REVIEW: The Life & Death of A Plea For Purging - A Plea For Purging

Band: A Plea For Purging

Album: The Life & Death of A Plea For Purging

Rating: 5/5
Buy: Amazon
MerchNow

Tracklisting:

1. The Life

2. Music City

3. Heart of a Child

4. Miss Fortune

5. My Song (feat. Chad Johnson of HUNDREDTH)

6. Skin & Bones

7. Room for the Dead

8. A Fight for Peace

9. Hell at Our Backs

10. Words Misread

11. Hands & Feet

12. Living the Dream

13. The Death (feat. Chad Urich of Venia)

14. The Setting Sun

Now before I review this album, you must understand I wasn't that into the band when I went into this. However, The Life & Death of A Plea For Purging changed everything I knew about them. The follow-up to 2009's The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, this album explodes in a way I never previously thought possible from this band. Heavy, yet melodic; Soft, yet somehow still powerful. This album has it all including some guest vocals that make those particular tracks stand out even more (My Song which features guest vocals from Chad Johnson of the band HUNDREDTH (on Mediaskare Records) and The Death featuring guest vocals from Chad Urich of Venia (on Blood & Ink Records). This album warped my perception of A Plea For Purging and turned it into possibly one of my favorite albums of 2011 thus far.

Key Tracks:

My Song: Immediately after the soft and subtle interlude that is Miss Fortune, a guitar riff pounds into your ears and sends you into a "break stuff" type of mood. Heavy and moderately paced, My Song was one of my favorite on the album and just when I thought it couldn't get any better, Chad's guest vocals ripped into the song and made it that more devastating and powerful!

Skin & Bones: One of the slowest songs on the album, but that doesn't stop it's power. Completely acoustic and almost eerie, Skin & Bones is a message to the faithful that this body is only a vessel until we pass over to the next life. This song sent chills down my spine the first time I listened to it and (now on my 6th listen of the album), it still does so.

Final Thoughts:

The bottom line is that if there was something you didn't like about Plea before, this album could very well be the one to change your opinion. With crushing guitars, shredding solos, acoustics that will melt your soul, and amazing guest vocals; this album is, in my opinion, one of the best metal albums of 2011 so far. Pick up your copy of The Life & Death of A Plea For Purging on Nov. 8th when it sees its release via FaceDown Records and see for yourself!

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Finders Keepers - Fourth Quarter Comeback: REVIEW

Band: Fourth Quarter Comeback (Facebook)

Album: Finders Keepers

Rating: 5/5

Buy: iTunes

1. When I Fall

2. All I Know

3. New York, New York

4. Finders Keepers

5. You and I

If you're a fan of bands like Motion City Soundtrack and New Found Glory, Fairfax, VA's Fourth Quarter Comeback is definitely a must for you! This band is yet more proof that pop/punk is NOT dead and will never be! The band's debut EP, Finders Keepers, is a must-have for any pop/punk fan young or old. With everything you'd expect from an album in the genre: Catchy and infectious choruses, danceable beats, and meaningful, yet fun lyrics, Finders Keepers will have you falling in love with pop/punk all over again, even if you already were!

Overview:

From the amazingly catchy first track "When I Fall" to the final track on the EP "You and I", there is alot going on in this album. This is the perfect example of what a good up and coming pop-punk band sounds like! The guitars are pefectly on pitch, the lyrics are everything you'd expect from this genre, the drums stay at a rhythm that could be very easy to dance to, and it's overall a fun ride through and through.

Key Tracks:

When I Fall: Easily my favorite track on the EP and rightly so. The keyboards remind me of old-school Motion City Soundtrack and the vocals remind me very much of Chad Gilbert. For those of you who don't know who that is, he is the vocalist for New Found Glory. Being one of my favorite vocalists in the genre, it's no surprise that this track and this EP in general would keep my attention. The chorus of "I still remember what you said last year. It took me higher than I though, so will you catch me when I fall?" signals to me about a love that was lost and he's trying to get her back.

