Review: Elysian- Wires Of Creation

Band: Elysian

Release: Wires Of Creation

Genre: Melodic Progressive Metal

Label: Self-Released

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElysianMetal

Tracklist:

1. Man's Design

2. Sigma

3. The Climb From Fear

4. Eternal Breath

5. Sense Offender

6. The Gate

7. Play The Hand

8. Calming The Storm

9. Conquest

10. Machine

11. A Cry From The Helpless

Review: 7/10

Elysian is an Australian band that draws influence from bands like Periphery, and SiKth, with a spaced out instrumental likeness in the spirit of Pink Floyd to deliver spaced out, experimental songs. Wires Of Creation is a amalgamation of virtuosic guitars riffs and solos, menacing vocals courtesy of Ben, and ambience that creates something entirely new in the metal world… sort of.

When the first signs of music pops out with the first track “Mans Design,” right away you hear the Periphery influence in the guitars that reminisce of their song “The Walk.” Far from being a blatant rip-off however, Ben’s evil vocals kick in over the calmness of the music. It’s much like a contrast between light and dark, at least one gets that type of vibe. The music is, for a lack of a better word, more “earthly,” and the vocals sound like they belong on a brutal deathcore release.

Changing it up a bit on “Sigma,” the music goes on a melodic metalcore sort of groove and even the vocals are toned down a little bit. The riffs shown in the song are wholly unique and catchy. It eventually slips off into ambient territory with the drums providing an ethereal soundscape and the guitars expanding upon it. Chunky, djent-y riffs are abound on “Sense Offender” as well, which really pushes them further into the melodic side of music.

They don’t deviate much at all from this formula, but “The Gate” is a good try. While it’s full of faster paced guitars instead of the jumpy djent they’ve been playing so far, the drums still follow the formula. Definitely more metalcore in nature, the vocalist keeps it brutal with his shredding vocal skills. Before long, they bring back the chunky riffs unfortunately.

It’s a really good release, but it follows a little too closely in Periphery’s footsteps. While there are a few differences, the guitars is where the similarities are found. Not to sound too critical of it, it is an album worth checking out. If you’re a fan of Periphery, then this album has a chance at becoming a regular spin in your CD player.

Review: Born To Suffer- The Rambler (2012)

Band: Born To Suffer

Release: The Rambler

Genre: Metalcore/Post-Hardcore

Label: Independently Released

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BornToSuffer.RUSSIA

Tracklist:

1. Insolation

2. Dream Follower

3. Nuclear Heart

4. Sagittarius A

5. Dr. Manhattan

6. Arjuna (Feat. Alexej Pechkin)

7. Crusades

8. The Rambler

9. Airborne

10. Recurrence

11. Path

Review: 7.2/10

Starting off with a basic metalcore breakdown to electronic post-hardcore 2-step to a heavier deathcore-ish breakdown in the intro “Insolation,” Born To Suffer kick things off to a fast start with “Dream Follower.” It’s basically a cross between standard metalcore with a combo of deep singing and screaming with heavy post-hardcore influences. It’s a more upbeat track than most metalcore bands these days. Overall it’s very As I Lay Dying-ish.

Gang vocals are always nice, and “Nuclear Heart” kicks it off with some from the start. The singer comes in and it really feels as though he sings from the heart. I like how you can hear him putting himself into the song to give it more meaning. The music, however, isn’t anything you haven’t heard before. Not saying it’s bad at all, but that it’s nothing new. I actually feel that this track should be made into a video, no doubt –core kids will eat this right up.

They really fool the listener into thinking they’re playing a really aggressive track on “Crusades,” with a fast Trivium-esque opening, but it tones down right away when the singing/screaming combo comes in with more breakdowns. It melds together a bit of blast beats a couple times which is pretty cool. It repeatedly leaves off on a high note that almost always leads to yet another breakdown.

This whole album is very reflective of the 2006-2008 era of the metalcore/post-hardcore crossover scene. The one thing that sets this apart from all other releases is the singer’s tone and the way he projects his voice. The music isn’t really anything to write home about, but like stated before, it’s not bad. They use a good mixture of the two main –core genres with a occasional dose of electronics. 

