Reviews

Harp & Lyre's aggressive 2012 finale deserves some time in the light.

Check out of this review of Hand of Fire's debut album Nuclear Sunrise

Last year, a new addition to Tooth & Nail’s growing roster released their second album, and let me tell you that it’s not getting the credit it deserves. “You Wouldn’t Believe What Privilege Costs” by Civilian is one of the best T&N releases in years and here’s why. From the moment the album begins, there’s a feel to the songs that’s hard to pin down. I once related the band to Starflyer 59 in an attempt to figure it out, but that was wrong. They’re heavier and much more layered than the shoegaze SF59.… Continued →

Eleventyseven create a near flawless set of songs as found on their new record "Rad Science". Read our review of this new album. Does it deserve the perfect score it has been given?

Check out this review of Your Memorial's final release.

Zao is quite the story. They began 24 years ago and are still kicking, releasing music. And it should be said that they’re not just still kicking, they’re bashing the doors in and reminding their fans that there is more to metal than repeated breakdowns and over-produced, cookie-cutter nonsense. Returning with “Pyrrhic Victory,” a five track EP, Zao holds nothing back. It’s five songs of relentless screams from Daniel Weydant, and riffs and riffs and riffs. There’s something special and simple of this type of release.… Continued →

For over 10 years, Red has been a staple in the music scene rising quickly to fame from their incredible debut album. Over these years they’ve released relatively consistent solid albums. The only exception is the 2013 “Release the Panic;” a subpar and disappointing effort. On the adverse, 2015’s “Of Beauty & Rage” was the band’s greatest achievement. It was a journey through hell and escaping to heaven much like The Divine Comedy – a theme from their music since “Innocence & Instinct” in 2008. Coming off from their strongest album, how does this newest LP hold up?… Continued →

Hotel Books' latest release manages to hit me where it hurts the most.

“But I’m still dirtier than I thought I’d ever be. I keep hiding from the cross cause deep down I don’t want to be free. I wanna hold on to this darkness; scream it loud so I am heard. If I’m gonna be honest, it’s the same song I just rearrange the words.” Words like these found in Empty Words, are generously scattered throughout this quietly brilliant album. If you haven’t given this album a chance yet, you owe it to yourself to immerse yourself into this album of self-reflection.… Continued →

Check out this review of Children of Wrath's album, "No Flesh Spared"

Beautiful Eulogy's anticipated third full-length is out - but weak hooks and some filler keep it from being an instant favorite.

It’s been five years since metalcore giants MyChildren MyBride have released new music. The absence has been felt twice as hard with the hiatus of too many bands in the same genre. Down to just two band members, MCMB travels into uncharted territory with this long awaited album. The theme of the album becomes clear during the first song, and it’s dramatic and hard to relate to. The world of gothic vampires surrounds the entire album in both lyrics and the musical waters. It could pass nicely for a song or two, but throughout the album it becomes too much.… Continued →

Latifa Alattas (Page CXVI) released an explosive progressive art-pop album in 2016 under the moniker of Moda Spira in 2016. Check out just what you've been missing.

"In Prayer" is a soothing and succinct release from the husband-wife duo Salt of the Sound that expands on their signature elements.

“Originality, I give up” screams Dawson Scholz on “The Print.” After two years since their last album, all band members leaving except for him, The Ongoing Concept returns with new members (Andy Crateau – guitar, vocals; Cody Rhodes – drums; Ian Nelson – bass) and their third full-length. I have an unpopular opinion to confess: I didn’t like Handmade all that much. Sure, it was beyond impressive that the band made their own instruments, and songs like “Amends” and “Unwanted” are very catchy, but I don’t find myself returning to the majority of songs. … Continued →

Sink In's debut album is a perfect answer to long-time fans. If you're in denial and still looking for a summer soundtrack, keep OPET in mind.

autumnboy has crafted a strong melodic hardcore EP, featuring a strong guest feature from Chris Bernstorf.

South of Royal debuts a hazy and bright worship EP saturated in synth-rock and 80s influences.

Check out this review of Fleshkiller's debut album, "Awaken"

Years ago, I came across this band called Breaking the Silence. They had an album out called “Stand”, and I really enjoyed the hard rock sound mixed with the female vocals. It was definitely a sound I was looking for at the time and while there were a few other bands out there doing it as well, such as Fireflight, Flyleaf, and Evanescence, they were still few in number. Even at that time, I would easily put Breaking the Silence on par with those bands, they simply weren’t as well known.… Continued →

Check out this review of ISF's debut EP, "Feel. Kill. Conceal. Reveal."

Check out this review of Abated Mass of Flesh's third album, "Eternal Harvest"

When the notorious “sophomore slump” looms before them, many artists find the prospect of generating their second release to be a terrifying proposition. That slump could be myth or reality, but it had no bearing on The Restitution with Into The Dark. This follow-up to Waves (2013), Into The Dark has made it clear that The Restitution has spent the last four years wisely. Into The Dark is deftly balanced between harshness and being delicate. Michael Wright, sole member of The Restitution, acutely delivers the album theme of “the brokenness of human connection” throughout the release.… Continued →

Kings Kaleidoscope defies convention on this mixtape release, featuring a new direction in sound and guest appearances from Braille, Andy Mineo, Beleaf, Propaganda, and Derek Minor.

Read this review of Gideon's album "Cold"

Dallas indie rock outfit Little Image emerges with a vibrant and dynamic debut that blends influences of From Indian Lakes with elements of ambient and traditional emo.

To Speak of Wolves have been around for ten years and have now released 3 albums on Solid State Records. They are the pure definition of a sleeper band. Those who know them await every release because they know they’ve found a top quality metal band. Now, they’re coming off a thunderous return to the music scene with an EP last year, and a full length on their home label – Solid State Records. The sophomore album Find Your Worth, Come Home was and is an incredible piece of art that should hold a place near the top of Solid State’s most treasured albums.… Continued →

Servants' latest EP showcases relentless energy with a familiar blend of melodic hardcore and classic punk elements.

Let me start off by admitting that I wasn’t exactly looking forward to this album. Now, that’s not to say I didn’t think I’d like it at all, because that’s certainly not the case. First of all, I’d describe myself as someone who enjoys the occasional Propaganda song, but like so many other artists, I simply have difficulty enjoying an entire album. Secondly, I was getting the impression through the song titles and reviews that Crooked was going to be political in its lyrics. As someone who only has a minor interest in politics, and some general disdain for the discussions and attitudes that seem to directly stem from political topics/activities, I was worried that some of the lyrics here might add to my frustration.… Continued →

I had been patiently awaiting this 3 song acoustic release since it was first announced via Thumper Punk Records. So much about this little ep spells perfection to me. I have been a fan of Mike’s work since as long as I can remember. I first heard “Against The Grain” (Altar Boys) as a mere youngster just discovering what music was like in the 80’s and especially what “Christian” music would mean to me in later years. Mike’s extremely diverse discography over the years with everything from Altar Boys, solo work, Clash Of Symbols, Altar Billies, and now this new rockabilly-acoustic leaning release, is nothing short of extraordinary and dare I say, LEGENDARY.… Continued →