Alexisonfire
Watch Out!
Equal Vision (2004)
Back in the late nineties a handful of bands like Shai Hulud and Poison the Well began blending technical metalcore with more melodic, Midwest-style emo, building a sound that for the time was pretty innovative. After gaining a large amount of popularity, newer bands began emulating this style and making it more and more watered down. These are bands like Poison the Well, From Autumn to Ashes, Thrice and others that have crossed over to major labels and in turn have gained the adoration of those far removed from the hardcore scene. Now the sound that was once innovative has become "the next big thing" and with that tag, is virtually unlistenable in most cases. Alexisonfire is no exception to my stance on this sub-genre. Aside from the fact that their name is Alexisonfire, which is ridiculous in its own right; they play a pretty safe mix of metalcore, radio rock, and what is commonly referred to as "emo." Sadly, even in that safe blend of genres, Alexisonfire still manages not to do a very good job of it. The singer has a fair screaming voice, but his singing voice (especially on the last track, "Happiness by the Kilowatt") is … Read more
Jesse Malin
The Heat
Artemis (2004)
I love Ryan Adams - in a musical way. When I heard that Ryan Adams's partner in crime, Jesse Malin, … Read more
Cast Aside
The Struggle
Deathwish Inc. (2004)
Remember those spelling/definition tests that you had to take in grade school? You know, the ones where they ask you … Read more