Review: Eyeresist- Between The Line EP (2011)

Band: Eyeresist

Release: Between The Line EP

Genre: Metalcore/Deathcore

Label: Independently Released

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Eyeresist

Tracklist:

1. Raise The Curtain

2. Between The Lines

3. Systematic Vessel

4. Walls

5. Cold Chamber

6. Apocalyptic

7. Utopia

Review: 8.5/10

On the debut EP by Kuwait’s Eyeresist, they give people a peak into one of the best blends of metalcore and deathcore I’ve seen so far. Most bands try to mix it up but rarely does it ever turn out good. Let me explain this a little better for you.

On the first track “Between The Lines,” they open up with a well done metalcore verse that has catchy guitar lines. Not too complicated, but not that simple either, these guys have the ability to keep people who are on both sides of the fence occupied. The drums and guitars play off of each other for the verse lines, then the guitar takes center stage with a chunky riff (yeah I just said chunky) before going into a metalcore bridge that is sub-par at best. The deathcore elements kick in with the next breakdown, which is much heavier than the rest of the song and have deeper, growling vocals for part of it and higher pitched vocals the other part.

An instant metalcore classic when I first heard it, “Systematic Vessel” is my pick of the EP. I can see that this track being played live will really get the people moving. It’s at a slower pace than the previous song, but the breakdowns are more catchier and heavier, grabbing your attention at once. The bridges aren’t really all that great and are a little on the generic side, but the rest of the song holds it’s own.

Overall it’s a pretty sweet debut. Over time, don’t be surprised if these guys make it big. There is a lot of promise to be heard here. The only things holding this album back are the issues that only bands with more experience can fix. Give it 3 years, these guys will be on the front cover for a legitimate magazine.

Review: In Dying Arms - "The Core Of My Existence" Single

Band: In Dying Arms

Release: "The Core Of My Existence" Single

Genre: Post-Hardcore/Metalcore

Label: Matchless Records

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/indyingarms

Tracklist:

1. The Core Of My Existence

Review: 8.1/10

In Dying Arms just released a brand new single entitled “The Core Of My Existence,” and it’s a lot different from their self titled album.

First and foremost, they switched vocalists. Instead of Toby, they now have Orion on vocals, and it’s better than before. The first impression on the track is that it’s a lot more of a cleaner, slightly more metalcore style than the deathcore infused album.

The chorus is more of a post-hardcore influence and has a lot of singing. The bridge after the first chorus is a good note, while going into a heavy yet atmospheric realm that is shown through the guitars, and the music really builds off of this bridge before then heading into a basic melodic hardcore breakdown. Not too heavy, not too soft, just basic meat and potatoes. Not really a bad thing though.

I like the growls and screaming much better, but I liked the old singing style used in the chorus’ on the self-titled to be honest. The music, however, is more experimental and seems to stretch out more into different music styles than the limitations that were shown in the album.

My main thing with this song is that I really feel Orion can sing more outward with his voice and that he’s really holding himself back. Other than that, this is a great song and I hope to see more of this in the future.

Review: Escalon - As Oceans Dry and Mountains Fade EP (2011)

Band: Escalon

Release: As Oceans Dry And Mountains Fade EP

Genre: Metalcore/Post-Hardcore/Deathcore

Label: Unsigned 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/escalon916

Tracklist:

1. Purple Flowers

2. IDAF

3. As Oceans Dry And Mountains Fade

4. Illusion Of Control

Review: 7.5/10

Escalon is a unique band in the over populated hardcore capital of the world, Sacramento, CA. They have a blend of old school and new school hardcore, along with metalcore bridges, post-hardcore choruses and deathcore influences that really prove their worth, starting with the track “Purple Flowers.” After a lengthy scream, they break out into simple metalcore verses over post-hardcore singing. All in all, it’s not really anything stand out, but it derives a classic new school hardcore feeling that Sacramento used to have hundreds of, but nowadays there isn’t much of.

