metalcore

Album Review: As I Lay Dying - Awakened

Submitted by Chris C on Monday, Sep 24th 2012

The struggle between brutality and melody is something that has come to define much of the modern metal movement. On one hand, there are the bands that don't believe any interplay is necessary, choosing instead to treat their listeners as punching bags, pounding song after song of relentless heaviness until they decide to retire. It's an approach that seems to be gathering more and more followers, one I would contend does nothing to help the cause of metal.

A Conversation with Byron Davis, God Forbid

Submitted by M. Drew on Thursday, May 3rd 2012

Still banging out original, old-school metalcore after more than fifteen years on the circuit, God Forbid continues to pound heavy on the hearts and minds of fans across the country. Fresh on the road with thrash legends and fellow Jersey-borne musicians Overkill, God Forbid is bringing their new album "Equilibrium" to the masses. Singular front man Byron Davis sat down with me to talk his band, the music industry, New Jersey and how Predator owns everyone.

Album Review: This is Hell - "Black Mass"

Submitted by M. Drew on Friday, Oct 28th 2011

To say that I was less than enthused about putting This Is Hell's "Black Mass" on my 'to-do' pile is probably an understatement. The band's press speaks volumes about the prowess of this evolving hardcore crossover band that lays down sobering, realistic lyrics....snore. I felt like I read those exact words about Hatebreed in 1999. Which only made me more withdrawn from the album. After all, hardcore has never truly died, but the last decade has seen a precipitous fall in both quality and popularity of the once crowded genre.

Album Review: Unearth - "Darkness in the Light"

Submitted by M. Drew on Wednesday, Jul 27th 2011

Now, this is what we like to see. As Unearth gets older, they seem to be learning more and more about how to become the best band they can be. Each album from the metalcore sentinels has been better than the previous, and “Darkness in the Light” continues that impressive trend.

2008’s “The March” was, as called in the pages of this very blog, “frustrating.” It contained several warts of noticeable size, beginning with the vocal stylings of Trevor Phipps.