Choices by Truth And Its Burden (Rite Of Passage Records)

Truly impassioned hardcore collectives may hail from any section of the world, as music has always been the universal language. Truth And Its Burden call Johannesburg, South Africa their home, an exotic, extremely historical location to be sure. Recently signed by Rite Of Passage Records (a subsidiary of the mighty Mediaskare imprint), Truth And Its Burden exudes a massive amount of conviction within their lyrics along with a mesmerizing soundtrack that should easily appeal to genre fans all across the globe. Choices is their stunning full-length debut, and it’s destined to catapult the band onto even greater glories.

Choices begins with the convincing sounds of The Deal, instantly hooking the listener in with its crucial lyrics and soaring musical dynamics. “I’m only human and I’ll share this burden with you,” the chorus conveys with an overwhelming sense of sincerity and fervor.

The Decider then emerges with it’s a stunning exuberance that really grabs your attention. Since Day One is a thrilling track with its shimmering guitar interludes and magnetic spoken word aesthetics. My Distance then pummels the senses with its dazzling wall of sound. “And I struggle and I feel pain and anguish, and they made me strong enough to press on,’ vocalist Ashley Beers sings with a incredible sense of perseverance and strength.

“Every Gift, Each Day” continues with a potent sense of wonder as “I can’t seem to save myself these days” and the entire composition packs such a tremendous punch. Partial is a peaceful instrumental interlude where thoughts may be collected before slamming into the colossal barrage of the fully loaded Placed In My Path. Threadbare has a swampy grunge like underscore while still making one want to launch themselves into the nearest mosh pit.

Symphony Conspiracy is another brief instrumental respite that plays like a remote musical memory from the past. The band then blasts into Building A Better Me, a wonderfully cathartic tune showing a good deal of diversity within the confines of one song. And then closing out Choices on a highly memorable note is the breathtaking Realigning Faith, ending the album on an ultimately inspiring note.

Calvin Clayden supplies an atmospheric wall of sonic artistry on guitar, always keeping the interludes lively and interesting. The rhythm section attack is first rate, courtesy of drummer Dale Keegan and bassist Niekie Van Niekerk. And then the aforementioned Mr. Beers slams it all home with a ferocious magnetism, delivering the powerhouse lyrics with a gripping sense of urgency.

They’ve toured South Africa with The Ghost Inside and even made their way over to the European continent. Here’s hoping Truth And Its Burden head on over to the States and unleash their heartfelt message of positivity as well as their hard-hitting soundscapes. Another landmark discovery from the folks at Mediaskare Records!

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

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Pastime by Create Avoid (Pure Noise Records)

The legendary spirit of American hardcore is very much alive and well in Southern California, thanks to bands such as the mighty Create Avoid. Their latest EP Pastime has just been unleashed through Pure Noise Records – four dynamic songs of passion and empowerment that should ignite mosh pits all across the nation when performed live. Producer Sam Pura at The Panda Studios has captured the sonic intensity of the band’s live show, and it’s a staggering assault to the senses genre fans will want to relive time and again.

The EP slams a hardball into the stratosphere right away with the impassioned strains of Left Alone, a commanding track that will surely grab the listener by throat. Never Again then unleashes a metallic fury that is nothing short of a triumph. Nothing More detonates with its explosive breakdowns and confrontational lyrics. And then closing out Pastime on an earth shattering note is Timeline, where a thrash attack shows just how diverse yet thoroughly compelling this band is.

Based out of Riverside, the Create Avoid lineup consists of Mike Alsaybar (vocals), Jake Round (bass), Chris Williams (guitar) and Steve Reese (drums). Fans of Terror and The Ghost Inside should definitely check into what Create Avoid has to offer. Judging by what’s been presented on the devastating Pastime, we’ll be hearing a whole lot more from this vibrant band in the years to come!

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

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It’s Alive by Destruction Of A Rose (Self-released EP)

Based out of the Las Vegas music scene, Destruction Of A Rose has been through some tremendous changes over the last year. After the loss of two key members and the unfortunate closing of their record label, it definitely looked like this would be curtains for the band. One of the themes of DOAR’s music has always been perseverance against all odds, so it should come as no surprise to long time fans that the Sin City collective would return with an all out vengeance. It’s Alive is a ferocious comeback for the band, and it’s sure to launch them onto the road to success once again.

Empty Throne, Empty Crown kicks off the It’s Alive EP, instantly grabbing the listener by the throat and tossing them into a fevered mosh pit. The supremely heavy breakdowns and dazzling musicianship remains as intensive as ever. We Are Fiction continues the journey with its out of the world of this guitar solos and pulsating rhythm section rolling into sonic overdrive.