My favorite song off of this EP is the song “As Oceans Dry and Mountains Fade.” Pure, nostalgic metalcore with post-hardcore musical elements thrown here and there. Heavy and brutal breakdowns is how I like my music, and it’s pulled off quite nicely. The whole song is pretty much built off of different variations of metalcore and hardcore breakdowns, not really something you see much of these days. “Illusion Of Control” builds off of this same premise by continuing the same influences as the last song. It’s a little bit repetitive, but the brutal lows that are more exhibited here are awesome.

Overall, this is a decent EP, but I know that they will have much better things to show us in the future. These are only the beginnings of a band that I know will become a household name in the hardcore music scene. Go buy their EP off of iTunes now!!!

Review: A Holy Ghost Revival- Keepers Of Light EP (2011)

Band: A Holy Ghost Revival

Release: Keepers Of Light EP

Genre: Metalcore/Metal

Members: Johnny, Kyle, Craig, Chadwick, Cory, Derek

Label: Unsigned

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aholyghostrevival

Tracklist:

1. Measure Of Man

2. 2

3. Winds Of Intelligence

4. Keepers Of Light

5. The Dreamers Within

Review: 8.5/10

A Holy Ghost Revival is a hardcore band from Oroville, CA that blends metalcore with heavy keyboards and progressive elements. I managed to get their demo before their new album to get a better understanding of how they have matured.

The demo is pretty good. The track “Searching For The Holy Ghost” is like a metalcore song all the way throughout, but with a slight breakdown tinge that lasts the whole song. Not exactly anything I’ve heard before, so I felt that was noteworthy. “Eyes Of Gold” starts off as a pretty sweet, heavy break down, coupled with legit piano notes to give it a unique edge, then goes off into fast, pummeling drumming with larynx shredding vocals. Now on to the new EP.

“Measure Of Man” is the first track, and it’s pretty awesome. The breakdown in the beginning is kind of subpar, but the rest of the track is good. The transition between verses in this song is pulled off seamlessly, the blast beats over symphonic keys are sweet, and the breakdown in the middle of the song is killer.

“Winds Of Intelligence” is a track that I can imagine being a live show staple for AHGR. The double bass drums over subtle guitars is sure to be a crowd pleaser and get them pumped up. The keys really just give the entire track that much more life than if it didn’t have them to begin with. The guitars, although not technical or anything like that, are really good and keep it moving nice and fast, and at times give an uplifting emphasis.

“Keepers Of the Light” Is probably the mellow, but powerful track on the album. The track is heavy and the keys are more prominent here than the rest of the album. It’s also more metal tinged than hardcore, apparent in the guitars and bass throughout the track. The piano is very soft and almost soothing, even when the band kicks into gear in the beginning of the song. There are some headbanging moments as well, which isn’t too common for a hardcore band (at least, in my opinion). At one part, the keys actually sound like something straight out of a movie.

Overall, I really like the direction these guys are going in terms with their music. Their use of the keys I feel is unique and gives them an edge in the music world. I hope that they get signed soon, a full length album is much needed.

Review: On This Day- Black Box Diaries EP (2011)

Band: On This Day

Release: Black Box Diaries EP

Genre: Metalcore/Punk

Members: Josh, Cory P., Jeremy, Calvin, Cory L.

Label: Unsigned

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/onthisdaymetal

Buy here: N/A

Tracklist:

1. S.O.S.

2. Well Placed Grenade

3. In Our Hands

4. The Haunting

5. Release

6. This Time (I Will Fight)

Review: 9.4/10

On This Day is a band from Winnipeg, MB, Canada, that are a hybrid of punk and hardcore with powerful singing that really mixes it up. They are set to release Black Box Diaries EP upon the scene and I have no doubt it will do well.

