Arkham Awaits - Razing An Empire

1. Welcome To Rapture

2. Visions

3. The Flame That Sparked The Fall

4. Empire To Askes

5. Vultures

6. Chimera

7. Oblivion

Arkham Awaits have released their third album titled "Razing An Empire". This album follows along the same lines as their previous two albums in style and sound. These guys do the sing and screamed metalcore vocals pretty well on here. This band reminds me of a mix between The Jettison Commitment and Searching For Satellites if you know those name. If you do not, a band Like Moths To Flames is similar as well. If you like those bands, give this a listen. They have done a pretty decent job here.

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a pretty decent sound and quality. Now the songs aren't quite as clear and crisp on the vocals as I personally would like them to be, but it still sounds pretty decent. The sung vocals could also be a littler louder and clearer, but you can make out what they are saying. 

The Instrumentation on this album is nothing too crazy, and it's nothing that is really going to wow you, but these guys can play, and they do it to decent standard. They have bits where you say, oh alright, but for the most part its what you would expect from this kind of music. Not bad though. 

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are pretty decent. They can certainly scream, and the sung vocals are not bad. You can certainly hear the sung vocals, and voice is pretty good. We do like the screamed vocals, they just seem a little forced, but still fit right in with everything going on, and don't hurt anything. The lyrics are a little hard to make out, but if you listen a little closer, you can pretty much make out what the songs are about. Good job.

With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about life, failing, learning, love, relationships and more. These themes and lyrics feel like something the listener can get behind, and feel relatable to them. The lyrics have you saying, hey maybe I'm not the only one who feels this way. We think that the band gets their audience, and can attract more of the target, with these lyrics. Good job all in all here.

If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't really one. We like the song visions the best, so we suggest you try that one out first, as it gives you the best feel of the album overall. Chimera is just instrumental, so don't pick that one unless you are listening to the whole album. 

Arkham Awaits have yet again written a pretty decent album that goes along the lines of the sound and style they developed on their previous albums.  This gives the band more to pull from and give a catalog to pull from when touring. We feel this band has really hit the sweet spot for the type of music they are playing, and with some luck, this band can really push through. Listen to this album to get your own opinion on it but we really like it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Post Hardcore/Screamo/Metalcore

Release Date: April 27th, 2015

Location: Guelph, Ontario

Label: None 

Absence Of Fear - We Lost Our Captain In An Elevator Mosh Pit

1. Intro

2. Meaningless War

3. Breathe

4. Proctor

5. The Needle

Absence Of Fear have released their debut album "We Lost Our Captain In An Elevator Mosh Pit". This album shows off the band in a heavy, core like way, but also classic metal solos. Thee guys don't really have a similar sound to that of anyone. They mix a few different things from different styles of metal, so it's hard to pin point bands they sound like, which is good.

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a below average sound. These songs are not bad, but the vocals and the overall recordings seem to be very low and needing to be louder and more crisp.  The Instrumentation on this album is quite good however. We feel like this band shows off their ability, and there are parts that really show off the guitarists abilities. This band can certainly play, although at times it doesn't feel like the styles of the screaming and music meld together properly. Still good either way. 

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are not too bad actually. The vocalist can certainly scream, and he's got a sound that most local screaming bands star out with. There are hints that really impress me here though. On the other hand, the background vocals could use some work. They seem to be a bit weak and out of tune at times. Not bad for a first release. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about relationships, dark themes of vengeance and where to go with things, and fighting for things. We feel that fans and people in general can get into these lyrics and themes, relate with this band. This really helps in gaining those fans. Pretty good job all in all here.

If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so just pick a song and give it a listen to get the idea of the album. The bands songs are longer, so we suggest "breathe" as one to try out.

Absence Of Fear have made a debut album that really gives the band a starting point, and something to be able to play shows. These guys really have something here, as long as the recording gets better. You can tell the guitar and screaming works well, and could be shown with a better sound. We think there is potential here, and we can't wait to see what they come up with next. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of them. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Metalcore/Metal

Release Date: 2009

Location: Cannington, Ontario

Website: http://www.absenceoffear.com

Label: None

Of The First Born Son - Of The First Born Son

1. The Attack Of Dr. Robotnik

2. This Could Be A Drug

3. You Can't 2-Step In A Wheelchair

4. Paper Caskets

5. Playing Dodgeball With A Shotgun

Of The First Born Son have released their debut self-titled album. These guys have a very typical heavy core band feel to them. They have a similar sound to that of a band like Attila, Abacabb, and early All That Remains, so if you like bands like this, you could like this album. They have done an alright job here.