New York, New York: A bit faster than "When I Fall", but still just as catchy and infectious, possibly moreso to some than others. With lines like "I'd kill myself for your affection, just to hear you, just to hear you say", this also seems to be another attempt at winning over the girl from the earlier mention. It shows that he doesn't wanna give up on the one he know he loves. We have all felt the pain of rejection and loss, it's rumored that when you find "the one" you know it. Well it seems to me that he has found that special someone and is not giving up until he gets her.

Final Thoughts:

Pop Punk is FAR from dead and this album is one piece of evidence of that fact. With catchy choruses and beats, fun and meaningful lyrics, and amazingly talented guys on the instruments, what's there not to love? But don't just take my word for it; Go out and download Finders Keepers on iTunes now and find yourself falling in love with Pop/Punk all over again!

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EP - We, The Reflection: REVIEW

Band: We, The Reflection (Facebook)
Album: 2011 EP

Rating: 4/5

1. Hope(s)

2. Reflection(s)

3. Ambition(s)

4. Departure(s)

You don't hear very many good metalcore bands out there anymore, so when I was approached with the opportunity to review Wallingford, CT's We, The Reflection's new EP, I was highly hopeful. Not for nothing, this band brings something to the table that has been missing in metalcore for a good while now. What's that, you may ask? Originality, great clean vocals without auto-tune, and an overall raw sound! While being one of the roughest EP's I've ever reviewed, it's also one of the best I've listened to all year. Get ready, because this band is going to be a household name if they keep things up the way they are. The best part of it all being that they do it ALL for the fans. The money isn't a big deal to them and, as you have read in past reviews, that makes me respect bands tons more. Ready for this? Then read on, guys.

Overview:

What do you think of when you hear the term "metalcore"? My guess is that you think of boring open-notes, breakdowns, and a shitload of auto-tune right? Well when I think metalcore, I think of bands such as A Static Lullaby and The Agony Scene, way back before any of that started. That's why this band threw me for a loop when I threw on their EP and immediately was impressed. There's so much lack of creativity these days in metalcore! It's great to see a band who are willing to give it their all for the fans and create the type of sound that TRUE metalcore fans have missed for the past few years. This band destroys that stereotype and reshapes the genre into what it once was. I suggest picking up this EP or going to see these guys at a show because you will not be disappointed.

This will be the first EP I will not do key tracks for because, bottom line is: All of the tracks are amazing. I was highly impressed by this band from the first listen on their Facebook to getting the EP for review. Definitely give it a listen guys!

Final Thoughts:

In a world where money is king and lack of creativity is running rampant, We, The Reflection break through and truly shine. This is what I like to hear in a metalcore EP or album for that matter. Definitely go give them a like on Facebook and talk to them, they'll be household names before you know it!

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REVIEW: I Kill Giants- Let It out

https://www.facebook.com/pages/I-Kill-Giants/149981718396618

Rating: 4/5

Fusing jazz and punk elements, Boston MA's, I Kill Giants are in a form, one of the most talented bands I have ever heard. This band has 295 likes on Facebook. That is absolutely appalling, and they rightfully deserve more. I have never quite heard a sound this unique before. Their jazz influenced sounds are so dynamic. They just released their debut ep, Let It Out. I was very fortunate to stumble onto this album on bandcamp. I was blown away. In this review, I'll tell you about some of my favorite songs on the album, and what to expect from these guys in the future. Lets do it!

Overview

This whole album is very fun and delighting to listen to. I enjoy the grove beats, the guitar solos and the free form style. The musicianship is incredible and I'm shocked to know that not a lot of people know who these guys are. I would best explain their sound as a Jazz/Punk. Lots of swing and sweeps, and not much singing. Their lyrics about relationships and basically the album name is befitting for their feelings. This is a very short Ep, too short in my opinion. I thoroughly inspected this piece of work for almost 2 hours. I found so many things I loved.

