Forefathers EP - Forefathers: REVIEW

Band: Forefathers (Facebook)
Album: Forefathers - EP

Buy: iTunes
Official Store

Rating: 5/5

1. Dust Mending

2. Arrows in the Water

3. The Rejuvenation Chamber

4. Pirates

5. The Nurturer

If you like good hardcore music and can't seem to find any newer bands that suit that need, look no further! Kentucky's own Forefathers take anger and aggression to otherworldly levels with crushing vocals, shredding guitars, and explosive drum beats! Channeling pure and raw emotion into musical form, this band is on their way to greater things. Released on January 1st, 2011, their debut self-titled EP is anything but ordinary. Remember when music wasn't generic? When riffs and melodies were original and not ripped off? Well, be prepared to be taken back to that time as I explore this impressive 5-song EP!

Key Tracks:

Arrows in the Water: The 2nd track and the one that seemed to find itself on repeat the most, this is easily my favorite track on this EP. Starting with a simple riff and immediately unleashing fury with Justin Wisdom's raw and edgy vocals. This song is, to me, the heaviest on the EP and definitely worth a listen if you're trying to decide whether or not you like the band. This song reminds me of what it's like to listen to good music, not just the typical open-note, breakdown, chorus, breakdown, ending type of music we seem to see so much of these days.

Final Thoughts:

If you're a fan of aggressive music, this EP is for you. These guys are on their way to bigger and better things and will definitely be a name to remember in the future. They're currently recording a new album to destroy our speakers, but for now, check out Forefathers on iTunes and be prepared to be blown away by true musicianship!

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REVIEW: The Sons Of Katie Elder- The Eye Of The Beholder

Rating: 4/5

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What is in a name? In today's society, a lot. That's exactly what you get from Bronx, NY's The Sons Of Katie Elder. Fusing Metal/Hardcore, these guys have a great sound. Their debut Ep, The Eye Of The Beholder, is a testament to their hard work and dedication to make great music. In this review, I'll take a look at the 5 song Ep, pick out my favorite tracks and give some things I feel could be better. Are you ready? If so, then read on!

Overview

This Ep is very good but sadly very short! Hector has amazing vocals and the guitars are seemingly flawless. There is a ton of melodic traits and I honestly hear a lot of Sovereign Strength and The Red October in this music. Musicianship is a plus and I don't hear too many off beats or dead riffs. As far as how the songs are put together, I loved it. Everything flows very smoothly and gems such as "High Tide" and "The Irony" speak for themselves!

Key Track: The Irony

This song is really good and I was very impressed at how good the guitars actually sounded! Right out of the gate, a great opening riff starts us out! The lead guitar has a great melody going and the drums are spot on with double beats! The line " Push me away!" really defines the song. Not a ton of melody in this song, its just a great hard hitting song to let some anger out! This song has so many different tempos from slow breakdown, to fast paced hammer-ons. Great song and great effort by the band. Loved it!

Key Track: High Tide

Easily my favorite track! This song has so much melody and it has a lot of drive behind. Starting off the song is a great riff and a great lead! Drums are definitely the most impressive. You can really hear the passion in Hectors voice as he sings in this song. Matter of fact, you can tell the band has perfected their sound with this song! I honestly believe that " High Tide" is a must hear! Words won't do it justice! Tempo changes a-plenty. The chorus is really impressive and has a great beat to it. Overall this song has a great vibe, and I love the ending breakdown, probably the best part of the song!

Final Thoughts

The Sons Of Katie Elder have a great sound and a great drive behind them. Hector is a very cool and passionate guy just from casual conversations with him. I give this ep 4/5 for the great effort and sound. The thing I have to say I didn't like was the overall production and mix of the songs. Not bad for a debut but still a little disappointing and when you factor in this band has so much talent. Drums were mixed a little to wet to me, and the bass of the song is on the low side. Coming from a guy who produces his own music and local bands, I have to say its overall solid. This band has the potential to be one of New York's finest bands if they establish a great foundation. What better place to start a band than the Bronx!?! Be on the lookout for these guys in the fall! Great things coming! Download or buy the album by getting in contact with the band via their facebook page! The Sons Of Katie Elder, remember that name! Great things to come!