The title cut It’s Alive is up next, where one can hear new vocalist Chris Foglia at his most impassioned as he growls, “You created a monster!” with a terrifying resolve. Then closing out the recording way too soon is the anthem-like Wake Me When I’m Dead, a definite kick in the head that would awaken even the stiffest of corpses.

Danny White and Nick Rose present a remarkable dual guitar assault, shredding with a fiery magnetism. Bassist DJ Foley and drummer Larry Reynolds make for a tremendously tight as American Hell rhythm section. And then Chris Foglia slams it all at you with his wildly raging vocal attack.

DOAR 2012 is a mighty force to be reckoned with, and It’s Alive is nothing short of a triumph. Long time fans will not be disappointed in the least – and the renewed passion DOAR exudes is sure to win over newer converts as well.

It’s Alive was skillfully engineered, Mixed, and Mastered by Kelly “Carnage” Cairns (As I Lay Dying, War Of Ages) at One Light Media in Las Vegas, Nevada!

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

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The Murderer Of Humanity by Sleep Now Sivylla (Self-released EP)

One of the most explosive spiritual-based hardcore bands on the scene today, the real mystery here is why record labels cannot wake up and sign Sleep Now Sivylla. Describing their music as “heavy melodic gospel,” the band has been in existence since 2008, gaining quite a following with their super intensive tunes. The Murderer Of Humanity is Sleep Now Sivylla’s second EP to date, and its destined to finally slam them over the top and into the big leagues.

The Murderer Of Humanity commences with the ferocious inflections of The Relic, a short yet wondrously effective anthem. Grabbing the listener by throat and tossing them into a fevered mosh pit, The Relic is a perfect introduction to this Longview, Texas based band.

Iscariot is up next, complete with a sonic blast of atmospheric guitars and a thunderous rhythm section in overdrive. All this meshes perfectly with the passionate lead vocal performance of Jesse Rocha, whose crucial screams of “Jesus Christ is Lord” will make anyone a believer.

The recording closes out way too soon with the superb Hellion, showing Sleep Now Sivylla at the very height of their creative prowess. A stunning composition that is sure to rattle the senses, the song concludes with a sweeping sing-along chorus at the end. Hellion is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on all who encounter its dynamic reprieves. The track also features a guest appearance by Tanner Allen of Seeker.

The devastating Sleep Now Sivylla lineup consists of Jesse Rocha on vocals, Zachary Denton on lead guitar, Quintin Stauts on rhythm guitar, Alex Rocha on bass, and Trevor Adams on drums and vocals. The Murderer Of Humanity was produced with imagination and flair by Cris Marshall at Tonal Recording Studios. Fans of the various acts on Rise and Facedown Records MUST check into what Sleep Now Sivylla has to offer. True inspiration to be sure, packed into 12 of the most impassioned minutes of music you will hear this year!  Highly recommended!

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

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The Secrets To Life by At The Skylines (Roadrunner Records)

Roadrunner Records is the home to such metal heavyweights as Megadeth, Opeth, and Trivium – and recently added into the lethal mixture of talent is the metalcore band At The Skylines. Hailing for the OC music scene, At The Skylines traveled across the ocean to work with producer Fredrik Nordstrom of the mighty Dream Evil at the legendary Studio Fredman. Something in the air at the metal mecca of Gothenburg, Sweden must have inspired At The Skylines tremendously, as The Secrets To Life is an explosive debut!  Having more in common with Bring Me The Horizon than At The Gates (two bands that have also recorded at Studio Fredman), At The Skylines unleashes tremendous breakdowns, heroic guitar riffs, and a duel vocal assault that should impress extreme music fans all across the board.

The Secrets To Life reveals itself with the not so silent Hush, a devastating assault to the senses that will instantly hook the listener in for the soaring journey ahead. The sonic inflections of It’s Cherried is next, with both the screamed and clean vocals hitting a fevered pitch.

Shady Dreamin’ (Tension) was previously released as a single, a fantastic representation of the band featuring the highly affecting “Do you feel like you’re running away?” chorus. 143 Princess presents the best of the melodic side of the band while delivering a heavy dose of brutal intensity at the end.

Let’s Burn This is an impassioned cut sure to send mosh pits into overdrive when performed live. Turbulence then flies into the stars with its expressive sense of urgency and sonic breakdowns.  The winning chorus made this a great choice for a single as well.