Key Track: Covaleski

If I could explain this song in one word: Epic. An instrumental song, this is by far some of the greatest form of free form jazz and punk I have ever heard. Lots of drum solos and guitar swings. Tempo changes are a common matter in Jazz, and these guys are no stranger as well. The song has a great 4 time beat, then it does a complete 180 and goes to a 8/4 beat. The song has a very weird tone and I love it. Its one of those songs you put on when you want to be deep in thought or logic. It has all the makings of a very intelligent song. The riffs and sweeps are very impressive and the guitars and drums are spot on, no lags and no beat problems. This song has been on repeat for the last 30 minutes, I simply love it.

Final Thoughts

There are so many bands do the same thing, over and over again. Reproducing the watered down garbage we all are guilty of entertaining. I Kill Giants are a breath of very fresh air. I see this band blowing up and becoming huge in the next few years, if they play their cards right. The table is set for them. Why? Because their sound separates them from the other generic breakdown bands. This band brings passion, grove, soul, and meaning to its music. This 5 song ep, is a great ride. I do however, have one problem. The production is very sketchy to me. Low budget and really bassy at times. Obviously its a self produced cd, but I still think the drums and the vocals could have been a little better. Overall, this band gets a great 4/5 rating from the Transcendence. Give these guys a few years, and I just bet you they will be one of the bigger punk bands in the Boston area. Make sure you go to their facebook page and buy their ep! Great Job guys!

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Interview: NEW YORK RIVALS

https://www.facebook.com/newyorkrivals

Well this week I had the pleasure to talk to the guys in NEW YORK RIVALS, an Rock/Indie group out of Brooklyn. The band has some great sounds and a lot of Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins roots, and they just wrapped up their newest self titled album, and we're stoked to talk with these guys! Lets get to it!

Dave: Okay, first of all, introduce yourselves, and give us a brief history of the band.

Band: I'm Josh I sing and Play guitar.

I'm Gianni and I play Bass

I'm Erik, I play lead guitar.

I'm Nash and I play drums.

We started the band about 5 weeks ago...Played a couple shows around NYC and caught the eye of our booking agent and here we are. On tour with The Lemonheads. It's pretty incredible.


Dave: Where is the band name derived from?


Band: The last few weeks leading up to the forming of this band were pure HELL. I had my Bike stolen, Wallet Stolen, Got scammed for a Van and crossed paths with a really sketchy crowd of dirt bags. They made me sick of certain spots of the city because I was running into some of them so often that "NEW YORK RIVALS" seemed fitting.


Dave: I heard you guys just got done recording an album, tell us about that.


Band: It was amazing. We recorded half of it with MACHINE in NJ. He really helped us find a sound. He's truly amazing, He can get the whole band hyped up in 5 seconds. He just makes recording fun which is really important. The other half was recorded in Brooklyn at Mission Sound with Jon Kaplan and Oliver Straus. That studio is amazzzzing. If your looking to record in NYC that's the spot.


Dave: How was the writing process, given you guys are on the more experimental side?


Band: I(Josh) Write all the songs but everyone always ends up putting a cool/unique spin on it.

It's a culmination of things.

They never turn out how we think they're going to.


Dave: What are the bands inspirations, and each of your personal inspirations? for example, faith, politics, religious claims, poetry, ect?


Band: We are really new so right now we just want to stay on the road and not over think things.
We are just happy to be able to tour.
I don't give a shit about the money.
Working a shitty office job will never happen for me whether this band makes it or not.

Josh: I'm inspired by all kinds of art and also culture. I find myself learning a lot while I travel and constantly meeting people that continually change my outlooks.

Gianni: Life inspires me. The ups and downs keep me grounded.

Erik: Mostly other bands and artists inspire to get better and constantly progress in my playing.

Nash: I'm gonna go with other musicians as well. When you play with bands that inspire you always end up walking away learning something new.


Dave: What kind of bands are you playing with? Are they mostly your genre? or a wide range of music?

Band: Right now we are on tour with The Lemonheads so it's straight 90's which is amazing because that's our favorite era for music.