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to an alright quality. It has some rough points, and the production as a whole could be a little clearer and more crisp, but it does give a certain metal vibe with it. The instrumentation here isn't bad either. they do show off their ability to shred and play guitar through the album. These guys can certainly play, and its showcased here. Not bad in all.

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are pretty good, They are more just deep screams, but the vocalist seems to be able to accomplish them. If you listen closely to the singer, you can make out most of what he is saying, so thats awesome he is clear enough to get the meaning of the songs out. He does need some work on his technique, but for a first album, this is good. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs that are stereotypical in metal. They talk about hate, relationships, and more. These lyrics don't really attach to the listener or really do anything in the meaning category, but they do give off a vibe and a feel that makes the music enjoyable. 

If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so just pick a song and give it a listen. We particularly like "You Can't 2-Step in a Wheelchair" so give them a listen so you get the idea of this band.

Of The First Born Son have released an album that shows off the style and sound of the band. This also gives them a base for people to get into them and something to start playing shows off of. They have done an alright job for a debut album, There are a few things that need to be fixed, but as a fist album we like it. We also can't wait to see what they do on the next one. Give these guys credit and listen to this album for yourself to decide weather you like it or not. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Metal/Post-Hardcore/Metalcore

Release Date: November 6th, 2007

Location: Kitchener, Ontario

Label: Year Of The Sun Records

Choices - Paradise Lost

1. Benevolent

2. Mended

3. Better Days

4. Paradise Lost

5. Coming To Life

6. Guilty As Me

7. Euphoria

Choices have released their debut album titled "Paradise Lost." This album shows the band in a very melodic metal way. They have a sound thats hard to say just exactly where they fit. These guys have such melodic parts, that it's almost too much at times, but then the music sounds post-hardcore for sure. This band has a similar sound to that of a more melodic In Flames or Erra without the screamed vocals, so if you like that music, you could like this album. The guys here have done a pretty decent job on these songs.

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded very well, and has a super clear, crisp sound to the songs. The producer did a really good job on these songs. With the instrumentation on this album, the guys go straight into showing you what they can do. "Benevolent" is an instrumental track that shows off the bands guitar skills, and lets you know this band has skills for sure. 

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, with the vocals, the singer decided to go for a more melodic touch here. At times the vocalist goes a little too melodic, and it lacks some harshness because of it. On the song "Mended" when the vocalist starts singing, it is hard to catch what he is saying, and it ends up sounding like a jumbled mess for a few bars. Other than this, the vocals are really solid and you can certainly tell he can sing. For the lyrics, the band goes for songs about relationships, depression, getting better, and fighting through. This album has a theme with it, starting with an ending relationship and ending with getting through ang thriving. It's pretty cool how you can listen through on this journey the singer goes through while listening to the whole album. They have done a good job on the lyrics.

If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Coming To Life" your attention, as it is the best song on the album, and really encapsulates what this whole album is about. 

Choices have made an album that is pretty decent, and can be listened to by the casual or new metalcore listener, an the metalcore enthusiast looking for a break from all the screams. All in all, this is a good album, introduces you to the band, and gives them something to get them out to playing shows. Give this album a listen to decide for yourself what you think of it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.) 

Genre: Metalcore/Metal/Rock

Release Date: July 8th, 2015

Location: Brockville, Ontario

Website: http://www.choicesofficial.ca

Label: None

Norris - Ladies And Gentlemen, We Regret to Inform You That Our Worldwide Anthem Is An Explosion

1. Gaia

2. Human Kindling

3. Worth Living

4. Our Worldwide Anthem Is An Explosion

Norris have released their debut album with a super long title. This album shows the band in a chaotic and noisy way. The band seems to have things going off in every which direction, which is a bit of a sensory overload. They have a similar sound to that of a band like A Textbook Tragedy, Job For A Cowboy or even a Pig Destroyer, so if you are into bands like this, you could really like this album. They have done an alright job here. 

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to an an okay level. This may intentionally feel like this with all the chaotic time shifts and things, but the recording just kind of seems like a mess. Now yes it could be more clear and crisp, but this also helps with the feel the band is going for on the record. With the instrumentation, the band can certainly play, and they shift from fast to slow and back, but unless you can really focus, you'll not understand the talent here. We think this band can really play and they do a solid job at what they are doing here.