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Radiosurgery - New Found Glory: REVIEW

Band: New Found Glory (Facebook)

Album: Radiosurgery

Buy: Amazon
iTunes

1. Radiosurgery

2. Anthem for the Unwanted

3. Drill It in My Brain

4. I'm Not the One

5. Ready, Aim, Fire!

6. Dumped

7. Summer Fling, Don't Mean a Thing

8. Caught in the Act

9. Memories and Battle Scars

10. Trainwreck

11. Map of Your Body

If you're a fan of the pop-punk genre, New Found Glory is all but a new name to you. With 6 albums under their belt, half of which were certified Gold by the RIAA, their 7th album, Radiosurgery, had a lot to live up to. However, they stepped up to the plate and knocked it out of the park! Not only did they create a fun and catchy album you will quickly get hooked on, but they also managed to pack a meaningful edge into the lyrics and overall tone. Radiosurgery is nothing short of a masterpiece. A 33-min roller coaster ride of emotions that takes you from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows. I'm very excited and honored to review this album for you all!

Key Tracks:

Radiosurgery: The title track and appropriately chosen first single from the album. It seems that Chad is wanting to let a girl from his past go and it's loads harder than he could've imagined. As most of you already know, it can be hard to get over the past when something good comes into your life. This song is about that struggle. Most of you already know, but Chad Gilbert of New Found Glory has been in a relationship with Hayley Williams of Paramore for the past 3 and a half years and it's been a hell of a ride for them both.

Summer Fling, Don't Mean a Thing: This song is about the longing for something more than a one-night stand. Everyone wants a real relationship, am I right? Something meaningful that will stand the test of time and will remain true through good as well as bad? This song is about that feeling. Not wanting to be used for the Summer and thrown away after she's done with him. This is probably one of my favorite tracks on the album.

Final Thoughts:

If you're looking for an amazing pop-punk record, look no further. This has everything that pop-punk fans look for: Meaningful and fun lyrics, catchy beats, and great, fun themes. Don't download this album for free, go buy it. Show that you still support your favorite artists. This will quickly become a classic. I honestly have to say that anyone who decides to buy this album will definitely be proud of themselves for doing so. Pick up your copy of Radiosurgery out on Epitaph Records on October 4th!

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Molotov Solution - Insurrection - REVIEW

Molotov Solution
Insurrection
Genre: Deathcore

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Tracklist

	Sin & Sacrifice
	Injustice For All
	The Final Hour
	The Blood of Tyrants
	Divide & Conquer
	Insurrection
	Cruor Viaticus
	Prophetic Illusions
	Collapse
	Signals
	Rise

Insurrection is the story told by Nick about the coming of days. Not the end, just the beginning of an onslaught of total devastation. You could say this is the a copy of Wormworld, by The Acacia Strain or Fit For An Autopsy, but in the eyes of a person who is finally realizing what is taking place and what they think about it. The CD will strike your heart where it hurts most, and it will destroy your beliefs of this almighty nation. Nick has had time to prepare for this release. From the release of their self-titled CD to their previous release, The Harbinger, Nick has been warning every one of his thoughts and what he deems is the new coming age of man, friend against friend pitting each other to death just to make a point only to be torn down.

The lyrics to this CD are just something I love in the deathcore genre. Sure you have the occasional love/hate, I fucking want to kill you lyrics, but this is a FUCKING MESSAGE to the masses. This CD is warning all the people of the coming final hour. Stating when each will be tested of their beliefs and shot for their commitment to this great nation of bloodshed. Throughout this CD you will be shocked, smashed into the ground and thrown into the fucking air by those beastly breakdowns. Accompanied by this onslaught is the message that we will fail, and we will fall for trying to seek our beliefs. The real message to divide and conquer, the almighty truth of how the justice is for all those who swear by it, or for us to finally take a stand fight for something and FUCKING RISE

The key tracks in this masterpiece are Insurrection and Cruor Viaticus. I honed in and instantly fell in love with these two songs, not only because of the fade out with the screams of Nick, but because of the actual message they are trying to get across. They don’t want to live in a world of mediocrity they want to prove there is a reason to exist. As stated, fuck your world you can have it. Cruor Viaticus is the story of how our nation is buying security and bloodshed, senseless blood shed is the collateral that coincides with this spreading of lies that will NEVER FUCKING BLEED US DRY.

