBALL’s 23 year career they have embodied everything right in the world of hardcore. Hard hitting music that matches lyrics that hold meaning. It’s members have always been honest and upfront with anything they have ever said, done and commited to record. It’s these traits that have made them legends and kings in the hardcore community. The Rebellion EP I suet another example of why MADBALL have been and always will be held in such high regard. Swinging hard , as they always do, Rebellion is 6 tracks of honest hardcore, with 2 tracks being re-recorded classics from the bands EP Ball Of Destruction. Freddy Madball continues to give fans, new and old, what they crave with his opinions on life and real life stories while musically, MADBALL remain, well, themselves. If you have never heard a MADBALL song before or if you are a diehard, the Rebellion EP is a beautiful release and will be just as relevant 23 years from now as anything they have ever done. Show the Kings some love and listen to the real deal.            -by Jon Hole

Recommended listening: All 13 minutes.
Production credits: Produced by Eric Rutan (Hate Eternal)
Release date: June 14, 2012 (digital)
In conclusion…MADBALL have always been and will always be one of hard ores shinning stars. The Rebellion EP further cements their status.

04.20.12
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[MUSIC REVIEW] Reality Slap – Necks & Ropes

REALITY SLAP
Necks & Ropes
[HellXis Records]
Verdict: 7/10
(SPITTING HARDCORE): Portugal’s Reality Slap play the kind of hardcore/punk mixture that is best played when you have a ton of energy to burn. They yell until their throats bleed, playing fast, and keeping things to the fuckin’ point. In some cases, this does become tiresome, but Necks & Ropes picks up about half way. The first handful of tracks are enjoyable, but don’t leave much of an impression. However, once you hit “Check Your Pulse”, Reality Slap find a more solid beat to weigh their strengths on. At this point, the vocals feel stronger, and the instrumentals more presentable. Then,you get to “The Storm” and the band really shows their power. From this point forth, Necks & Ropes is pretty satisfying. Though there are fourteen tracks here, it’s not surprising that the record only clocks in at twenty-two minutes. The majority of songs are under two minutes, making this a short lived album. However, that’s for the best. This kind of hardcore can lose steam fast, in all honesty. Luckily, Reality Slap have made a solid enough record with Necks & Ropes that it should go over well in the scene. – by Nathaniel Lay

>> Recommended Tracks: “Check Your Pulse”, “The Storm”, “All The Animals Come Out At Night”
>> Release Date: March 2, 2012
>> In Conclusion: In the vein of Madball and Terror, Reality Slap play fast and chaotic hardcore. Some of it is forgettable, while some of it is really fun. Necks & Ropes comes out as a solid twenty-odd minutes well spent.

04.17.12
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[MUSIC REVIEW] Lionheart – Undisputed

LIONHEART
Undisputed
[Mediaskare]
Verdict: 7.5/10
RIYL: TERROR, MADBALL & HATEBREED

With the release of Undisputed, the bands third full length, LIONHEART prove they aren’t just a passing trend. Staying true to the roots and foundations of hardcore, Undisputed delivers a barrage of unforgiving and punishing breakdowns and real life lyrics. Not deterring to far from 2011′s Built On Struggle, LIONHEART did add a little more rhythm among all the chaos, which adds to the bands validity as a true hardcore force to be reckoned with. The biggest notable change is that the production sounds and ‘feels cleaner’ than on previous records. This does NOT make them sell outs or anything close to it. In the world of hardcore, bad production can make or break a band so for the LIONHEART boys to release this monster of an album and have every nuance be clear for the listener to enjoy is a breath of fresh air. Lyrically the band still kicks into high gear about staying true to ones self and doing things on your own in the face of adversity. Are these original thoughts or ideas? No. They are, however, still relevant and meaningful for the true fans of hardcore that love to know they aren’t alone in feeling this way from time to time. LIONHEART have begun to make a name for themselves, Undisputed puts them on the verge of greatness.         -by Jon Hole

Recommended listening: ‘By Any Means’, ‘Can’t Hold Us Down’ & ‘Letting Go’
Production credits: Recorded and produced by Matt Hyde and Nick Jett (Terror/S.O.S.)
Release date: April 24, 2012
In conclusion…LIONHEART are here to prove that real hardcore is not dead. Undisputed easily puts them in league with the bands that made this genre so great.