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, with the vocals, the singer has some very screeched vocals here, which could use some work, as they at times just sound like someone throwing up. They do however work for the music, but again, not as polished. The actual singing part on the songs could also use work. We do think there is potential here though. With the lyrics, they are a bit hard to hear and understand with the style of vocals. Honestly we can't really tell you what they are singing about, which sucks because that an element of the music lost, but we still listen for what it is.

If you are looking for a single to this album, there really isn't one, so just pick a song and give it a listen to get the idea of the album.

Norris have made a debut album that really shows off what the band wants to do, and gives you an idea of the direction this band wants to go. This is a starter into the band and what they are doing. They have done a pretty good job here with how chaotic it is, and how the musicianship is on this album. We feel they did an alright job here, and it will be interesting to see what they come up with next. We aren't really a fan of this type of metal but we can respect what's going on here. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it (R.I.P.)

Genre: Metal/Metalcore/Grindcore

Release Date: 2005

Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario

Label: None

Dear Black Diary - Dear Black Diary

 

1. Intro...

2. Life Is The Number One Cause Of Death

3. Floating Face Down

4. Elitist Waste Of Skin

5. Abortion Birth Control

6. A Variation Of The Colour Red

Dear Black Diary have released their debut album which is self-titled.  This album has a very dark and heavy feel to it. They have a very all over the place sound,  and very chaoticness to their music. These guys have a similar sound to that of a From A Second Story Window or even in that realm of that Heavy Heavy Low Low stuff. They have done a pretty good job on this album.

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to an average standard really. The recording isn't great, but its not bad either. We do however suggest that the style of music they play, could help in this with all the chaotic things going on. The instrumentation here is done pretty decently, a it's hard to play all over the place, while still holding a sense of cohesion.  These guys do that, and still show their musical talent. We think this is a good effort on the instrumentation and peaks our interest to hear more. 

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are done pretty well. The bands vocalist can certainly scream. This does however take away from the ability to hear what the lyrics are and what the song is about. he certainly can hold his screams and go for a long time too, which is pretty impressive. All in all, we fell the vocals are done well for the style the band is going for. With the lyrics, it is pretty hard to decipher what they are saying, as the screaming is intense and there is no record of any lyrics online or in the liner notes of the album. This makes it especially hard for people who are big lyrics and meaning music lovers, to get into this album. However we do not feel this album was made for music fans who listen that way. 

If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Life Is The Number One Cause Of Death" your attention, as this is the best song o n the album, and really gives you a solid sense of what the band is about as well as how the rest of the album sounds.

Dear Black Diary have made a debut album that is chaotic and heavy. This album shows off their style and sound to the masses for the first time and helps people to know what they are about. We are not to big on this genre of metal or type of music, but we do see t he potential in this band. We would love to hear more and see whats next for these guys. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Death Metal/Grindcore/Metal

Release Date: March 14th, 2006

Location: Guelph, Ontario

Website: http://www.dearblackdiary.com

Label: Year Of The Sun Records

Words Like Wildfire - Quarter Life Crisis

1. Survival Mechanic

2. Quarter Life Crisis

3. Livin' The Dream

4. Back To Where I Used To Be

5. So Shallow It Shows

Words Like Wildfire have released their debut album titled "Quarter Life Crisis". This album is one that shows the band in a pretty typical Post-Hardcore feel to them with a bit more guitar work. When you listen to this band, the vocal stylings sound like if the singer of Belvedere and second singer of Set Your Goals joined a post-hardcore band like Memphis May Fire. It is interesting how the more punk style vocals go with the heavy music of this band. If that melding of music sounds interesting to you, then you could like this album. 

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a fairly decent quality. We are pretty stoked on the quality of this album, especially being a debut for a band. This quality is very listenable and feels like a real offering. Great. The instrumentation here is not half bad either. These guys show off a little more than just breakdowns and heaviness. We like the sound a bit of diversity this shows off. 

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are pretty decent here. The only thing we found is that they didn't really sound unique, and we found bands with very similar vocal stylings to the two separate singers. These guys can certainly sing though and it sounds pretty spot on. Their singing is quite clear and you can get just what they are singing about so that helps. With the lyrics, the band has decided to go for songs about life and whats worth living for, relationships, figuring things out and more. These seem to be what some of the people who listen to this type of music are going through, and it could connect with people. 

If you are looking for a single to this album, give "Back To Where I Used To Be" your attention, as it is the best song on the album and gives you a good idea of the rest of the album. 