This CD is for everyone, whether or not you listen to this genre, once you read the lyrics you will be hooked. I look at this CD as being the offspring of the many bands who also try to state a message of warning, that all of which need to heed. Such bands consist of The Acacia Strain, Fit For An Autopsy and the late Rage Against The Machine. Sure they’re not in the same genre group, but their lyrics are all a warning of what is coming and will happen if we choose to follow blindlessly and let the nation decide our demise.

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Glock the Temple - Color the Promises

Band: Color the Promises (Myspace)

Album: Glock the Temple

Tracklist:

1. ...From the Depths

2. The Colonize

3. Glock the Temple

Fairly new to the scene, Finnish metal group Color the Promises takes aggression and technicality to a whole new level. I'm excited and honored to review their first EP, Glock the Temple, which came out approximately a year ago. Starting with the explosive and in your face intro track "...From the Depths" and ending with the title track "Glock the Temple" this EP is a great addition to anyone who enjoys great foreign metal! If you ever run across this gem, pick it up, because I have yet to find a PHYSICAL copy of it anywhere!

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Man Overboard - Man Overboard

Band: Man Overboard (Facebook)
Album: Man Overboard
Buy: iTunes
Amazon

Tracklist:

1. "Rare"

2. "Teleport"

3. "Voted Most Likely"

4. "Dead End Dreams"

5. "Something's Weird"

6. "Punishment"

7. "Not the First"

8. "Headstone"

9. "Spunn"

10. "Picture Perfect"

11. "Night Feelings"

12. "Atlas"

How do you feel about pop-punk? Well, New Jersey's Man Overboard feel so strongly about it they've even started a movement called "Defend Pop Punk" While they've been on the scene for almost 4 years, their upcoming self-titled release is their first major on that of a major label (Rise Records). The album consists of 12 catchy pop-punk jewels that will have you singing and dancing along in no time. From the fast-paced opening track, "Rare" to the slower, yet still just as powerful closing track, "Atlas". Whether you've been a fan of the band or just starting out with this release, Man Overboard has something for everyone to enjoy.

Key Tracks:

Dead End Dreams: Starting with a group chant and then picking up in speed, this song is the first that really caught my attention. If you listen to the lyrics, he seems to be trying to reach out to a girl he let go. Powerful lyrics and melodies make this one of my favorite tracks on the album.

Atlas: This song is about growing up, but still having fun while doing so. While it's probably one of the slowest on the album, it's also one of the most fun lyric-wise. "Maybe I'll learn how to talk to people. Maybe I'll learn how to laugh. Maybe I'll end up just like my dad. But I just don't feel like a grown up yet." It shows that he's growing up and realizing many things but still doesn't quite feel he's reached that point as of yet.

Final Thoughts:

From catchy lyrics and melodies to powerful and fun themes, Man Overboard has something for pop-punk fans of every age. Pick up your copy on October 4th!

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Aechoes - The Human Condition - REVIEW

Genre: Aechoes-core
Location: Las Vegas, NV
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1. Hello
2. VDSBTSD
3. I Forgot My Name Is Ronald
4. Escape Goat
5. The Sky Is Falling
6. Tears Of Norris
7. The Upside Of Down
8. Into Awe
9. None More Black
10. Goodbye
11. nAechoes

Where to start? If you want a band with an original, but yet solid sound, Aechoes is where its at. A band reigning from Las Vegas these men have a lot going for them. They possess their own sound, but making an impact on the music scene. Aechoes - ((ek-ōs)) 1. Any unheard and/or unseen events caused by the actions, thoughts, or decisions of a human being. What more can you say about a band that can raise the bar for a scene of posers and wannabes and fucking destroy it? You will never expect their music to go in the direction it does upon listening to the band's debut album, The Human Condition. From the djent style of the guitars to the crushing sound of the drums and all wrapped up in a destructive package with Kiernan at the helm. This band is laying waste to the scene and making their own footprint on the music industry. Kiernan their vocalist can make you feel all sorts of emotions from the variance in his elegant singing to his gut retching screams. Doofy and Dynamite all bring the djent sound to the plate. These two men here along with Christian are what make this band have that livid sound. No band is complete without the heart pounding sounds of the battle drums. The drums are perfectly choreographed by Ferris throwing in physical emotion to the song at hand.