03.28.12
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[MUSIC] Stick To Your Guns – Diamond [REVIEW]

STICK TO YOUR GUNS
Diamond
[Sumerian Records]
Verdict: 10/10
RIYL: COMEBACK KID, THE GHOST INSIDE, TERROR & EVERGREEN TERRACE

In a time of uncertainty in the world around us, and a musical climate that applauds unoriginality it’s good to know that a band like STICK TO YOUR GUNS exists. Now in their 9th year as a band, they are a force to be reckoned with. The band has always managed to blend melody, heaviness, and sincerity into a cohesive ball of rage that speaks to fans of real music. With the release of 2010′s The Hope Division, STYG unknowingly set the bar high for not only themselves, but for anyone wishing to follow. With frontman Jesse Barnett STYG have an unfair advantage over most bands as he is not only well spoken, but a highly outspoken and explosive lead singer. On the bands newest release, Diamond, the level of intensity is raised to almost insane levels. Tackling subjects that range from self reflection to the cowards that call themselves men that dare to put hands on the women in their lives. It also pays tribute to everyone that struggles day to day with their personal identities. Straight Edge, Homosexual, Religious, whatever and whoever. To try and single out any song as a ‘stand out’ track unfairly puts anyone at odds with themselves, as repeated listens to Diamond, one finds themselves ‘digging’ a different track each time. Whether it’s the infectious and haunting chorus “We May Fall But We Will Carry On. -May These Words Ring Loud.” from ‘Ring Loud (Last Hope)’ or the pummeling grooves from the title track/album opener and ‘Empty Heads’; which calls out the majority of bands that think because they wear a TERROR shirt and have that ‘Fuck The World’ attitude, but sing about…nothing. The first single released, ‘Bringing You Down’ was merely a taste of what was in store. Admittedly the single version, also titled ‘Bringing You Down (A New World Overthrow)’, inspired by the Occupy Wall Street Movement, was more raw and in your face, not to discredit the album version by any means. What stands out with Diamond is the sheer passion and ferocity in it’s music and lyrics and the fantastically performed cleans. This is usually a huge flaw with a band of this caliber, but like EVERGREEN TERRACE, whose Josh James is now among their ranks, the cleans are done so flawlessly, one finds themselves easily singing along. STICK TO YOUR GUNS are proudly waving the flag for a new generation of hardcore fans that want something more than tough guy posturing and empty lyrics that reflect nothing. Diamond is a forerunner for album of the year. If you’ve never had the pleasure of hearing STICK TO YOUR GUNS, now is the time to listen.              -Jon Hole

Recommended listening: ALL. OF. IT. No, seriously…
Guest musicians: Karl Schwartz of FIRST BLOOD on ‘Bringing You Down’
Release date: March 27, 2012
In conclusion…In a world that needs a shining light, a beacon of sorts, here comes STICK TO YOUR GUNS to prove not every hardcore ‘kid’ is a brainless idiot. They are here to provide an outlet for the stressed, the tired and the weary who are looking for something solid. Real. Find it here, in Diamond.

01.18.12
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[MUSIC] Terror – Keepers Of The Faith + Defining The Faith [Better Late Than Never REVIEW]

TERROR
Keepers Of The Faith + Defining The Faith
[Century Media Records]
Verdict: 9.5/10

L.A.’s TERROR have been a force to be reckoned with for 10 years this year. As with any band in this genre, they have stigma’s and controversy surrounding them. Through it all they have managed to stay strong to their convictions and persevere. TERROR has become a vessel for purging the pent up energy and aggression we experience in our day to day lives. They fly the banner for hardcore high and proud and the legions of fans around the world prove this. In 2010 they released their strongest album since One With The Underdogs, Keepers Of The Faith. It is the bands way of testifying they aren’t going anywhere or slowing down or selling out anytime soon. In 2011, Keepers Of The Faith was re-released with the Defining The Faith DVD. It chronicles the band in their element: live on a stage. It’s good quality live footage and live audio, all it’s missing is the blood and the sweat. For those of you unable to have ever seen these monsters live, here is just a sampling of what you can expect. Also included here is a short documentary. It shows individual members talking each other up, good and bad. It gives the viewer a brief insight to the inner workings of TERROR. Also included are some of the bands videos. All in all it’s easily one of the best re-releases in a long time. Even though it would’ve been better to also include the 2 bonus tracks on the audio part, ‘T.T.I.H.’ and the SUB ZERO cover ‘Boxed In’, the incredible Defining The Faith DVD makes it more than acceptable. With bands like TERROR influencing a whole slew of younger bands, hardcore is in good hands.     -by Jon Hole