Words Like Wildfire have released an album that shows of as a solid debut offering, and gives people an idea as to what the band wants to sound like. On the other hand, the band isn't really doing anything that reinvents the wheel or makes them stand out against all the metalcore bands out there trying to gain fans. Not a bad effort overall. Give it a listen to decide for yourself what you think about it.

Genre: Metalcore/Post-Hardcore

Release Date: May 4th, 2017

Location: Brampton, Ontario
Website: http://www.wordslikewildfire.com/

Label: None

Arise And Ruin - The Fear Of

1. Always The Same

2. Nightshifts

3. Prologue

4. In Life

5. Rex Butcher

 

Arise And Ruin have released their debut album "The Fear Of". This is the re released label version of their debut, as this was originally self released and self titled. This album shows the band in a fast heavy hardcore way. They have a gut punching feel to them and really bring it. The band has a similar sound to that of  The Autumn Offering, All Shall Parish, or even Unearth. If you like those bands, you could really like this album. They have done a pretty decent job here. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a fairly decent standard. The quality of the recording doesn't loose and listenability and it helps pack the punch. Ken Sushi from Unearth did a good job here. The instrumentation on this album is pretty good as well. You can tell the band can play, and they play pretty fast as well. There isn't anything that will really blow you away, just solid playing. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album could use a little bit of work as they are not quite clear enough to get what he is saying. This does however have a decent deep metalcore scream for the most part here. He can certainly do screamed vocals, and this wraps up the overall sound well. Good job on the vocals. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about not dwelling on the past and instead trying to be happy, bring yourself up from the edge, and more. This album seems to be more on the positive side of the genre, which is quite surprise given the heavy dark feel to it. We think they have done a great job with the lyrics, and its something everyone needs to hear. If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song :In Life" your attention as it is the best song on the album and has really positive lyrics and meaning. This will also give you an idea of the rest of the album. Arise and Ruin have given their debut a bit more life and can reach more people with this re-relase. They have done a really good job, and it helps them to bring a bigger audience to their music. We think there is a lot of potential with this band and we can't wait to hear what else they come up with. Solid album all in all. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Metalcore/Metal/Hardcore

Release Date: April 18th, 2006

Location: Guelph, Ontario
Website: http://www.ariseandruin.com/

Label: Stereo Dynamite Recordings

I Hate Sally - Sickness Of The Ages

1. Intro

2. Clean Up The Blood

3. Crushed Against The Grain

4. Iron Fist

5. Sickness Of The Ages

6. Under The Ribs Of Death

7. In The Name Of Democracy

8. Root Of All Evil

9. This Must Be Hell

10. Wake Up Screaming

I Hate Sally have released their debut album titled "Sickness Of The Ages". This album shows the band as a very heavy screaming, aggressive band and sound. The album has a pretty raw and unique sound to it, that isn't really associated with this type of music. These guys have a similar sound to bands like Flee The Scene, Converge, or Johnny Truant, so if you liked any of these bands, you could like this album. They have done an okay job here. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the music has been recorded fairly well, while the vocals seem very distant, distorted and hard to hear. We think the vocals could have been recorded a little better. The instrumentation on the album is actually pretty solid. This band can play, and they show off what they can do throughout the album. Solid job on this part of the album for sure. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, with the vocals, they are very growly and dark. We aren't sure if its the quality or not, but the vocals are pretty hard to hear at times, so getting the lyrics out, might be a little harder. He can certainly scream, and he does a good job at it though. All in all, not too bad. With the lyrics, the band seems to go for songs about having voices inside that eat away at you, change how you do things, society and more. It seems like they have gone a more political sort of route, and want you to believe in your own way, doing things the way you want to. This is a good message, but it doesn't always work. We feel people can get behind this though. If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't really one, so just pick a song and give it a listen to get the idea of the album. I Hate Sally has established a style and sound that they'd like you to get into. This introduction seems a little raw and rough around the edges, but with a refined recording, we thing this could really hit. Listen to this album to decide what you think, we can't wait to hear whats next. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Hardcore/Metalcore/Screamo