The intro S.O.S. starts with a call of distress before switching to a heavy breakdown. So far, thrills abound… not really. But on the next song Well Placed Grenade, they go into full force into a metalcore/punk hybrid and hoarse screaming vocals that is actually well matched, as polished vocals would have taken away some of the charm. They actually remind me slightly of a band that grew to legendary status due to their awesome live shows before disappearing. They were called Skys Of Fire from Lodi, CA. The guitars, bass, vocals and drums are perfectly mixed together and nothing is really put out in the background. It soon progresses and then you see what sets them apart. The clean singing is superb and really distinct. This is another rare example of unpolished singing that would actually be better than if it was studio polished and over produced. The breakdown in this particular song isn’t anything you haven’t heard before, but still really good and will please the average and constant hardcore listener. In Our Hands musically sounds like something Kittie would do (or has already done). That is, until it gets to the chorus and once again the singing vocals become something you will be quick to remember. On the breakdown in this song, the guitars seem to lose some of their edge, but then when you think it’s all a lost cause, a freaking guitar comes from left field and slaps your ear pussy dry. It blends perfectly into the next song The Haunting and unless you go and check, you will think it’s just a continuation of In Our Hands because it starts with the same guitar tone that In Our Hands ended with. This Time (I Will Fight) begins with a full on punk force, with overlying bass and predictable drumming, hitting with a metalcore tinged bridge before going into the yet-again awesome singing chorus.

I really liked this EP because I like that the unpolished, hoarse unclean singing fits the band very well and the clean singing really shines forth. The guitars are awesome and the solos really stand their ground. The drums kept the pace going and although at some points you can hear them out of place, it’s that rawness that wins. A drum solo or two would’ve really improved this EP, but all in all I really liked it. I wish to hear more from this band soon.

Interview: Elliot Coleman (Of Legends, Of Man Not Of Machine, Sky Eats Airplane)

Interview @ 5/5/2011

“Like” Of Legends here: http://www.facebook.com/oflegends

“Like” OMNOM here: http://www.facebook.com/ofmannotofmachine?ref=ts

“Like” Sky Eats Airplane here: http://www.facebook.com/SkyEatsAirplane
Check out the Elliot Coleman and Zack Ordway soul/R&B songs here: http://soundcloud.com/elliotcoleman/sets/elliot-zack-songs/

Elliot Coleman is one of those guys you heard about now, but in about a year or two from now will be an epic driving figure in the music scene. I first heard about him when a friend of mine gave me some myspace rips of OMNOM and to this day I listen to the songs Snow Angel and Absence of Air on a daily basis. After doing my homework I found that not only was he added on to Sky Eats Airplane on the “Sounds Of Symmetry EP,” but also for Of Legends as the current bassist. If that wasn’t enough for your earholes, he also has a very promising soul-inspired side project with SEA and Of Legends bandmate Zack Ordway jokingly called Zelliack. People need to check out this guys work. You will be sorry if you don’t.

RB: So how did you end up in Of Legends? How long have you known Luis and were you on the Doomsday EP?

EC: Well, I had met Luis only about two or three times prior to me joining his band when he came out to a few SEA shows in Texas, he's know Lee and Zack for awhile. Our last SEA show was played without a singer, we decided we would just have a bunch of our friends from other bands help us through the set by selecting a song they wanted to do, Luis did "Disconnected". Luis already had planned to record his metal album not long after that, he hired Travis to play drums on it. Seeing that our band (SEA) was wasn't really doing anything anymore, so he asked us if we'd like to join Of Legends. I wasn't on the Doomsday EP, I wasn't on the "Stranded" album either, I joined after it's completion. Luis wrote and played all of the instruments himself for the entire album, except for Travis who took the drum parts that Luis originally wrote and "Orbinated" them. I'm extremely grateful to be in this band with such amazing people, and being able to continue my musical career with Zack and Travis is icing on the cake.

RB: What are your guys current plans since the tour has ended? Any new songs or shows coming up?

EC: We absolutely have plans for plenty more touring this year. The album just came out, so I wouldn't expect any new songs for a little bit.

RB: Do you ever plan on playing live or touring with Of Man Not Of Machine anytime soon? What is the meaning behind the band name?

EC: I'd love to play an OMNOM show, I don't think touring could ever realistically happen because of how much Misha and I tour, but I wouldn't rule out a show or two in our hometown. The band name, and the band itself for that matter, was Misha's idea. He had asked me to audition for Periphery years ago but I never did, we had been friends for a long time and he thought it'd be fun to have a project together. The name of man not of machine was chosen purely so the acronym would be OMNOM, pretty good marketing idea eh? Hahaha he's a clever guy.

