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

Sweat

Tear it on Down
Vitriol (2026)

Tear It On Down is the third record from Sweat and it picks up where the last two left off. It's aggressive hardcore punk, but with a playful groove or swagger that really makes it feel uplifting, even when the content is not. Case in point: "Surveillance State," which rolls kind of like a call-and-response song, except that lead vocalist … Read more

Latchkey Kids

Years Of Summers
Pathetic Pinky Party (2026)

Growing up is rarely cinematic in real time but when you look back, it can feel mythic. On Year Of Summers, New Jersey’s Latchkey Kids frame heartbreak, identity, and grief through something closer to epic storytelling than simple emo confession. It’s a record that understands the drama of youth without romanticizing it. Frontman Hanny Ramadan positions the album as a … Read more

Mental Gymnast

Mental Gymnast
Say-10 (2026)

Recipe: Mental Gymnast Self-Titled Creator: Mental Gymnast Cookbook: Say-10 Recipes Copyright: 2/27/26 Ingredients: 1 Very Ripe Adam Gecking on Vocals 1 Stick Unsalted Erica Clayton on Bass 2 Slices Scotty Sandwich (1 Slice Guitar, 1 Slice Drums) 1 Dash Chris Ruckus on Synths Directions: *Preheat the recording studio to 65 degrees. Add all of the ingredients together in “One Big … Read more