The CD in general is a masterpiece, mainstream metal bands all the sound same or follow the same cliché of chugga chugga bree brees. Aechoes wants to readify the music scene. They want to prove there is still bands out who give a fuck about their sound and not get buried in the mediocrity of "everyone" else. You wouldn't want to label them death metal or metalcore. This band is mainly just METAL. No doubt, sure you can pigeon hole them, but they have their own sound from all the different and varying sounds, but that's what make a band unique. Their attention to their sound. Each track has its own meaning and purpose to this masterpiece. The crushing guitar riffs, the emotionally demanding drumming, the hellacious strumming of the bass and the almost commanding vocals. Aechoes is a force to be reckoned with, don't fuck with them or you'll end up like everyone else, burning in a sea of cookie cutter soup and set to decimate.

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REVIEW: Fit For A King- Descendants

Rating: 5 out 5

Facebook: Fit For A King

Up and coming Metal-core band Fit For A King has great things in store for this winter. We just got our hands on their debut full length album, Descendants, and we have to say we are very, very impressed with the musicianship that has been displayed. The 5-piece from Tyler, Texas, recorded at Chango studios in Central Florida. Featuring bands such as Woe, Is Me, Memphis May Fire, Dream On Dreamer and Hand To Hand, Chango studios were a great fit for their musical style. Get excited! This album is everything as advertised and brings a different burning passion to this dead heavy music scene!

Overview

Descendants , is a great piece of work all the way through. The production is very solid, the vocals are raw but still very clean, and the guitar and bass work are really diversified. Most notable about the band is that their lyrics are Faith based, meaning that their Christian beliefs are molded into the music and into the album as a whole. Most of the cliche', " We're a christian band" lines are so overused and at times most bands in the Christian scene seem very hypocritical. But FFAK brings their passion and love for God and their heavy roots into what most call modern metalcore. The tempo of the album changes from song to song, some songs being more melodic and slower, others being hard hitting, and fast paced. Descendants is a great listen and out of all 12 tracks, I couldn't really find anything I disliked or hated. It's your typical metalcore/hardcore album with some great clean vocals and obviously those great screams.

Key Track: Messenger Messenger

When the band released this demo back in late 2010, I was in love from the first listen. So many elements of mychildren mybride in the vocals and the heaviness of the song was so amazing to drive to. The meaning of the song speaks volumes to me because of the lyrics and the drive begind it. The opening line is amazing and just opens the song with a great breakdown. The newer, re-recorded version is faster and cleaner with the guitar riffs and obviously the drums are more powerful than ever. This song is so short and in my opinion, is the best song on the album. From the breakdowns, to the amazing bridge, and then the ending line of " messenger messenger! ", this song is for all those metal heads wanting their quick, but powerful head banging fix!

Key Track: Descendants

In my experience, title tracks off a record are usually one of two things. 1, the are the most boring and least diversified on the album, or 2, they speak volumes for the musicianship and the passion the band has by making one of the best songs on the album. This song is most definitely number 2! Clocking in at 2:21, this song is easily the heaviest on the album. Fast paced, hard hitting and those crushing low screams, yelling out the line " We are descendants of the almighty!" the song is going to be one of the favorites for fans who have followed FFAK. I highly recommend you put this song on repeat as you will continuously break things all day from the heaviness of this song! Descendants is meant to be an opener, and a filler, and it most certainly will get the pit rocking!

Final Thoughts

This has been an absolutely fun album to review and I'm so stoked for everyone to hear it. In today's music scene, " generic " is thrown out alot about bands, and to some, this album may seem just that way. But what DOES separate the band from others is they have the experience and the live show to back up their product. I am proud to say I've seen the band live numerous times! I want to say thank you to Cory Hadje for allowing The Transcendence to review this amazigng record, and for the bands amazing efforts, I give this album an outstanding 5 out of 5 stars! Great job guys! Don't forget to catch FFAK on tour this fall on their Headlining Descendants Tour with My Ticket Home and From Atlantis! And pick up Descandants everywhere when it drops on September 27th!!!