Chapter 7 is memorable track with its “Sitting on the rooftops” and “Waiting to be saved by the morning light” edginess meshing wildly infectious passages with breakdowns from the bowels of the hell.

“You took my heart away,” are the heated screams kicking off The Amazing Atom, a powerful song about “getting sexy for a second” and “dreaming of unconditional love.” Obviously an important song for the band, and one that is sure to hit into the hearts of At The Skylines fans everywhere. Kellin Quinn from Sleeping with Sirens makes a guest appearance on this top-notch track.

Clear Eyes, Full Hearts is a driving composition lamenting about how “everything is changing right in front of me.” And the closing out The Secrets To Life on a cautiously optimistic note is Forgiveness – a mesmerizing conclusion that will surely inspire repeatedly listening of the entire album.

Placing Southern California squarely back on the map when it comes to heavy music with heart, At The Skylines is destined leave a lasting impression on fans of acts such as The Devil Wears Prada and We Came As Romans. Expect to see these guys headlining their own shows in no time at all.

At The Skylines consists of Chris Shelley on vocals, Mark Barela on vocals, Shawn Yates on guitar, Billy Barber on guitar, and David Angle on drums. Be sure to catch them on the Scream It Like You Mean It tour this summer!

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An Idea Of Home by Navigator (Self-released)

One listen to An Idea Of Home by Navigator, and you would almost expect them to have full support of a record label such as Rise or Victory. Amazingly, the band possesses no recording contact, and yet has delivered a thoroughly professional sounding, highly impassioned collection of songs that should garner them a good deal of attention. Based out of the prosperous Denver, CO music scene, Navigator unleashes an explosive amount of enthusiasm and deep thought into their metalcore tunes, with many of the tracks being instantly memorable. The clean vocals are superb and powerful while the unclean passages take your breath away with their all-out intensity.

The journey commences with an instrumental overture entitled Decisions, followed by the thunderous sounds of 1205 To Anchor. “Be the light that blinds their negativity,” screams the song with a profound sense of urgency. The track also features a supremely heartfelt guest vocal courtesy of Emma Hartzel.

The thrilling lyrical content and earth shattering breakdowns continues with Between Two Trees, where “I’ve been too hell and back just to make it this far” is rendered with a persuasive force – along with the promise of “I’ll tear this city apart, brick by brick.” For Those Against Us is wondrously triumphant as the clean vocalist exclaims, “I swear we’ll escape from this hell if I have to kill the devil himself.”

Median is an instrumental piece features exhilarating guitar work. Then Kevin Gentry of Anchorage joins in for the thrashing reverberations of A Hundred To Five. Status Quo places the metal into supersonic gear – one can see the pits really going into overdrive with when this one is performed live.

Welcome To The G.S.E. is a staggering show of strength, where the lyrics detonate with, “This is our chance – this is our last chance to make something of ourselves.” To Shake The Giant has commanding breakdowns and passionate sentiments of, “Give me the strength to move the world.” The track also features an appearance by T.J Keller of Ashtree.

The stunning conclusion arrives with the emotionally charged title track An Idea Of Home, a striking power ballad that is sure to become an all time fan favorite. Also featuring Will and T.J of Ashtree and Janya Spink of Nautical Mile, the song effectively leaves a lasting impression upon the hearts and minds of all who have taken the musical journey to the end of the album.

The musicians who guide the gripping reveries of Navigator include Anthony on vocals, Justin on guitar and vocals, Stefan on drums, Jinji on bass, and Ryan on guitar and vocals. Be sure to check into what this accomplished band has to offer and follow the lyrics for maximum impact. Produced with expert precision by Dave Otero at Flatline Audio.

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

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Broken Families by Adaliah (Rite Of Passage Records)

Those who have encountered Adaliah’s self-released EP Rituals last year instantly knew that the Florida-based band would go on to even greater glories. Where Rituals showed a dynamic amount of promise, Adaliah’s debut for Rite Of Passage Records could signify a breakthrough into the big leagues. Produced by Shane Frisby (Bury Your Dead, The Ghost Inside), Broken Families is a gripping, highly punishing collection of post-hardcore tunes with a decidedly progressive edge. Whether it’s the captivating lyrics, stunning guitar work, or the pulsating rhythm section on overdrive, Adaliah’s overall presentation will surely affect even the most jaded of extreme music fan.

