EP Review: The Great Lie - Burners (Hardcore/Punk, 2022)

Life is short. The Great Lie seem to have used this saying and put together a EP that goes straight to the meat.

The New York based band put's out a open stylistic EP called Burners.

It's main ingredient is a strong basis of heavyness. The tight drums and guitar sections make sure it all sticks rough and dirty together.

From it's stylistic "Burners" is a open release taking advantage of many styles of the heavy music genre. You can spot potions of Hardcore, Punk, Thrash and Metal all the way. The band makes sure the journey never becomes monotone because the five short tracks (the longest one is three minutes in duration) quickly change from one part to another. 

My favorite is the opener "Amputee" with it's change between vocals that stand alone in some moments and other segments where the rest of the band pushes in with all of it's sheer power bringing the whole song into a rush of fury. 

Partly It feels a bit like progressive Metal to me when I listen to the music on this EP. The dry production adds to this feeling. Happily the songs are very straight forward (just listen to "Winters Death") so things never become too complicated to follow.

You can pickup the digital release at a price of your choice from Bandcamp. As a alternative "Burners" can be added and listened to on Spotify. Please add them to your playlists so your friends can check them out, too.

Finally Facebook will help you to keep on track how the story of the band evolves further.

American Standards sends activating life message

"Every moment is a new chance" (Quote of the movie poster for 8 Mile)

Yes, this saying in fact comes of the poster for a rap movie but it brings my thoughts up to the point. Any given day is a something great if we're given it. But how should we use the time we get?

The chaotic hardcore/noise punk band American Standards out of Phoenix, AZ has given a great answer to this. The statement of vocalist Brandon Kellum touched with a dark yet activating message that explains the meaing of the video single that you can watch below: "Carpe Diem, Tomorrow" is about getting out of your comfort zone. Being open to new experiences and ways of thinking. Moving is living. You're not getting any younger and there will never be a "right time" so do something that scares the hell out of you every day of your life."

While the track may sound a bit vicious on the first listening it grew on me with every listen. In fact I think it's more of a special art to make a song sound like this. While it starts sorted it unfolds to the heavier side and it's spreading energy through various ways and passages. All the while the energy level is kept high and kicking pressing it's hard message with every word. Make sure to have a eye on the lyrics in the song description on Youtube.

If you like what you hear make sure to head on over to Bandcamp to listen to the full album "Anti-Melody". There's much more there to discover and the DIY band has put in lot's of energy to give you more food for thought this way.

A bandpicture of American Standards, Photo Credit: Jacob Reynolds

You can follow American Standards via Facebook or Instagram for all the latest information on upcoming shows etc.

CD Review: A Place To Fall - Lost Myself (2016)

What we have here is a bitter brutal post hardcore album that leaves no mercy as about it's message. This band screams out that they really want it all and they've put in so much energy that it will make your speakers blow. Find out how post hardcore should sound in 2016.

Introduction

The band came to my attention at a Open Air festival here in Lingen - the Rock am Dom. At that time the band was starting to form in line-up as well as soundwise but it was already clear that they would sound very promising. So I kept a eye on them and followed them further both on Facebook as well as live at the Rock am Pferdemarkt and a little later at the Abifestival contest. In the meantime the band wrote and recorded "Lost Myself" and over the gigs one could easily see and hear that the band has evolved quite a lot.

The cover of Lost Myself, (c) by A Place To Fall, used with kind permission

Summary / Album overview

The album has a lot of killer qualities. As I wrote above I was able to follow the development of the band but never expected such a result in the end. The record comes straight in with the intro for "The Rise", a dark haunting melody carving the way for what is about to come. The following "Your Fall" shows the heavyness the band combines along with great rhythm. The vocals come in quite harsh on this one but are always melodic and outworked with much passion.

The same goes for "All your lies". That song was already available as stream early at the band's Youtube channel but this version is quite different. The contrast of growls of guitarist Oliver and the clean parts of vocalist Sebastian gives this one a special kicking note. You'll remember this after listening. The tile track that follows shows a masterpiece in my eyes and a first high peak of the record. This one builds slowly crawling on the floor just to explode at the refrain directly into the listeners face. Don't miss out this one.