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REVIEW: Powerwolves- You Won't Find Peace

Fast, heavy and pissed off. Those are the first impressions of Merrimack Valley, MA's Powerwolves. With their newest album, You Won't Find Peace, releasing at the end of August, these guys are set up for a hell of a winter. Bringing elements of Hardcore and Punk, the 4-piece has their goals set even higher going into 2012. Here is a in depth review of the album, with key tracks, ratings, and some things I think could be better for them in the future!

Overview

When you hear the band play, you can actually feel the rage. Every riff and hit is played with so much intensity. The album is all you could ever ask for in a hardcore album. Solid production, amazing song structure, and guitar work that helps set the band apart from others that just do the constant dead note and breakdowns. After a full day of listening, I can tell you I am fan. Building off of this album going into 2012 is going to be amazing when it finally happens.

Key Track

Without a doubt the key track has to be Heavy Lies The Crown. Starting the song off with a great drum solo, the snare sounding amazing and having a nice pop to it. This song has the most rage in the entire album with notable lines of " I'll Never forget what you did!" Going through a verse and a chorus, the song completely changes tempos and then this is the part where the pitt is the most brootal. Clocking in at 2:12, this is a shorter song but nonetheless its a great song for letting out those anger issues or for those crazy drivers!

Final Thoughts

This album really speaks about the talent and experience this band has as a whole. I was really impressed with the musicianship and most notably, the guitar work. The leads are sounding really impressive and I'l give this album a 4.5 out of 5 stars! Catch Powerwolves live right now! They're booking shows in locally and if you live in the MA area, get yourself to one of those shows!

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REVIEW: Neighborhoods (Deluxe Edition) - Blink-182

Artist: Blink-182
Album: Neighborhoods
Rating: 4-Stars

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Everyone who hears the name "Blink-182" is instantly sent into a state of nostalgia, correct? Well, 7 years after the release of their self-titled album, the trio is back and some may argue, better than ever! The highly anticipated follow-up "Neighborhoods" shows that these guys have evolved far beyond the childishness they originally displayed which we had all come to love. If you have followed the members individually, (Boxcar Racer, +44, Angels vs. Airwaves, and Travis's solo project) you'd know that they have evolved beyond the punk sound they once embraced. You may argue that this is just another "radio-rock" album and that they are doing it just to get the fans off their backs. That couldn't be further from the truth: Tom, Mark, and Travis have recorded this album for the fans and to show that they still do things for the love and the fun of making music. After setbacks, complications, and many other problems regarding this album, they've finally made it ready for the public. You must go into this album realizing that with aging, comes maturity. There will be both positive and negative publicity for this album, but overall, no one will argue that this album is progression in it's finest form.

Key Tracks:

"After Midnight": Starting out with a slow, chilled-out drum beat from the legendary Travis Barker, this track is, like it's predecessor "Up All Night", a song that is reminiscent of Tom Delonge's project Angels vs. Airwaves. A slow, soft song with a catchy chorus, and Mark's first chorus appearance.

"Kaleidoscope": Mark's first full-song appearance, and the first song on which you begin to feel the reminiscence of old Blink-182. I believe this would have made more sense as a 2nd single for the album, but "After Midnight" is a great way to show their progression between singles. The alternating choruses between Tom and Mark make this a great pop song, and a very catchy one at that.

The bottom line is: While it lacks in the comedic, childish nature we're all so used to, it makes up for it in progression, experiment, and overall catchiness. I recommend this album to anyone who has been a fan of the band's side projects or that enjoyed the self-titled album. If you come into this album and expect it to be anything like "Take Off Your Pants and Jacket", "Enema of the State", or "Dude Ranch", you will be highly disappointed. You've grown up since then, haven't you? So have they. I give this album a 4-Star rating and stand behind it all the way.