Recommended listening: ‘Stick Tight’, ‘Dead Wrong’ & ‘Keepers Of The Faith’. DVD-wise, watch it all.
Production credits: Produced by Chad Gilbert. Mixed by Matt Hyde.
Release date: November 01, 2011
In conclusion…Hardcore purists Terror have managed to keep their momentum rolling forward with the re-release of Keepers Of The Faith with the Defining The Faith DVD. Get it. Now.

01.12.12
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[MUSIC] Dead Icons – Condemned [REVIEW]

DEAD ICONS
Condemned
[Bullet Tooth Records]
Verdict: 9/10

Hardcore is one of those genres that gets lumped in with a bunch of nonsense. Violence. Negativity. While it’s true these things do occur, hardcore music and its fans aren’t the only ones. Regardless, musically, too many bands consider themselves ‘hardcore’ and they aren’t. This ultimately misleads throngs of unknowing fans to believe their favorite Hot Topic supported bands are ‘hardcore’. Then there’s the few that really are what they claim. One such band is Lexington, Kentucky’s DEAD ICONS. These guys paid attention when hardcore bands like MADBALL, TERROR and DEATH BEFORE DISHONOR came barreling through town or dropped a meaty slab of hardcore goodness. The 12 tracks on Condemned are vicious, furious and filled with the determination and intensity that makes this genre great. There’s no real need to go into great detail and pick apart individual tracks here. Just know this, DEAD ICONS will be a name we all will hear more of soon. Condemned proves that the spirit of true hardcore hasn’t died or been 100% diluted.      -by Jon Hole

Recommended listening: The whole thing. No, seriously.
Production credits: Produced/Recorded at Warrior Sound Studios in Chapel Hill, NC and Mastered by Jaime King.
Release date: January 24, 2012
In conclusion…If the state of True Hardcore has seemed a little lackluster, have no fear. It is in very capable hands with young bands like Dead Icons.

12.25.11
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[MUSIC] Most Anticipated Releases of 2012…

With 2012 right around the corner, now is the time to try and figure out who’s releasing what and when. Will PANTERA‘s massive classic “A Vulgar Display Of Power” get the Deluxe Re-issue treatment that “Cowboys…” did? Will your avorite band be releasing anything new this year? Who knows. I took the time to compile a few of my Most Anticipated releases for ’12, as well as a few that I knew people would want to know about. If I missed something here, leave a comment and add it!

LIONHEART The follow up to 2011’s ‘Built On Struggle‘ is slated for an early 2012 release. “It’s an exciting opportunity to be able to work with Matt Hyde (SLAYER, HATEBREED & TERROR) and Nick Jett (TERROR) on this album,” says LIONHEART vocalist Rob Watson. “Matt Hyde’s resume speaks for itself, and we know Nick from previous tours done together so it will be awesome to work together on something like this. We’ve been working on this record since the release of Built On Struggle, and we can’t wait to start recording it. It’s heavier, harder, and more pissed than anything we’ve done to date.”

THE ACACIA STRAIN With a slew of tour dates being announced in the new year, it looks as if TAS plan to continue their live dominance over the world at large. The follow up to ‘Wormwood’ will most likely be recorded and released later this year. The bands original guitarist DL has been demoing tracks for both TAS as well as an unnamed project. Hopefully we wont have to wait too long.

THE GHOST INSIDE As of August, TGI announced they were heading to the studio around October or November to begin tracking with Jeremy McKinnon (A DAY TO REMEMBER). No other news has been announced minus the tour with ATTACK ATTACK! to start off the new year. The new record is expected soon. As for the ‘Returners’ re-release with the DVD? Who knows what happened to that…

PARKWAY DRIVE The band have said that they’ve got some “ideas that are bigger than anything we’ve done in the past” for their fourth studio album. “We’ve got ideas for this record that are bigger than anything we’ve done in the past. We’re trying to pencil it in, but we want to get in the studio sooner rather than later.” Also stating that they don’t believe the material would be written with bigger crowds in mind. Winston McCall added: “We’ve never written like that in the first place, we always wrote for ourselves. I mean, it’s cool to be able to write a part that loads of people can sing along to, but you can’t really factor that in. It just happens.” Hopefully we’ll get to hear and see some new material before the end of 2012.