"New Hopes" goes a more straight way vocal-wise but I love the riffing and drumming on this one. It goes back and forth and shakes 'till the end. "We're Fading Away" has a anthemic refrain and is most melodic and straight forward of the album. The clear guitar parts have been my favorite from the first listen.

We continue on "Dream of Memories" that rips us up with a direct riff. Many vocal layers and variations on this one. Very heavy indeed. "Photographs" is next to go. It's a dark number which much heavy distorted guitar sounds and rhythm changes but a lot of brutal elements nevertheless. "Behind A False Light" closes the album in a straight forward way. The clean notes towards the end leave you with a redemption feeling.

Purchase-Link

The record is up on digital outlets such as Amazon, iTunes and Google Play for 8 Euro. The band also has physical copies on sale in a beautiful fold-out case for the same price. It is available through their webshop or you can message the band through Facebook if you don't have Paypal.

Player

The whole nine songs can be heard on Spotify or Deezer. I've also included the track "We're fading away" for all of you who don't have a acoount there or just want to quickly check out the bands sound.





Contact Data

The band has a cool Facebook page up and running and also offers a insight into the bands activities via Instagram. Also make sure to have a look on their homepage if you want to contact or book them.

Ways. portrait their musical contrasts in beautiful video

Ways. are a post hardcore formation from France that incorporates many different elements in their music. Some are of the traditional harsh and brutal nature, some have their origins in softer and melodic regions but this band has the ability to melt all of them into a sound that feels as if it has been always like this for them.

The newest video that comes fresh of the video cutting table of the band uses intensive and outstanding romantic as well as rough video recordings of nature phenomenons to express the varity in their musical spectrum. This video will give you a relaxed as well as kicking start into the new month.

The band will play a couple of shows in September 2016 in Spain (!) and France. Just check the flyer below if you can make it to one of their performances.

The tourposter of the upcoming Ways. shows in September 2016, (c) by Ways. , used with kind permission

A look on the bands internet plattforms such as Bandcamp or Facebook is a good idea if you'd like to find out if the other songs of their debut EP "Warching from afar" match your musical taste.

Let's speak with...Angerhead (2016)

The thrash metal genre is exploding these days. We see a lot of bands coming and some of them go in a more traditional direction while others seem to bring in some fresh elements or songwriting structures in their music.

Angerhead caught my attention through their straight forward mentality. Their songs kick in straight all on it and don't leave room for any discussion or soft notes - they make it completly clear who's playing from start to finish.

So as much as their newest output "Fueled by rage" made me bang my head as much was I eager to know how the guys would react to some questions. Read on and get to know what's on the band's mind when it comes to topics such as their search for a record label, inspiration for lyrics, how the mood and community feeling is like at a Bay Area show is and what can happen when you play a gig at a party and decide to have a drink or two...

The cover of the "Fueled By Rage EP", (c) by Angerhead, used with kind permission

Heavy Metal Underdogs: How did the band come together?

Angerhead: Paul and I (Eric) met at a Green Jelly show. I was opening the show in my other band. My vocalist had a high voice and i was looking for more of a growler. We decided to meet up the following week. Within 15 seconds of hearing him sing over some songs I had recorded I knew we had something.

Which sources do you use as inspiration for writing new songs?

Musically, it has to be heavy and powerful. I believe lyrically we always like to write about current messed up events or something that has irked us for a while.

Do you feel that writing and performing music helps you to push on further with your own personal lives?

We love to play and write. It's really breaks up the monotony of real life, work and all. We especially love to play the tunes live, in front of people. The heavy, loud music pumping people up is addicting.


Social media surely plays a big role in the communication between a band and their fans. Do you feel that fans contact you more or less personally at gigs these days?

We have a pretty constant and steady influx of friends and fans who come to our shows. Its a metal community in the Bay Area and everyone supports each others bands. Its really cool when we play shows and we get the local metal community coming out every time to see us play. It really is humbling.

Do you still prefer releasing music on traditional media like LPs, CDs and the like or do you feel the same satisfaction when putting out music digitally?