Other than that we have just been playing with anyone that will have us around NYC.

Dave: How do you feel about the term "generic"? And how does it seem to affect bands?


Band: It's really easy for bands to rely on technology nowadays. It's less personal and kids are definitely starting to catch on. Like all fads I think this will fade away. Music is in such a terrible place lately...I really hope that someone can bring good old rock and roll to the forefront and just plug in and play.


Dave: So you're going on tour! Congrats! Tell us a little about that and maybe where we can catch you guys at a show!


Band: This tour has been amazing so far. We are still in the south right now and I must say these people are incredibly hospitable.

People have taken us in left and right.

It's a good feeling for our first run.

You can find all the dates on @NEWYORKRIVALS and our Facebook Page.


Dave: What do you guys have planed aside from a tour in the fall?


Band: When we are playing shows we will be recording non stop.

I write ALOT so I'm always pushing to lay the ideas the down the second they are done.

My focus is on Touring but if we aren't on the road Recording is the next best thing.

We're also trying to get a music video done when we get back.



Dave: Any special shout outs or thank- you's?



Band: Yes.

Steve Kaul & Brooks Roach for believing in a new band and giving us a shot

MACHINE for being such a killer guy. This band wouldn't have happened if he didn't take us in.



thanks!!



Hope you got what you need.

Thanks for your time!

-Josh



--


-J-

@NEWYORKRIVALS

Make sure to catch NEW YORK RIVALS on tour this fall!

10/03 Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge *
10/04 Charlotte, NC @ Neighborhood Theatre *
10/05 Atlanta, GA @ The Earl *
10/07 Washington, DC @ Black Cat *
10/08 Philadelphia, PA @ North Star Bar *
10/09 New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom *
10/10 New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom *
10/12 Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club *
10/13 Milford, CT @ Daniel Street *
10/14 Providence, RI @ Met Cafe *
10/15 Northampton, MA @ Pearl Street Club Room *
11/16 Brooklyn, NY @ Knitting Factory ^

* with The Lemonheads
^ with Sam Roberts Band, Zeus

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Outlaws & Prodigals EP - Kiros: REVIEW

Band: Kiros (Facebook)

Album: Outlaws and Prodigals EP

Buy: iTunes

Amazon

Rating: 4/5

1. Outlaws and Prodigals

2. Desperation Calls

3. Outlaw and Prodigals (Acoustic)

Kiros are a breath of fresh air to the Christian rock scene. Whereas most Christian rock bands tend to want to cover old hymns and worship songs, Kiros isn't like the rest. Their new 3-song EP, Outlaws and Prodigals is 2 tracks of original music that shares the message of Christ in a fun way. The lyrics seem to be about the struggle that all Christians face. That is, to stay true to your religion when things get rough.

Key Track:

Desperation Calls: This is my favorite track on the album. It's a message about how Christ is our strength when everything else seems to fall apart. "You are my all, always there to break my fall and the rescuer when desperation calls." This serves as a message to not get down on yourself when things aren't going your way, but instead, pray about it and remember that the Lord is looking down on you.

Final Thoughts:

There aren't very many Christian rock albums that impress me now-a-days due to the fact many bands tend to do the cover thing, but this is an exception. I'm not knocking Christian rock because alot of these bands do a wonderful job on the covers. It's great to hear some originality in a genre that seemed to be losing it. I definitely recommend this EP to anyone of any age. It has something everyone can enjoy! Pick up Outlaws and Prodigals, out now on Ain't No Grave Records!

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Revenge EP - Girl On Fire: REVIEW

Band: Girl On Fire (Facebook)

Album: Revenge EP

Buy: iTunes

Rating: 3/5

1. Revenge

2. Tragic Ending

3. Medicate

4. Secret Lies

5. Close Your Eyes

Up-and-Coming rock band Girl on Fire from Seattle, WA have just recently released their debut EP, Revenge on Hollywood Waste. The vocals on the EP are reminiscent of Chester Bennington of Linkin Park and wiL Francis of Aiden. The guitars are fast, heavy and angry and the drum beats are explosive and crashing. It shows what can happen when a band gets signed by a label who can really shoot them in the right direction.