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE As is the norm, rumors have been getting kicked around now about RATM finally recording and releasing some new material. The bands last offering, ‘Renegades’ was released in 2000. Fans have waited patiently (for going on 12 years now! Some real GUNS N ROSES shit here folks!) for a new record. Guitarist Tom Morello has had this very cryptic message to say on the matter: “Right now there are no… You know, the band is not writing songs, the band is not in the studio,” he said. “We get along famously and we all, you know, intend to do more RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE stuff in the future, but beyond sort of working out a concert this year, there’s nothing else on the schedule.” Hmmm…

HIGH ON FIRE The band has entered Salem, Massachusetts’ GodCity Studios with producer and CONVERGE guitarist Kurt Ballou to begin tracking its as-yet-untitled new album. “We are really stoked about recording this album,” said bassist Jeff Matz. “The new songs are turning out absolutely punishing; there are some seriously sledgehammer riffs on this one! Working with Kurt has been awesome as well. He’s super easy to work with and is full of good ideas. The sounds that the guy gets are ridiculous and raw as fuck but also clear and HUGE. I think this album will capture the essence of the band really well. It’s still early in the process, but so far it’s sounding amazing.”

STONE SOUR On Corey Taylor‘s recent solo tour he told crowd’s to expect a new record sometime next year. Speaking on the new material Taylor said: “We’ve got about 13 songs demoed,” Corey said. “We’ve got about six more than I’m gonna record. A handful more than me and Josh [Rand, guitar] are working on. Josh and Jim [Root, guitar] are in a secret location in Florida right now working on things. And Roy’s [Mayorga, drums] got some stuff that he’s bringing in; he’s still building his home studio right now so that he can play drums and not piss off his neighbors!” Adding, “We’re probably gonna record in Iowa with [producer] David Bottrill, who’s done ‘Ænima’ by TOOL and he’s done work with MUSE… pretty much everybody from TOOL to PETER GABRIEL he’s worked with. He’s a band’s producer, he’s an album producer. What I wanna do with this album is very grandiose. It’s gonna be a little bit of everything for everybody, but just really kick-ass and hard.” As a side note, there has been NO talk of when SLIPKNOT will get together and write again. There hasn’t been sufficient healing time but they are however, touring the US in 2012 on the Mayhem Festival alongside UNEARTH and LAMB OF GOD.

LAMB OF GOD ‘Resolution’, the band’s 7th full length will be released January 23, 2012. The 14 tracks were produced by Josh Wilbur, who was also at the production desk for ‘Wrath’ and who has also worked with HATEBREED, BLACK TIDE and (pffft) LIMP BIZKIT. Let’s hope this is more of a return to the glory and majesty that once was LoG.

BLEEDING THROUGH The band will be releasing their new record January 31 via Rise Records. The new outing will be titled ‘The Great Fire’. It will be released as a CD/DVD combo, as of this moment there has been no word on what will be included on the DVD. Following along the same path they’ve been on the new record should prove to be one of the most volatile in the bands career.

ATTACK ATTACK! Rise Records will also be releasing the new AA! record, ‘This Means War’ on January 31. This will actually be a very important record for the band as they have attempted to define themselves as a more mature sounding band than on previous efforts.

CALIBAN German metalcore giants are set to explode with their highly anticipated (at least by me!) new album, “I Am Nemesis”, on February 28. Caliban’s music has been getting heavier with each release — almost transcending into deathcore territory with their 2009 full-length, ‘Say Hello to Tragedy. “It was important to us to have an elaborate album without any fillers,” declares lead guitarist Marc Görtz. “Additionally, the sound of the album is the best we’ve ever had by far: it is heavy and brutal without being chaotic. The album breaks new soil without forgetting our roots. There are new influences such as shimmering guitar melodies and technical grooves with Meshuggah-like heaviness.”