Since we have given out our music pretty much from day one, any way to reach a new fan is the right way. However, now we are looking to possibly sign a record deal, we have to back off with the free music to see where that goes. If we sign, then there will be push for people to buy the record. We plan on putting a lot of cool stuff inside the record so the fans will have something more that just the music when they buy it.

Have you ever experimented with other styles over the years and thought about changing?

Not really. We know what we do, and we know what we like. We are Angerhead. Thrash Metal Punk. It will stay that way.

Bandpicture from Angerhead, (c) by Angerhead, used with kind permission

Did you come along points where you thought about leaving it all behind? If you reached that point: how did you keep the motivation up to move on?

It happens from time to time. Its a lot of work keeping a band together. We have been through 3 drummers and this is our second bassist. I feel that this is the most solid lineup. When I'm feeling like giving up, I usually call Paul and he centers me again. I try to think about the live shows and the fans, that usually makes me realize I love it and don't want it to end.

What was the funniest story that came along your way when you performed live? Or did things happen that you would have never thought of to occur (not only at gigs but maybe anywhere else as well)?

Our last show, Paul got pretty buzzed. He never does that. It was hilarious because he was behind the music. It was a party and they had some really good, potent beer. Hey, this is metal and that was a fun party, so we just rolled with it.

Contact Data

Finally don't hesitate to get in touch with the band using their website or Facebook.

Angerheads band logo, (c) by Angerhead, used with kind permission

 

CD Review: Ways. - Watching From Afar EP (2016)

In short a hardcore EP with a clear aim: to bring in fresh elements to a well known genre. Ways. carefully thought out their songs and created a listening experience both being familar and surprising alltogether.

Short Introduction

Ways. are a rock / metal / alternative band from Paris, France. In April the band released their debut EP Watching From Afar. The band first came to my attention when I saw their video for the song "Misty Hope" which made me more than looking forward to their first record. A great track and teaser to this EP.

The cover of "Watching From Afar", (c) by Ways. , used with kind permission

Summary

Listening to this very first release of Ways. quickly will let you identify it has a music of the hardcore genre. The typical elements like the harsh vocals and the strong and strict song structures are easily identifiable.

But it's also clear after a short time that the band ever had the idea in their mind to give new impulses to this. There are hacked riffs in there as well as timing variations ("My Blue Stain"), you'll be confronted with silence packed in the loud message of "Misty Hope" just to reach a hardcore half-ballad with "Something to say..." and come to the end with "Twenty First Sectuary" which closes the release with the classic hardcore style but mixed up with a slight fun-riff. I think you'll be surprised to hear how this sounds but it will leave you with a smile and the good feeling behind.

If you still prefer to stick to some old hardcore sounds don't worry: the second track "As A Duty" offers this so the old core of the genre is not forgotten from this band at all.

Player / Purchase-Link


The EP comes around as a pay what you want offer on Bandcamp. Sure you can pick it up for free but please keep in mind that young bands need a push at the start so they can progress further. If you help them out with a few bucks who knows how their next release may sound like? Or how the tracks sound live? You can help to make this happen by giving a amount of your choice.

Other places such as Spotify, iTunes and Google Play can also be used to stream and buy the "Watching From Afar" EP.

Contact Data

Ways. have some nice social outlets up and running out there, you can choice between Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

CD Review: Angerhead - Fueled By Rage EP (2016)

A oldschool thrash EP with slightly mixed in elements of other styles such as hardcore and classic metal. If you prefer your metal heavy and brutal like in the old days when thrash was directly going all on it without any ado then this recording is all for you.

Short Introduction

Angerhead is a San Jose, California based band that was started in February 2011 by Guitarist Eric Beard (Dr.Chunk, Xzanthus) and Vocalist Paul Hastey (Plaster), who expertly blend elements of Bay Area Thrash, Metal, Punk and Hardcore into the music they write.The band is rounded out by Bassist Jim Pegram (Mudface, Imagika, Skinner) and drummer David O'Neal (Stormy Strong).