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miniREVIEW: Children Of Fire - Oh Sleeper

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Everyone says that the Christian and Metal genres can't mix well, right? Well, Ft. Worth texas natives, Oh, Sleeper have proven that wrong for the past 6 years and their new album, "Children of Fire" is no exception! The follow-up to 2009's "Son of the Morning", "Children of Fire" holds nothing back. It contains arguably some of the heaviest and rawest material the band has ever written as well as some of the softest and most melodic. Spreading the word of Christ in a way that few bands in their time have been able to, Oh Sleeper are fast-rising as one of the most well-known bands in their genre, as well as their time.

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Review: An Ending: A Beginning - Every Passing Dream

Artist:Every Passing Dream - Facebook

Album: An Ending: A Beginning
Rating: 5-Stars

Hailing from West Palm Beach, Florida, Every Passing Dream has released a new and diverse sound to this dead scene. A genre in which I call " true hardcore ", these guys have the potential to do even more with their future releases.

I am pleased and stoked to review their highly anticipated debut Ep, An Ending: A Beginning. A 5 song masterpiece that shakes the ground from track to track!!

Overview:

The Ep definitely has some true potential and has a very dynamic sound to it. The production is very solid, and the structure of the songs flow well with Tyler's raw vocals. At times, I could have swore I was listening to For The Fallen Dreams! With melodies that soar, flowing together with those amazing bass lines, I can honestly tell why so many people love this band! Go to their facebook page, and just read some of the love people are sharing. It really shows this band is out there for more than just a profit, but to impact people and ultimately show them amazing music!

Key Tracks:

Deceiver

This is by far my favorite track and it just overall gives the feel of the entire Ep. It starts at a slower pace, and the opening riff sounds really put together. It has a melodic feel at times, but you can't escape the constant power of Hardcore.

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Review: Nightmare - Avenged Sevenfold

Artist: Avenged Sevenfold

Album: Nightmare
Rating: 5-Stars

Avenged Sevenfold have come along way since their first album “Sounding The Seventh Trumpet” and their first concerts. This is a band who have been through hell and back to get to where they are now. From label rejections to disappointed fans and their most recent tragedy, the loss of their dear brother/drummer Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan. And as much as these 5 men have wanted to give it all up and go back to their normal lives, they’ve never let anything stop them. With 5 records now under their belts, they know all about what it takes to make it and how hard that journey is. Their latest effort, “Nightmare”, has taken them above and beyond to bring their fans the best album they have released to date. From face-melting solos, to heart-wrenching ballads, to haunting choruses, and even a duet with the now-deceased Jimmy Sullivan, this album is a great acquisition for both new and old fans alike.

Key Tracks:

Track: Nightmare
The opening track, “Nightmare”, sets the tone for the rest of the album. .This masterpiece portrays a bumpy, roller-coaster ride through Hell and back. Don’t let the bells fool you, kiddies, this isn’t a trick to put you to sleep. As Shadows proclaims “Now your nightmare comes to life…”, you’re immediately awoken from your lucid state and pulled into a terrifying nightmare. With haunting cackles from vocalist M. Shadows, face-melting solos from Vengeance and Gates, and thundering drum beats from the ring leader himself, The Rev. This man has a legacy, although his time had to come to a short close, the music he built to inspire and create lives on, and derives from his workings of Nightmare. This track makes you feel every bit as though you’ve been pulled into a fuckin’ nightmare.

Track: God Hates Us
The 7th track on the album, “God Hates Us”, is a play on the anger we all feel after a loss. We’ve all screamed, cried, and pounded the ground in search of the answer to a simple, yet complicated question. “Why?” Why, if there WERE a god would he allow such horrible events to occur. This track is simply that anger put into song form. From the guitars, vocals, and drumbeats in this song, you can truly feel how angry the band is with god.

Track: Fiction
This was the final track to be written before the recording process began. 3 days before his untimely death, James “The Rev” Sullivan handed this masterpiece into Shadows and the gang and said “that’s it…that’s the last song for this record.” Little did the band know that this would be his last song ever written. The title, “Ficiton”, comes from one of “The Rev’s” nicknames in High School. With a haunting melody, bone-chilling duet with “The Rev”, and an overall melancholy feel about this track in general. This is EASILY the saddest song that the guys have ever written. But it’s a great way to remember the legacy that James Owen Sullivan left behind.

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