Release Date: 2003

Location: Kingston, Ontario
Website: http://www.ihatesally.com/

Label: Blacula Records

Ritual - Ritual

1. Pieces

2. Gag Order

3. Americhrist

4. Rat Queen

5. Grim Part II

6. Hot Pink

7. Model Wife

8. White Blooded

9. Love Song

10. Ripe

11. Ataxia

Ritual have released their debut album, which is self titled. As singer Matty Tobin is the formerly of Dead and Divine, this album has similarities to them. This is a heavy "core" album, and has a very professional sound to it. If you are a previous fan of Dead and Divine, you will most likely like this album. Along with bands such as Every Time I Die, Norma Jean and The Chariot, these are bands that seem to be similar in style to ritual's debut. SO if you like those bands, give this a listen. They have done a pretty decent job here. The instrumentation on this album feels very much like a band that stops on a dime and changes what they are playing, while also trying to play aggressive and fast. These guys can play, as seen throughout this album, but it isn't the type of thing that will turn heads, it's just solid music that will turn heads based on members mostly. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, when looking at Matt's vocals, he can certainly sing, and sing well he does. His vocal style, almost has a southern hardcore style to it. For the most part you can understand what he is saying, but there are times its hard to catch. All in all, he does a solid job on this album and it's worth the listen. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about the way society is and how people are for themselves, depression, being in a bad place in life, and just overall having a bad life. We feel these reflect the singer and how his life must be at this time. Unfortunately people can relate to being this way and needing an outlet to get these things out. Many musicians use music to do so, and this feels like that. If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Rat Queen" your attention, as this is the hit for the album, and will give you a good idea on how the rest sounds. Ritual have made a dark and somewhat depressing album, but it's also aggressive and brings you into the bands world. Being the bands first effort, this shows what the band is going to be like, and their sound. We really seem to like this album, so give it a listen and decide for yourself what you think about it. 

Genre: Hardcore/Metalcore/Post-Hardcore

Release Date: October 30th, 2015

Location: Hamilton, Ontario

Website: http://www.weareritual.com/
Label: Bullettooth (USA)/Distort Entertainment (Canada)

Great Lakes - What We Leave Behind

1. Home

2. Dead Trees

3. What We Leave Behind

Great Lakes have released their second album titled "What We Leave Behind." This album follows along with the same sound and style that the band established on their previous album. They hit that straight forward post-hardcore right in the middle, so if you are into any bands of the genre, give this a listen and you'll probably like it. They have done a pretty solid job. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded quite well, and has a really solid sound. The producer definitely did his job here. The instrumentation isn't bad either. You can hear spots of guitar that isn't just chugging and breakdows, which we like to see. The is something here with this band. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the screamed vocals are done quite well here. They have some really deep and harsh screams, while going into screams you can still totally make out what the vocalist is saying. The backing vocals need a little bit of work as they seem to be a little dull and don't really wow you. Maybe highlighting them a little more and some more production on them could really bring them out. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about trust and having it broken, being around people with no ambitions to go further, and fighting for more. These are pretty common themes within this type of music. We feel this is something that can grab the attention of the listener and want to go on that journey with the band. Great job all in all. If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "What We Left Behind" your attention, as this is the best song and will really give you and idea of the other two songs. Great Lakes have made a 3 song album that really shows the punch this band has. We can't wait to see what the band has in store for a full length and think this band has something here. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Post-Hardcore/Metal/Screamo

Release Date: November 24th, 2013

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Label: None

Wind Cries Mary - Wind Cries Mary

1. Lead Me Astray

2. Conceiving A Kingdom

3. Splitting Skin

4. Monotony

Wind Cries Mary have released their third album, which happens to be self-titled. This album seems to bring the heat, compared to their previous efforts. We are certainly happy to hear the evolution of this band. They have a similar sound to that of an Upon A Burning Body or a Fit For An Autopsy, so if you are into either of those bands, you could really like this album. They have done a solid job here. When looking at the recording quality of this album, this album certainly seems to have the best recording of any of the bands albums for sure. You can hear everything pretty clearly, and it's a nice recording. The instrumentation on the album is better than you would expect from a fairly unknown band. These guys can certainly play, and play well, we give solid props to the band for that. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, with the vocals the scream can certainly scream. He has a scream that you can still basically understand everything he says, which helps out quite a lot. We feel the screams have progressed over the 3 albums and this is the best it's been so far. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about being broken from someone you've given chances to, having life hold you down and get to you, being attracted to something you know is toxic for you, and getting back up from everything. We feel that these are things that people can relate to, and especially the people who listen to this band. The fans will connect with these songs for sure. We like them and think they have done a solid job. If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so we suggest "Splitting Skin" as the song to listen to because we feel it hits the hardest. All in all Wind Cries Mary have made an album that gives them more repertoire to play live and gives you a heavier, fuller sound to rock to. With these four songs, we can't wait to see what this leads to, and hear a full account of the band in it's current state. Solid album. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think about it.

Genre: Metalcore/Hardcore/Metal

Release Date: June 10th, 2015

Location: Parkhill, Ontario

Label: None