In 2013, Angerhead went in the studio and recorded a 3 song EP, which featured the title track "Angerhead" with Paul sharing vocal duties with Steve "Zetro" Souza (Exodus, Hatriot).

In 2014, they entered the studio once again, this time with Juan Urteaga (Machine Head, Testament) and recorded the "Headful of Hate" 4 song Ep which has gained the bands even more fans.

2016 sees the band releasing their new new 5 song "Fueled by Rage" EP, once again with Juan Urteaga at the helm. The EP is currently available for free download from the band's Reverbnation page.

The cover of the "Fueled By Rage EP", (c) by Angerhead, used with kind permission

Summary

This EP comes directly to the point. No long debate, no questioning around - Angerhead are going in straight and make CLEAR what's on their mind. This is one of the kind recordings that fits best when you're filled with agression and negativity and need to let go of it. "Fueled By Rage" will help you to do so.

Sometimes in all the heavyness you'll witness potions that are mixed in of other styles of the heavy genre. But those elements are few and perfectly fit to the track. There is some variation in on this EP, it's not all just fast forward. So in all the obvious brutality that is perfectly expressed by the vocals and the heavy production you'll always have spots to discover. That's something that's not easy to get by. You need some rounds to come around all of those diamonds mixed in. Not many records out there have this.

For instance "So cold" obviously is a very heavy and straight number but the refrain is set in a bit slower form and tonality and gives some variation into the number. "Face the fear" is another good example for this. Typically direct to the point but the track is a bit more relaxed in it's structure and the refrain well worked into the way the hole song is build upon. The package is greatly rounded by a proper cover of Motörheads "Iron Fist" in Angerheads own formula - very cool yet very faithfull to the original.

Player / Purchase Link

It's a little sensation: a band put's out a brand new EP and gives it away for free as a download. It's hard to believe. I remember times where stuff like this one was up for purchase and it was the normal way to buy it if you wanted to own a copy. So without any further ado here's the link to Reverbnation where you can get your free download or stream the whole mini album directly from the player below.
Maybe you can reward the band with buying some merch or going to one of their shows. Remember that music needs your support to survive - it's your vote that counts.

Contact Data 

Stay in touch with the band by having a look on their homepage from time to time or let yourselves notify through Facebook about news from the band. 

CD Review: Amelia - Amelia EP (2015)

What happens when two women dedicated to music come together to express their musical abilities? I think the answer is a quite hard but also melodic direct sounding Rock / Hardcore experience like Amelia deliver with their first EP.

Short Introduction

With strikingly similar styles fueled by passionate musicianship, Jenn Elizabeth’s (vocals/guitar) and Tessa Breitbach’s (drums) collaboration forged the rock/hardcore band, Amelia. With their energetic sound just breaking the horizon, the band based out of Oregon, stands to become an inspirational staple to the current music scene.

In March 2015, the band ventured to Michigan to record their first EP “Ameila” with producer Josh Schroeder. 

Amelia’s focus is on creating more than just an aggressively unparalleled sound, but a distinct voice. Jenn articulates the theme illustrated throughout the album, “The EP is about individuality – never giving up on what you love – your true passion – despite any perceived obstacles. Simply, just being true to yourself.”

The cover of the first Amelia EP, (c) by Amelia, used with kind permission

Summary

The five tracks on the first EP feature a hard and edgy sound. It's kept hard, direct and live sounding. The tracks show a lot of variations in them. You'll need to make several rounds to get to all the details that are put inside the music. You'll feel the agression, the energy that these both women have layed down on tape. It's really crushing und pushing all the time.

Through all the heavyness you'll still be able to catch up a lot of fine melodies and lot's of precise rhythm patterns. At some points I've asked myself how they've put all of this together. It must have really taken a lot of time to get to this tight form. It's a modern sounding recording no question The vocals range from softer tonality up to a rougher range up to the darkest growling at some points. I love all of the rough energy you can feel when listening to Amelia. It's as if they've captured their rawest and purest of emotions upon the disc sharing it along with their points of view.