RB: Have you guys gotten together to discuss about or write new material for OMNOM? Will there be a long awaited release soon?

EC: I was hanging out with Misha the other day, we'd love to do a official album, it just comes down to when we'd have time to do it. I'm sure it will happen at some point, but I can't truthfully say when.

RB: On your new OMNOM page you made, I noticed it doesn't list Hat Malpern or Jake Bowen. Are they no longer in the band?

EC: Matt was asked to join OMNOM back before the was in Periphery, he was still drumming for Animals as Leaders then, he was totally into the project. Jake Bowen has been a great friend of mine for many years and he said he'd play bass for us if we ever played a live show. The only members are really just Misha, Mark Holcomb (Haunted Shores) and I. Mark was originally just going to be a live member and play all the guitar parts that I wrote but wouldn't' be able to sing and play at the same time, but he's just such a good guitar player with such an amazing ear for melody that it would be a waste to not have him be a active part of the project and contribute. Right when we asked him to join we sorta went on a song-writing hiatus, so his only contributions have been on the song "Absence of Air", but he's written tons of new material that kill, very excited to work on more of his ideas in the near future.

RB: On your Soundcloud account, you listed songs you've made with Sky Eats Airplane bandmate Zack Ordway. Will this be a full functioning project or just for fun?

EC: Of Legends is top priority, but I wouldn't rule out maybe a local show here and there for the time being.

RB: Do you plan on releasing your songs with Zack Ordway at any time?

EC: While I was auditioning for SEA, Zack and I were already talking about doing Soul/R&B inspired songs, we love that style of music just as much as metal, if not more. We'd love to put out an album of that material and I can't see why that won't happen at some point.

RB: So what is the news on the Haunted Shores release coming out? Are you just one of the many singers or full time singer?

EC: Just a bunch of singers singing on a bunch of songs. I've done one so far (My the Man) but I'll do as many as they want. I'm working on Immaterial right now.

RB: So what exactly is going on with Sky Eats Airplane? You all have seemingly dropped off the map since your latest release "The Sound Of Symmetry EP" and kicked out Bryan Zimmerman as well.

EC: Haha yeah I guess we did sorta just drop off eh?

RB: Are you the new lead singer for Sky Eats Airplane now? Any new tours, releases, etc.?

EC: I'm afraid the answer to all of these questions is no.

RB: Do you have any other projects you want your fans to know about? Any chance you will be working with Killtrox and The Motherships?

EC: I'm in no way a part of Killtrox, but I absolutely love the idea, concept, and music behind it. I'm trying my hardest to learn Area Fifty done on guitar because it's easily some of the best playing I've ever seen on guitar. In case there's anybody out there who hasn't seen his play-along video and is curious, check out this link and make sure you gotta fresh pair of undies. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfR-2-SOV9w

RB: In your extensive writing and performing with your million and one bands, what guitars, basses and other gear do you prefer to use? Any difference between recording and performing live?

EC: Well, I don't really play guitar live, but I love Ibanez, they're the only guitars I own, I have five Prestige models. Two RG 1527's, one RG 3550, one RG 550, and one RGA 121. I at one point also owned a RG 2550. All of the six string guitars use 11-70 gauge strings. I played through a PODX3. I honestly don't know much about bass equipment, but I do enjoy the Fender Geddy Lee signature bass. I dunno, Ampeg makes good shit haha. When I joined SEA I used the previous bass player's backline, but now that it's all been sold, I'm going to be playing bass through the worlds most convenient processor, the Axe FX Ultra.

RB: Who are your biggest musical influences? What is your inspiration to go out and play music every day?

EC: Jeff Buckley, Bjork, Sly Stone are all big vocal influences of mine. As far as overall musicians though I'd have to say that my friends are what inspire me. I'm very lucky that I get to play/write with all of my close friends who also happen to be amazing musicians.

RB: If you had to give up playing music, what would you do to stay creative?

EC: I'm not sure, probably learn how to build and fix guitars.

