Killswitch Engage – Killswitch Engage – Review

Release Date: June 30th, 2009
Record Label: Roadrunner Records
Genre: Metalcore

Ah yes, has it already been two years? Is it time for another Killswitch Engage album? After four solid efforts, two lead singers, and a shit ton of metalcore riffage, KSE has managed to help pioneer the genre while continuing to produce music that is not only beautifully melodic but also heavy through out. Which is just the thought I had when I first heard about the bands new self-titled album. “Would it still have their signature timeless songs of significance with plenty of acrobatic guitars and vocals?” But before I could get to that, I had another thought. Just in case people have short memories, while under the helm of lead vocalist Jesse Leach, Killswitch Engage already released the bands self-titled album back in 2000. Killswitch Engage must be the first group of guys to have two records that seek to distinguish who they are. Which is fair enough, but I would have thought it would have broken some kind of copyright law. Listen up Ferret! read more

Party To Death

Death By Stereo has posted the video for their song “Welcome To The Party” online here. The song is from the bands new album “Death Is My Only Friend“, which will hit stores on July 7th through Serjical Strike Records.

Weapons Exchanging Songs

Knives Exchanging Hands have posted the tracks “Kansas City Shuffle” and “The Death Of Papy Gatmus” on their Myspace. The songs are from the bands new album “The War Of Speech, The Weapon Of Words“, which will hit retail stores on July 21st through Tragic Hero Records.

Stream Of Ruin

Job For A Cowboy has posted their new album “Ruination“ for stream on their Myspace. The album will hit stores on July 7th through Metal Blade Records.

Death Before Dishonor – Better Ways To Die – Review

Release Date: June 30th, 2009
Record Label: Bridge Nine Records
Genre: Hardcore

After the success of their last album “Count Me In,” which made a few dents in the heatseekers charts, Death Before Dishonor had a lot to live up to when they decided to start work on their new effort “Better Ways To Die.” To me Boston hardcore has always been an interesting scene. From its beginnings, which were based off the DC hardcore scene (Bad Brains, Minor Threat), to the emergence of popular bands such as Bane, Converge, Have Heart, and of course Death Before Dishonor, it has always been a respectable and yet still brutal genre that chugs along on the gasoline and oil mixture that is intensity and aggression. read more

Strike With Your Hand

Strike Anywhere has posted their new song “Hand Of Glory” on their Myspace. The track is from the bands new album “Iron Front” which is set to come out soon through Bridge Nine Records.

Tragedy Of The Century

Caliban are set to release their new album “Say Hello To Tragedy” on August 25th through Century Media Records.

Hidden Hands Of A Consumerist Nation

Darkest Hour is set to release a reissue of their album “Hidden Hands Of A Sadist Nation” in CD/DVD and colored vinyl formats on July 14th through Victory Records. The reissue will include the bonus track “For The Soul Of The Savior.”

Time And Distance – Gravity – Review

Release Date: June 30th, 2009
Record Label: Not Alone Records
Genre: Pop Rock

Now that we are entering the warmer days of summer, we are inexorably lead into the graces of tons and tons of light and catchy indie/pop rock albums. To say that there is an ocean of said efforts and artists would be an understatement. So it was no small circumstance that had me come to the conclusion that West Virginia-based three piece Time And Distance, might actually have what it takes to take home top honors for pop rock albums for the year. It comes from the band’s impressive history. For only being a band for about 6 years, they have released talented efforts, worked with extraordinary producers (Matt Squire for one), have toured with the likes of Relient K, Motion City Soundtrack, Boys Like Girls, and Hit The Lights, not to mention they willingly left their former record label, I Surrender Records, in search of the old fashion DIY approach. Sounds like Time And Distance may have what it takes to succeed don’t they? read more