EP overview

The EP has a very diverse structure. The first two tracks are a more complex thing as they feature a lot of variation in them. They'll won't kick you on the first listen but will grow with every spin more you give to them. It goes over to a rather more easy style with "Let Them Fight For It". The climax is reached with "The Truth Is" which will throw you upside down with all it's rhythmic heavyness along with great sing along and hard guitar riffing. The last number "Before The End" throws it out the roughest and hardest just at the very end of the EP. 

Player / Purchase Link / Tourdates

The album is up for free listening on Soundcloud. If you would like to have a copy then you can get a download of the EP on itunes. You can also grab it from digital stores such as Amazon or Spotify.

There also the possibility to purchase a physical copy on CD for five Dollar plus shipping and handling at the band's online merch store. There are also beautiful shirts and EP bundles up so don't miss this chance.


Amelia will do some local shows in the upcoming time, here are the dates.

3/12 Hawthorne Theater Lounge, Portland, OR
3/18 Tony V's Garage Everett, WA 
3/18 Studio Seven Seattle, WA
3/22 Analog Cafe and Theater, Portland, OR
4/14 Black Forest Eugene, OR
5/13 The Night Light Oakland, CA 

Contact Data

Stay in tune with Amelia: facebook.com/ameliamusic | Ameliatheband/Twitter

Ways. use silence perfectly on first single

"The music is not in the notes,but the silence in between."

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

This quote crossed my Facebook feed some days ago and I think it perfectly fits to the song "Misty Hope" of the Rock/Hardcore band Ways. from Paris (France). This is a unique song! Wow, not many bands manage to put out such unique stuff on the first attempt.

Besides putting the silence on the right places it's also the mixture between softer and heavier guitar parts that makes this track sounding so great. The vocalist put's his all and everything into the vocals and it's one of the few times in a videoclip that I have the feeling to stand in the first row where you can feel the rough energy of the musicians coming directly your way.



This is the first single of the bands upcoming EP named "Watching From Afar" which will be available soon via the Bandcamp page of Ways. That's also the place where you can pick up a free download of "Misty Hope" in the audio format of your choice, so don't miss out this chance to grab a great song.

The cover for the EP "Watching From Afar", (c) by Ways. used with kind permission

Make sure to follow them via Facebook or Twitter as well as Instagram for all the latest updates coming along with the impending EP release.

Surroundings speak about Elizabeths lost love in new video

Do you think it is possible to regain a love that is lost? Or are things between two hearts forever gone once they break up? Well, maybe these thoughts were running through the minds of the melodic hardcore band Surroundings when they wrote the song "Elizabeth".

The even more cool feature of this track besides the topic is that it is the first of a suite of two related singles, the other one called 'Jane', coming soon. I think many people out there will be able to relate to what can be seen in the video. I think everyone has loved at least once in his life and knows how it is if you want that person back because you miss that beloved person so much...

Leigh Kendell from the band says
"In a special place, Elizabeth is looking for a love long lost. She performs the ritual, a sign of what they once had. Creativity and artistry once brought them together; now it is their only hope to find each other again."


Musically I was very surprised that besides the brutality of the music the band found a place for melodic elements in the band's sound and that the vocalist also shows different sides of his voice in the track. Just give the song a chance don't judge too fast. I nearly was about to give up when I realized that this has some special elements lying inside the band's sound which make them quite different from other hardcore band's with a similar tonality. The song changes quite a lot through it's different stages also the overall feeling is very heavy.

It comes out the most intense, melodic and with a surprise towards the end of the track. This first song makes me curious on how the other single could sound like. And how may the story go on? Will it go on or will "Jane" come with a completly different idea that just is related to the same topic? I am keeping an eye on this for sure!

Elizabeth is looking for her lost love... (c) by Surroundings, used with kind permission

Following the success of their debut album 'Of Bane Burden and Change'- Australia's Surroundings have come back with new members and a new single, to showcase their unique take on modern heavy music.

You can purchase the single from https://surroundingsau.bandcamp.com/ or on Itunes shortly.

Upcoming shows:

20th & 22nd of November with Saviour (reunion shows)

FB page: https://www.facebook.com/SaviourAustralia

Follow the band through their social accounts: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/surroundingsau
Instagram: https://instagram.com/surroundingsau/