The journey through bitter darkness and familial disorder commences with In Balance, a violent explosion of rapturous sound and lyrical despair. Jumper displays a tremendous sense of urgency with its spiraling “maybe someone will save me” and “lifeless bodies, fallen bodies, broken families” imagery. The Brightest Eyes is a powerful track where dysfunctional and a loved one meets the alleyways with devastating results.

Hollows slams into the listener with a relentless force featuring staggering lyrical content tearing through the listener – such as “The only thing you’ve ever really done for me is pull me down the furthest that I’ve ever been” and “How did I get so far from everyone, how did I get so distant?” Wasted Effort is blistering and impassioned, followed by fiery inflections of Devil.

Pride And Joy is wildly emotional with its potent sentiments and relentless rhythm section ready for battle – “she was never ashamed” screams the chorus with a fevered sense of conviction. Muse may talk about “running on empty,” but the decisive content and blasting rhythms continue to deliver tenfold. Snake is slithery and venomous with its raging “your apology will not be accepted” refrains.

Shallow Heart is an absolute highlight that goes for the jugular with its “the drugs are started to tear him apart” theme searing through your system like an all-out exorcism. “His mind is racing, he hears the beat of his shallow heart” slams the persuasive chorus. Harbors launches the listener into a sea of mosh and anguish with its heavier than hell breakdowns. And then the instrumental Set Free ends the album on a triumphant note, the soaring guitars and driving beats sending off the entire Broken Families experience into the stratosphere.

Broken Families is a cathartic, adventurous work that many will be able to absolutely relate to. With so many current bands delivering sophomoric lyrical content these days, it’s terrific to listen to such thoughtful introspection accompanied by the most astonishing of soundtracks. Adaliah presents music that has meaning and purpose, and they will surely make an impact on all who venture out to give them a good listen. It will be exciting to see what the future has in store for this collective.

The Adaliah lineup consists of Jorge Sotomayor on vocals, Tyler Andre on vocals, Austin Coupe on guitar, Paul Knott on guitar, Ryan Nagle on bass, and Mark Abbacchi on drums.

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

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One of the most powerful recordings to arise out of the Christian hardcore scene in some time, Now We Are Free by Leaders is as ferocious as it is impassioned. Based out of Hollister, California, it won’t be long before hardcore kids all across the world familiarize themselves with the persuasive tunes of the mighty Leaders.

Containing the superb production work of Zack Ohren (All Shall Perish, Conducting From The Grave, Light This City), Now We Are Free is a rock solid first effort in the grand tradition of classic acts such as Hatebreed, Shai Hulud, and Living Sacrifice. With lyrics and breakdowns presented in such a reflective yet intensive manner, it’s no surprise that Facedown Records signed this compelling new act.

“I need you now, do you realize what you’ve done? How can you love someone like me?” are some of the words from Overture that launch Now We Are Free into the stratosphere. Then it’s time to thrash in Conviction, as Leaders encourage their audience to “Fight! Fight! Fight! For what you believe!” Expect audiences all across the nation to be screaming this chorus right back at the band within a live setting.

Instance is jammed packed with raging guitars and a fiery rhythm section supplying a soundtrack to this super potent worship song. “From this grave of a body I am screaming, let me out!” vocalist Lazarus Rios conveys on Deportes with a commanding sense of urgency.

“Just keep taunting my God, one day you will be at his mercy,” is the ominous warning delivered on the slamming Send Up. Then a reprieve from the sheer intensity is brought on with the warming strains of Te Necesito, followed by the standout title cut Leaders, sending the whole CD into mosh pit overdrive.

Real is a dynamic hardcore anthem that is sure to penetrate the senses. Alone comes at you with the impact of a speed train, dealing effectively with the subject of temptation and doubt. And then La Onda closes out the album on a gloriously triumphant note, featuring the powerhouse lyrics, “My God why do you love someone like me after everything I put you through? Now we are free.”

Supplying plenty of groove to go along with the supremely tight musicianship, Leaders is certainly a tremendous force to be reckoned with. The dynamic Leaders lineup that participated on Now We Are Free consists of Lazarus Rios on vocals, Alfie Tovar on guitar, J.C Villarreal on bass, and Elijah Martinez on drums. Since the creation of Now We Are Free, guitarist Sam Campagna has been added to the Leaders collective. Featuring artwork by the massively inventive Dave Quiggle.  A fearless collection of spiritual themed hardcore anthems that will make you want to take on the world!