RB: What sort of advice can you give people trying to start their own bands?

EC: Don't stop passing out those demos, I can't tell you how many OMNOM demos I passed out.

RB: Any shout outs you want to give?

EC: Naa

RB: Any last words for your fans?

EC: Thanks for listening

*You stay classy, planet earth*

Interview: Trey of From Tomorrow

Interview @ 4/10/2011
"Like" From Tomorrow here: http://www.facebook.com/fromtomorrowband

From Tomorrow is definitely a band to look out for in the near future. They bring a destructive blend of Cancer Bats and Attack Attack! to the table with unrelenting force. Personally, I really dig this band and would suggest them to anyone that's reading this. Go buy yourself a copy of their latest album The Fear Of Forever Off of their Bandcamp site (listed below). To find out where they currently stand in the progress of their new album, I decided to contact Trey (2nd from left in above picture) for this interview:

1. So how did you guys meet? What's the story behind the name From Tomorrow?

T: I met Matt a long time ago in middle school and we ended up being best friends later on. We were both fans of Josh's old band, which is how we got to know Tyler (even though I went to high school with him) because we always saw him at shows. We picked up James through a friend that recorded our first CD and we picked up Alan from another band.

2. Do you guys have any releases out/coming up?

T: We are currently working on new material. We have three or four songs ready, but have not been in the studio.

3. What is the message that you are trying to send with your music?

T: I don't write the lyrics, so I can't speak for Tyler...but I just want people to know that not all people who believe in God are so judgmental and hypocritical. So many people get turned off from God because of crazy people. 

4. What bands have you shared the stage with? What bands would you like to play with?

T: The list is way too long, but some mentionables are Alesana, Asking Alexandria, In This Moment, In Fear and Faith, From First to Last, Memphis May Fire, A Plea for Purging, Sent By Ravens and many, many more.

We also played the Charlotte date of Warped Tour in 2009 with UnderOath, The Devil Wears Prada, Attack Attack!, A Day to Remember and several others.

5. Random question - What is your guys’ favorite movie?

T: So hard to say! I'd have to take a vote with the band or something haha. I think most of us could agree on The Lost Boys as a good movie.

6. Tell people about your next show (or tour) and why we should be there.

T: Our next show is at GroundZero in Spartanburg, SC on April 29th. It is a benefit for our friend Luke Holliday of Chivalry who recently died in a tragic car accident. The proceeds will go to Luke's family for funeral and hospital costs. It's a good cause and it will definitely be a good time and a celebration of his memory. Everyone should come out! Also, May 3rd we are playing with Arsonists Get All the Girls, A Plea for Purging and more in Greenville, SC!

7. What bands have inspired you guys to come together and play?

T: Deftones would probably be someone that everyone in the band could agree on.

8. Ah yes another excellent Sacramento band :) What has been your biggest challenge as a band so far?

T: MONEY!!! We are broke!

9. Do any of you have any other projects you would like the fans to know about?

T: None of us are currently doing any other musical projects.

10. What was your first song together? Do you guys play any covers?

T: The first ever From Tomorrow song was "Endless Ocean" off of the Hell or High Water CD. I think the first song written with our current line-up was "Bill Brasky." We don't currently play any covers, but we're talking about playing one.

11. Any shout outs you want to give?

T: We want to give a shout out to all of our friends, family and fans! Jamie the Skynub, Richard and Tammy Cox, Krazy Kyle, Mick Minchow @ GroundZero, Clint Owens, Embracing Goodbye, Chivalry, Set Apart...just to name a FEW! If you weren't mentioned, it doesn't mean you're not appreciated! It's 7am and I haven't been to sleep yet so don't kill me if I forgot you!

12. Any last words for your fans and other people who haven't heard you yet?

T: Everything is because of you guys and everything we will have is because of you guys! Please continue to support us, local music and metal in general. We can't thank our friends, family and fans enough! To those who haven't heard us, you can download our album at a "name your price" option @ www.fromtomorrowband.bandcamp.com ...check us out and let us know what you think @www.facebook.com/fromtomorrowband ...thanks so much, everyone!