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Pyramids

Following the Tracks, Forcing Motion Through Phases
Slave Union/Paramnesia (2006)

Listening to this album is like being on a train, a train that you know is going to crash. But even knowing this, you just sit there and wait. Slowly you look out the window and lament all that passes by almost without knowing why. As the music builds up your heart rate increases, the song climaxes, people scream, and … Read more

Nas

Hip Hop is Dead
Def Jam (2006)

A hip hop album hasn't sparked this much controversy in years. The title led to many rappers taking great offense. Specifically, southern artists like D4L and Young Jeezy got heated over the title, questioning whom Nas was to make such a declaration. The publicity generated, along with the loyalty of Nas fans, helped Hip Hop is Dead debut at #1 … Read more

The Ackleys

Forget Forget, Derive Derive
House of Love (2006)

It has to be considered near unforgivable to include the words "They're certainly not the first to write songs… and they probably won't be the last - but infectious, rock-solid indie pop will never go out of style" in a press sheet when one's aim is to try and sell a band, not make prospective listeners sigh with disappointment before … Read more

Fall Out Boy

Infinity on High
Island (2007)

In the punk scene alone, the collected amount of shit that has been talked about Fall Out Boy could probably fill the Atlantic Ocean…twice. I am certainly, without question or hesitation, as guilty of it as anyone else, but I'm willing to admit it when I like music by a band I have previously criticized. And so it is with … Read more

Seemless

What Have We Become
Equal Vision (2006)

Seemless is a hard rock band, straight up hard rock. Boasting ex-members of Killswitch Engage, Shadows Fall, and Overcast, this is kind of unexpected. What Have We Become is their second full-length. Their last one, a self-titled album, showed a bit of promise for what they could do in the future. Unfortunately, this Seemless record is mostly unremarkable. The sound … Read more

Om

Conference of the Birds
Holy Mountain (2006)

There is little disputing that Sleep was the quintessential stoner metal band. After breaking up due to the band's now infamous falling out with London Records, the members went on to form two bands that are insanely heavy in their own ways. Forming High on Fire, guitarist Matt Pike upped the tempos and the technical ability. Meanwhile, bassist Al Cisneros … Read more

The Handshake Murders

Usurper
Goodfellow (2007)

I feel like right now is an interesting juncture in "hardcore." With its popularity and accessibility, there are a lot of throwback bands that might seem progressive to some. But, really, some things are better left in the hands of either your predecessors or more capable hands. The Handshake Murders, which is an absolutely insipid, meaningless name, are unfortunately a … Read more

The Miracle

Not Just Words
Still Life (2006)

It's quite amazing how widespread hardcore music has become these days. Despites its relatively young age compared to other genres, it has become a worldwide entity; no longer is the music confined to New York City and Los Angeles, or the United States for that matter. Everyday new acts ready to scream their lungs out hit the stage from more … Read more

Bloc Party

A Weekend in the City
Vice (2007)

Being a favorite of my friends and I during our Friday/Saturday night pre-pub dance parties, I had a certain set of expectations for what the new Bloc Party would sound like. While 2005's Silent Alarm carried a handful of mellower tracks, making up the bulk of the filler on the album, it was pushed to popularity by its killer single … Read more

Fucked Up

Year of the Dog
Blocks Recording Club (2006)

The Chinese Zodiac dictates that the dog will come through for me every time. The dog, I'm told, is reliable, empathetic, and intelligent. The dog is the kind of friend everybody can use. For a few years now, Fucked Up has played the dog for me. I resisted at first, after somebody led me to believe they traded in the … Read more

Stabbed by Words

Stabbed by Words
Hawthorne Street (2006)

Why has no one heard of Stabbed by Words? A better question might be why is no one really talking about them? Seriously, when a band features members and ex-members of Unbroken, The Hope Conspiracy and The Suicide File, how can a band like this slip under the collective radar of the hardcore herd? One reason for their relative obscurity … Read more

Holy Molar

Cavity Search
Three One G (2007)

I once heard an interview with Justin Pearson (Holy Molar, The Locust, Some Girls) in which he said that a fan of his said the music he made was "smart" and that was the most sincere compliment he ever received. He went on to say that he'd rather play smart music then play popular music. For the last three weeks … Read more

Wait in Vain

Demo
Independent (2005)

Wait in Vain was a band that featured ex-members of Trial and Champion who released a four-song demo back in 2005. A substantial buzz grew over this band and the band planned to release a full-length in 2006 with State of Mind Recordings. Sadly Wait in Vain ran into a problem that plagues many bands; they couldn't secure a drummer. … Read more

Skullflower

Tribulation
Crucial Blast (2006)

Most people can't handle the devastating beauty that Skullflower has been known for since its inception in 1987. This latest offering, Tribulation, shows Skullflower in mind blowing form, and I mean that in the most literal sense. This record is loud and thick with ambient noise, feedback, and fuzzed out droning that weighs heavy on the listener's mind and soul. … Read more

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