All Teeth
Young Love EP
Panic (2011)
All Teeth came out in 2009 with a full length that got mass praise amongst the hardcore press. Unfortunately it did not yield the fanbase they may deserve. So in the meantime they have moved to Panic Records, a label with a reputation for putting out solid releases. This label change seems to have done some good for them, allowing … Read more
Another Breath
The God Complex
Panic (2009)
It's been quite some time since Another Breath released Mill City. Granted it has only been a few years, but in hardcore that means an eternity; a lot has transpired in the world of hardcore since 2006. Countless bands have come and gone. Some have come back too! Essentially, the entire landscape of hardcore has transformed. In spite of all … Read more
Count the Hours
We Don't Care
Panic (2006)
I think this is the type of hardcore that the kids with camo shorts and black running shoes are calling "amazingcore." There is a new crop of expressively distraught hardcore bands that place their hearts on their sleeve much like emotional hardcore bands did so unapologetically in the 90's. These "amazingcore" bands not only reap the benefits ripping their hearts … Read more
Looking Up
Looking Up
Panic (2006)
Your mom probably told you one or two billion times in your life that you should never judge a book by its cover. She also might have told you that the first impression you make is a lasting one. Sometimes, even moms can be wrong. Take Lawndale, CA's Looking Up for example. If one came across this CD in the … Read more
Make Do and Mend
Bodies of Water
Panic (2009)
I'm just going to be honest here and let you all in on a little secret of mine. The thing is there aren't really any bands that have come down the pike in the last five years that I have actually really liked. Oh sure, there's been a heap of albums that have graced my ears in the half decade … Read more
Outrage
Broken
Panic (2009)
Massachusetts has been a bastion for hardcore throughout the years, and 2009 isn't any different. Outrage bring forth their debut full-length, Broken, which follows up the Savior EP they released late last year. Outrage draws heavily from an era of hardcore that I both love and know well: the mid-90's. Therefore, I am predisposed - subconsciously or consciously I do … Read more
Outrage
Savior
Panic (2008)
Here we have a decent seven-song slab of 90's hardcore with some newer influences. Outrage sounds like they take the best riffs from the New Age catalog of 1995, speed it up and toss some impassioned vocals on top of it. I can see anyone into Outspoken to Defeater enjoying this band. I found it to be an enjoyable listen … Read more
Powerwolves
You Won't Find Peace
Panic (2011)
Powerwolves had been running around the northeast for a little while now. While this is not important in itself, the band does take their sound from a lineage of past Boston area bands. The most recognizable would have to be The Hope Conspiracy, while this is readily noticeable it comes through only in the style of the vocals. The band … Read more
The Golden Age
Unlock Yourself
Panic (2009)
Panic Records has been on quite a roll as of late. Releasing great records from Final Fight, Outrage, Make Do And Mend, and a 7" from a Texas hardcore band The Golden Age. This five-piece made quick work in the studio to record their new full-length, Unlock Yourself which is being described as "one of the best melodic hardcore records … Read more
Trial
Reunion / Retrospective
Panic (2008)
If there were one band that I felt characterized both the sound and ideals of hardcore in the 1990's, it would be Trial. The Northwest hardcore outfit delivered a focused and aggressive mixture of hardcore, punk, and metal influences to crowds of all sizes during their original tenure. They partnered this brute, metallic music written by co-founder and guitarist Timm … Read more
When We Fall
A Cry in Despair
Panic (2007)
Most of the materials I get in for review usually goes on at least one bus ride with me. It's the perfect time for me to take a more in depth listen without being interrupted by work, phone calls, roommates, Josh IMing me about Fastbreak lyrics, or any other hinderances that deviate from the task of giving a CD a … Read more