A FIGHT FOR LIFE Unsigned at the moment but with great management behind them, Atlanta’s own young-blood’s have every intention of recording a full length this year. “We are planning on doing a new single to try and play around with a newer sound, the direction will definitely be harder. We aren’t going for any particular sound though. We’re writing what we feel. Nothing mainstream by any means but a bit heavier while still keeping the melodic hardcore aspect,” says drummer/vocalist Casey Butler. He continues, “After we get a record deal, we will do a full length. We’d love to work with Brian Hood at 456 again. We are also toying with doing a cover song, but something special that we could actually do credit to.”

GIDEON Alabama’s answer to THE GHOST INSIDE will be releasing their new as-yet-untitled record this summer. It’s sure to be as beast as “Costs” was, if not more. Starting off 2012 as part of the HardknocTour featuring: SOVEREIGN STRENGTH, KING CONQUER and AS HELL RETREATS, with several more in store! The band just recently released a new track on their Facebook that proves they are, and will be a force to be reckoned with.

EVERGREEN TERRACE Seemingly always on the road in the US and abroad, the ET boys have been gearing up and getting ready to record their 6th full length, which we can hope will be sooner than later. With their blistering combination of melodic hardcore, metal and punk rock, fans can only expect more of the same.

THE UNKNOWN A new ‘super-group’ of sorts, that features the talented contributions of members from WHITECHAPEL, DR. ACULA, FORTY WINTERS and a guest that can’t be named as of press. The project is the ‘brain-child’, of sorts, by Atlanta’s own Jon Hole. The project focuses on the ‘good and evil’ in man and music is well, uncompromisingly heavy and filled with groove. It will be produced, mixed and mastered by Shaan Singh of Sing-A-Ling Productions and Alex Wade (WHITECHAPEL). Even more enticing? The upcoming EP will be free upon release. Just don’t expect a tour: “This is strictly a project for the sake of making music, trying to get out a message that there just might be some good in all the bad out there and, I honestly just wanted to do something with this group of talented individual’s and am happy to call them friends.” says Jon Hole on the upcoming EP.

BIOHAZARD January 20 will also see the release of the Brooklyn Bashers 9th studio album. It also marks the return of the groups original line-up. This hasn’t been seen in 18 years. It’s also a sad but powerful farewell to bassist/co-vocalist Evan Seinfeld. “BIOHAZARD has always been a mixture of our personalities, passion, chaos and angst that makes us who we are,” says vocalist and guitarist Billy Graziadei. “It’s this energy that comes out of us when we’re together that is BIOHAZARD.” Toby Wright (ALICE IN CHAINS, METALLICA, SEVENDUST, KORN) was brought in to produce the 13-track “Reborn In Defiance”, which was recorded in Los Angeles.

STICK TO YOUR GUNS The band is recording with Jason Livermore and Bill Stevenson at the helm, at The Blasting Room in Fort Collins, CO with an early spring release expected. The band recently released a single, “Bringing You Down (A New World Overthrow)” featuring a vocal contribution from Karl Schwartz of FIRST BLOOD. The song is a perfect representative of the bands newly focused and renewed direction, mixing hardcore, melody and quite frankly, some of the best and most passionate lyrics around in this genre. Next to the new THE GHOST INSIDE record, fans should expect this to be one of the years best releases.

EVERY TIME I DIE Everyone’s favorite dirty swagger, southern tinged hardcore band ETID have been at it again. Ripping up stages once again and debuting, while opening for a less than impressive GWAR, a new track tentatively titled “Underwater Bimbos From Outerspace”. It keeps the trademark sound the band are known for and if the song is any indication as to where any new material is headed, we are in for one hell of a record! Going out on their own headline tour in the first few months of 2012 (with TERROR, STRAY FROM THE PATH and FORMER THIEVES) it is unclear if and when they will actually record and release a new record, but fingers crossed it would most likely be late summer/fall.

ARCHITECTS (UK) Are Brighton, UK’s sons working on a new full length? The release of the “Devil’s Island” two track single would lead many to believe, yes. They start off 2012 with a major European tour with RISE AGAINST. Let’s hope they make time to record a full length this year.

