Review / 200 Words Or Less
Final Verdict
Reaching for Something Better

Independent (2007) Jason

Final Verdict – Reaching for Something Better cover artwork
Final Verdict – Reaching for Something Better — Independent, 2007

Typical mid-tempo to fast metal-core that thankfully takes its queues from early 90's metallic hardcore than it does from the fashion inspired Sweden riff infested crap of the earlier part of this decade. The first track, "Cry Havok," is best of the seven songs on here with its sludgy yet melodic onslaught to the ears. It's heavy sounding, yeah no kidding, it's metalcore. No I mean you actually feel weighed down listening to the song. The rest of the songs run the gambit of fast drumming with nice melodic bridges, some breakdowns, and snarled vocals. If you like Shai Hulud, Harvest, or even Unearth you'd probably like Final Verdict. Also, nice Ferris Bueller's Day Off sample.

7.7 / 10Jason • February 14, 2008

Final Verdict – Reaching for Something Better cover artwork
Final Verdict – Reaching for Something Better — Independent, 2007

Recently-posted album reviews

Eater

The Lost 1978 Sessions
Cleopatra (2025)

Hopefully everyone reading this already knows that Eater was one of the early British punk bands. Forming in North London in 1976, Eater was one of the youngest bands in the burgeoning UK punk scene, with the members being aged 14-17 at the band’s inception. Eater issued a series of singles and one album for The Label between 1977-1978 before … Read more

Spark of Life

Plagued by the Human Condition
New Age Records (2025)

Spark Of Life hails from LA and has been around since the early 2000s. Their debut album dropped in 2003, but it took almost two decades to drop their newest album titled Plagued by the Human Condition. This album was released through New Age Records out of southern California, and it is worth checking out. If you’re familiar with New … Read more

The Dwarves

Sunshine, Lollipops & Rainbows
GREEDY (2025)

Sunshine, Lollipops & Rainbows is a live studio recording from 1989, released on picture disc earlier this year on limited vinyl for Record Store Day. Given that it came shortly before the release of Blood, Guts & Pussy, it's no surprise that it's heavy on songs from that record (10 of 14, if I've counted correctly). It's more primal than … Read more