Key Tracks:

Revenge: Beginning with a soft piano intro and evolving into possibly one of the heaviest tracks on the EP, Revenge is about just that. Getting your revenge for something that has happened to you. This is my favorite track on the EP and, being the first one, it immediately caught my attention. It's pretty cool that the vocals sound alot like Chester of Linkin Park in this one, but it shows a lack of creativity which we don't see in many bands these days, unfortunately.

Final Thoughts:

A bit on the generic side as far as lyrical content and melody goes but overall it's a fun listen. I only gave this EP 3 stars because it doesn't really stand out to me. There's so many bands out there who strive to be like other bands and not enough who strive to be themselves. The vocals seem like he was trying hard to be Chester or wiL and that turned me off of being able to enjoy the album as much as I probably could have. But would I recommend it? Yes, and here's why: The band is very talented and you can also tell that they have fun doing what they do and I believe that if they are themselves, they can truly get somewhere. I'm not knocking them at all, I'm just doing my job and being a critic. Check out Revenge by Girl On Fire out now on Hollywood Waste!

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Awakening - Blessthefall: REVIEW

Band: Blessthefall (Facebook)

Album: Awakening

Rating: 5/5

Buy: iTunes
Amazon


01. Awakening
02. Promised Ones
03. Bottomfeeder
04. I’m Bad News, in the Best Way
05. The Reign
06. 40 Days…
07. Bones Crew
08. Don’t Say Goodbye
09. Undefeated
10. ‘Till the Death of Me
11. Flatline
12. Meet Me at the Gates

From their humble beginnings in 2003 with Craig Mabbitt and the release of His Last Walk until now, Blessthefall has always been a force to be reckoned with. Since the departure of Mabbitt in 2009, the band has been defining themselves as one of the most influential post-hardcore bands currently on the scene. Spreading heavy guitars, infectious sing-along lyrics, and the message of Christ all in one big package. Currently signed to Fearless Records, the band has just released their 3rd and possibly most powerful album, Awakening. They are out to prove something with this record. In this review, I'll take a look at the lyrical content, instrumentals, and the powerful message that the band is trying to spread.

Anyone who knows the band from the past knows that this is a band full of Christian beliefs and that they are out to spread the word of the Lord in a way that everyone can enjoy. This album, however, and it's title Awakening suggests that we need to wake up and realize that something big is fast-approaching. The lyrics suggest that we need to be ready for a war, no, not a military war, but a spiritual war like none other we've ever seen. The band as well as many others in the "Christ-core" genre are trying to spread this message and prepare us for it. From the opening title track to the explosive ending "Meet Me at the Gates", Blessthefall is out to show us what is coming and that we need to devote our lives to a higher purpose in order to truly be ready for it.

Key Tracks:

Promised Ones: The first single from the album and possibly one of the hardest-hitting lyrically. "We are the promised ones and nothing's in our way. They can try but they'll never stop us. Tell all our enemies, we're ready for a war. We've been there and we'll never die." The signal to our enemies that us Christians are ready for the war. Nothing will stop us and nothing will stand in our way from getting to Heaven. This is a battle cry of sorts. Telling our enemies to beware because we won't go down when we begin this fight.

The Reign: Possibly one of the most melodic tracks on the album, but none less powerful lyrically than the ones before it. It's about the acceptance of our Savior into our lives. Asking for forgiveness for our sins and letting him reign in our lives forevermore. "So let your love reign in my hollow land. Been waiting all my life to feel this, make me whole again!" is the chorus and it tugs the heart-strings pretty hard.

40 Days...: This song is about the struggle of keeping Jesus Christ in our lives when things get rough. It's a reminder to pray and keep your head up and give it all to Him instead of letting it overwhelm you.