As you can tell, 2012 is shaping up to be a huge year for quality releases. Other bands to watch out for this coming year include CATALEPSY, the possible reformation/reunion of xAFBx, MY TICKET HOME, KING CONQUER, KILLWHITNEYDEAD, CHELSEA GRIN and many more. Don’t be shy. Don’t be cheap. Go see you’re favorite bands when they come through your town. Shake their hands. Buy their merch. Buy a cd. If it’s only in your budget to buy just one a month, do it. Make it count.    -Jon Hole

10.24.11
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[MUSIC] Close Your Eyes – Empty Hands And Heavy Hearts [REVIEW]

CLOSE YOUR EYES
Empty Hands And Heavy Hearts
[Victory Records]
Verdict: 8.5/10

Since the release of their debut album We Will Overcome in 2010, CLOSE YOUR EYES have toured relentlessly with such bands as UNDEROATH, TERROR, STICK TO YOUR GUNS and A DAY TO REMEMBER spreading their positive messages of hope and love. The bands brand of melodic/poppy hardcore has made them underground superstars. With the release of the sophomore record Empty Hands And Heavy Hearts, they stepped up their game. The rhythm’s are tighter. The chorus’ more epic. Their hardcore melee is more adrenaline fueled. Their messages of positivity stronger than ever and packaged tighter. Sounding more like a hybrid of COMEBACK KID and STICK TO YOUR GUNS, the boys in CYE have made an album meant to be heard in a live setting, or loudly in your car on the highway. Album opener ‘Hope Slips Away (The World Is Ours To Change)’ starts off Empty Hands… in a direction that never stops until the record ends. Explosive, high energy CBK style hardcore energy kicks in, gang vocals assault the ears and a great ‘two step’ groove carry this ferocious track through it’s catchy chorus and ultimately it’s 3minute and 49second end. It never stops and this is an amazing thing. Those that weren’t into CYE’s first record will most assuredly enjoy this one, as is evident by a recent post on social media giant Facebook by STRAY FROM THE PATH: “I did not like Close Your Eyes’ music at all on their first record. But their new songs are actually very good. Check them out if you felt the same way as me….Maybe we will be touring with these guys soon ;-)”. If that doesn’t stand as a testament to the growth CYE have gone through in one short year, nothing will. “Valleys’, the records first proper single, is filled to the brim with catchy hardcore goodness. It’s infectiousness is instantaneous and undeniable. CLOSE YOUR EYES have released a record that will be talked about in high regard for years. Check out Empty Hands And Heavy Hearts and enjoy the new maturity in this promising (still) young band. -by Jon Hole

Recommended listening: ‘Hope Slips Away (The World Is Ours To Change), ‘Injustice’ & ‘Wolves’
Release date: October 25, 2011
In conclusion…Empty Hands And Heavy Hearts shows the growth of a driven and determined young band hungry to be heard.

10.17.11
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Movie Review – THE THING

THE THING
>Status: In Theatres
>Rated R: Terror, Violence, Gore, and Some Language
>Runtime: 103 minutes
>Cast: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Joel Edgerton, Ulrich Thomsen, Eric Christian Olsen, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje
>Directed By: Matthijs Van Heijningen Jr.
>Recommended: Yes
>See in theatres or wait until DVD: Theatres
This is not a remake of the 1982 THE THING; this is the prequel. The ’82 movie shows a Norwegian camp destroyed in the beginning, and in this prequel you follow the characters that died there. THE THING is a pretty thrilling movie filled with bountiful terror and horror. Despite its few problems, this new version was actually more enjoyable than the older one. The creatures were pretty creepy, though maybe not as memorable as those seen in the ’82 film. You also see a little more background of the creature this time around (and by that, I mean you see more of the spaceship). Check out the pros and cons below:
>PROS:
+Action sequences are better than in the ’82 version
+The connection between this film and the ’82 version was greatly appreciated
+Thrilling
+Packs some good terror
+Good cast of actors and actresses
+Special effects on the creature and transformations were high quality
>CONS:
-One of the Russians commits suicide off camera; you just see him dead in the credits
-What happens with the female lead? With the way things are left, you would think her character would have had a part in the ’82 movie
-Some of the creatures aren’t as freaky as they were in the older movie
-There are several similarities between the two movies that may bum people out (as in the way certain circumstances play out)
>Bottom Line: THE THING is better than the ’82 version, in my opinion. There were some things not as impressive (like the creature formations), but the overall filming of the movie was more entertaining. There’s good acting, good action sequences, and I love how the two films are connected during the credits.