(Reviewed by Kenneth Morton)

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Digital Renegade by I See Stars (Sumerian Records)

I See Stars has grown tremendously as a band since their first release for Sumerian Records 3-D shot them into the stratosphere. Constant touring, including a summer on Warped Tour, has made the band tighter than ever, securing them a rabid fan base all across the country. Amazingly, Digital Renegade is their third full-length effort, and it’s destined to appeal to fans who like their metalcore laced with a potent dose of electronics. The heaviness is definitely apparent, as well as the melodic interludes and super driving dance parts. Something for everyone, and yet there is a sense of cohesion and identity that renders Digital Renegade a tremendous standout well worth searching the galaxy for.

The aggression begins with Gnars Attacks, an intensive assault force that meshes into party mode with a wildly infectious dance groove. NZT48 continues the intensity, with infectious beats and dynamic vocal performances from both Zach Johnson and Devin Oliver weaving their collective magic. The title track Digital Renegade is a soaring anthem with Oliver singing triumphantly, “I’m seeing clear, I’m leaving fear, for the first time in my life.”

Endless Sky is highlighted by a guest vocal appearance from none other than Danny Worsnop of Asking Alexandria. Underneath Every Smile is a swirling piece of intensity that should heat up mosh pits everywhere. The growled vocals of Mystery Wall rival anything one may finds on European death metal recordings, once again courtesy of manic keyboardist Zach Johnson.

iBelieve has a compulsively danceable beat and top notch pop vocal inflections from Devin Oliver, clearly showing the range and versatility of the I See Stars repertoire. Summer Died In Connersville explodes with passion and vibrancy as well as kaleidoscopic vocal effects. A journey through the Electric Forest finds another wondrous guest appearance, this time from Cassadee Pope of Hey Monday, lending a persuasive co-vocal to the proceedings.

Digital Renegade comes to a dazzling finale with Filth Friends Unite, a tune of cosmic-like proportions that will surely cement I See Stars reputation as a musical force to be reckoned with.

Produced with a fiery precision by the always dependable Joey Sturgis (The Devil Wears Prada, We Came As Romans), Digital Renegade is an inspiring work that should please the longtime I See Stars fans as well as gain them a whole new set of converts.

The resourceful I See Stars lineup consists of Devin Oliver on clean vocals, Zach Johnson on unclean vocals and synthesizers, Brent Allen on lead guitar, Jimmy Gregerson on rhythm guitar, Jeff Valentine on bass, and Andrew Oliver on drums. Another big winner for this Warren, Michigan based collective!

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

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Chapters by Adestria (Artery Recordings)

There is something about the San Diego music scene that keeps the labels coming back for more. Casino Madrid and Secrets have both unleashed exceptional albums on Artery and Rise Records respectively. And now Adestria is on the verge of busting out onto the national arena in a big and glorious way. Chapters is the name of their Artery Recording debut, 10 phenomenal tracks in all, destined to gain Adestria a good deal of recognition.

Chapters commences with the ferocious Compromised, a sonic assault featuring heroic guitar work, impassioned vocals, and a tremendously tight rhythm section in overdrive. 1984 is up next, with an ominous keyboards underscore embellishing the heavy reprieves. Whiskey For The Soul is wonderfully addictive, featuring a massive guest vocal from Telle of The Word Alive.

The Odyssey is the dynamic first single from Chapters, complete with shimmering keyboard work and dynamic breakdowns rendering this short voyage a memorable track.  Outsiders is a stunning triumph that should set pits all across the nation into a frenzy when performed live – this song is enriched by the participation of Davey Muise from Vanna. The exhilarating reveries continue with the stratospheric Defy The Stars – where super passionate vocals and supreme heaviness collide with spectacular results.

More Than You Know may be a power ballad, but its heartrending lyrics are delivered with such all-out honest conviction – making this one an absolute standout. The pedal is placed back to the metal with a vengeance once The Masquerade is let loose. The adventurous A Ship, A Coffin is up next, followed by a smashing closing track entitled Scarlet Letter. Scott Barnes of In Fear And Faith joins in for the grand finale, supplying a devastating conclusion to the Chapters experience.

The musicianship in Adestria is first rate, with credits going to Matthew Alan Anderson on vocals, Christopher Ray Hardison on bass, Michael Jason Yanez on drums, Russell George Klein Jr. and Brian Kimble Stump on dueling guitars, and Michael Anthony Colasardo shining through on keys. Chapters is a profound introduction to a band we’ll be hearing a lot from in the days ahead. With songs this passionate and intriguing, there is little doubt that Adestria will make it into the big leagues in no time at all. A stunning unveiling of talent to be sure, as well as another big discovery from the Artery Foundation!

(Review by Kenneth Morton)

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