Meet Me at the Gates: My personal favorite on the album. This song is about what will happen when the smoke clears. In the bible it says the sky will open up and the Lord will call his faithful home. "The sky will open up, I've waited long to feel your touch. So meet me at the gates and wash my tears away" The battle is over and the faithful are being called home.

Final Thoughts:

Whether you just like post-hardcore music or you are a Christian yourself or even both, this album has something for everyone. From heavy guitars and screams to amazing instrumentals and melodies unlike anything I've heard this year so far, Awakening is a high contender for my album of they year. I definitely recommend you pick up a copy!

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Skeletonwitch- Forever Abomination REVIEW

Band: Skeletonwitch
Album: Forever Abomination
Genre: Blackened Thrash Metal/Death Metal
Buy: iTunes/Official Store
Rating: 4.5/5

Tracklisting:
1. This Horrifying Force (the Desire To Kill) (4:10)
2. Reduced To The Failure Of Prayer (2:52)
3. Of Ash And Torment (2:55)
4. Choke Beyond Betrayal (2:36)
5. Erased And Forgotten (2:24)
6. The Infernal Resurrection (2:52)
7. Rejoice In Misery (2:47)
8. Cleaver Of Souls (3:49)
9. Shredding Sacred Flesh (2:34)
10. Sink Beneath Insanity (2:55)
11. My Skin Of Deceit (2:12)

Total Time: 32:02




Good new age thrash bands are hard to come by these days as being a slowly dying genre (unfortunately) but Skeletonwitch are a breath of fresh air and I thank bands like this among several others for keeping thrash alive. Since the band formed in 2003 they have always been the underdogs as far as new age thrash tetal goes and their new CD "Forever Abomination" will be their key to success. I am personally very impressed with the classic thrash riffs, vocals that remind me of several older black metal bands (where the "blackened thrash" comes from), amazing song structure, catchy hooks and with the addition of their new drummer Dustin Boltjes; Skeletonwitch will move their way up into modern thrash fame alongside other bands such as Warbringer, Havok and Evile.


Review:
I haven't been too fond of this band up until recently when they opened for Arch Enemy and Devildriver in NYC. A few days later to my luck their CD was put up online so I got it and listened to it all the way through. To say the least I am thoroughly impressed. The production on the album is about the same from their 2009 CD "Breathing The Fire" only with the addition of new drummer Dustin Boltjes adding his own brand of drumming on Forever Abomination. The vocals are very raw on this CD which is my personal preference but they do take getting used to for newcomers to this band. Chance Garnett delivers a relentless assault of high shrieking and low growling throughout as his brother Nate Garnett and 2nd guitarist Scott Hedrick deliver fast catchy classic thrash riffs (see Of Ash And Torment, Rejoice In Misery and My Skin Of Deceit for merely an example). A lot of the songs sound different which is a good thing as far as thrash goes since a lot of thrash riffs sound the same/recycled. All in all Forever Abomination is a force to be reckoned with. Be sure to pick up the record when it officially gets released on 10/11!! I know I will!


Key Tracks:

1. This Horrifying Force (The Desire To Kill): This is the opener for the album and my personal favorite. Starting off with a slow intro and picking up at :35 where Chance and the rest of the band come in this track gives you exactly what to expect from the album. This song has everything both death metal fans and thrash fans alike will love. The verses, bridge and everything about this song all falls together perfectly.

3. Of Ash And Torment: This track opens with a classic thrash riff and goes right into a short solo and back to the riff and at :32 the tempo change of the song which changes several times throughout the song again shows their talent as musicians and progression from their last album. This is my personal favorite track on the album as well as the fastest as well.

Final Thoughts:
If your looking for a new metal band that will quickly become your favorite all you will need is Skeletonwitch. This has everything that you and I both look for in this type of music. Between the fast riffs, solos, crushing vocals, great drumming and song structure I'm not even sure what my favorite would be. 20 years from now this will go down as one of the classic albums just as other bands such as Slayer, Anthrax and more have became legends so will Skeletonwitch in due time. Worship the 'WITCH!

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