11 Minutes Away - Picking Up The Pieces

1. The Morning After

2. I'm Sorry...

3. Awkward Silence

4. Stalker

5. Forbidden Love

6. Girl Of My Dreams

7. I Get So Bored

8. My Girlfriend

9. Sixteen Forever

10. Perfect Guy

11. Breakup Anxiety

12. Screw Off

11 Minutes Away have released their debut album titled "Picking Up The Pieces." This album is one that sounds like that faster punk rock from the 90's. they have a fast paced punch and really bring that more traditional punk out. These guys have a similar sound to that of an MXPX, Slick Shoes and even The Ataris, so if you like these bands, you could really like this album. They have done a decent job here. 

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to an alright standard.  It has a rough punk standard that seems to go along with artists debut albums for the most part. With a clearer and more crisp recording, it seems like it could be enjoyed more, but it's alright for a first album. The instrumentation on this album isn't too much to write home about either. Yes the band can play, and they can play fast, there isn't really much here to show the band is doing anything that really separates them from other bands in the genre, or really makes you turn an ear. Not band though, they can play.

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are not the greatest. This has an early blink sound to the vocals, which isn't bad but more like a starting point. The backing vocals are certainly not as strong, which is pretty noticeable. You can hear that there is some potential here, but as of right now, it needs work. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about relationships, girls, etc. This seems to be the basis of most of their songs. Those lyrics are a little cliche, and what a lot of bands are singing about, but since this is a first album, it's kind of expected. Hopefully with the next album they get a little more complex in this area.

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 an idea of this album. 

11 Minutes Away have written an album that really shows off their pure punk sound, and give you an idea of the direction and sound of the band. They have done a pretty good job all in all. We can't wait to see what the band comes up with next. Give this album a listen to decide for yourself what you think about it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Punk

Release Date: 2001

Location: Burlington, Ontario

Label: East End Industries

The Saint Alvia Cartel - The Saint Alvia Cartel

1. Karma Kill Me Again

2. Don't Wanna Wait Forever

3. Dirty Dent

4. Try To Forget

5. Time To Go

6. Business As Usual

7. Gimme Til The Morning

8. Blonde Krytonite

9. Unspoken Bond

10. Pacing

11. Carpel Dem Syndrome

12. Dead And Done

13. Stones On The Road

The Saint Alvia Cartel have released their debut album, which they have decided to self title. This album shows the band in a very Reggae Punk type of sound. This is something not a ton of band try but seems to work. They have a similar sound to that of bands like Rancid, Sublime and even Illscarlett, so if you like those bands, you could really like this album. These guys have done a really solid job here. 

When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a fairly decent level. This album sounds great, and it has a crisp sound overall. These guys have done a great job getting a good sounding album. The instrumentation is pretty decent as well here. This band isn't going to wow you too much on this part, but they do a good job incorporating horns and piano into their punk sound. Overall, you can tell these guys know how to play, and most of them have been doing it for quite awhile.

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are pretty decent. The band has multiple members who sing, and they dynamic of the different styles of singing, make this pretty unique. All of the guy can sing, and they are quite clear, so you can hear everything they are saying. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about relationships, making something of your life and not letting it just pass by, making thing happen for yourself, When things are falling around you, keep going, and more. These seem to be very positive things that people need to hear. It's nice to hear a band go this route. We feel people will latch on to these lyrics, and are easy to connect with.

If you are looking for a single to this album, both "Don't Wanna Wait Forever" and "Time To Go" are solid tracks, and we would recommend them to anyone. These songs will definitely give you an idea of what this band and album are about.

These guys have made an album that really shows off what the band is about, and what the band can do. This band isn't reinventing the punk wheel, but for Canada, they are making enough noise for this type of music to get a bit of attention. We think they have done a really good job here, and we hope you give this a chance. Listen to it for yourself to make up your mind about the album. They have since called it quits. (R.I.P.)

Genre: Punk/Reggae/Rock

Release Date: May 29th, 2007

Location: Burlington, Ontario

Label: Stomp Records

The Penske File - Grave Escapes

1. Billboard Happiness

2. Dormant Days

3. Smash Apathy

The Penske File have released their second album titled "Grave Escapes". This three song album, the band has followed with the same sound and style as their debut. They have a pretty dirty punk sound that kinda reminds us of travelling music. They have a similar sound to that of The Flatliners or Brutal Youth, so if you like those bands, you could really like this album. They have done a pretty good job here. When looking at the recording quality on these songs, the album has been recorded to a pretty good level, while having an unpolished sound that feels punk. It is hard to make a recording that doesn't sound bad but also feels punk, and we think they have captured that on these three songs. The instrumentation here is pretty good, nothing to really blow your mind, but they are solidly played, good sounding songs. These guys can play. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are a little hard to get used to. Their singer has a voice that is somewhat whiny, along with the background vocals not being in sink with the singer makes it hard, but also punk. They are a band you can tell just what they are singing about, which makes it nice, and it's pretty clear, just the voice is ehh. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about escaping and playing music, following your dreams, hanging with friends, and just living life. We feel that people can get into these songs, as they seem to really just fit in with what young adults do and how they spend time. Not bad overall. If you are looking for a single, there isn't one, and Dormant Days is only one minute long, so just listen to the whole album to get the idea. The Penske File have made a three song album that shows a snippet of what they are doing after their debut, and gives them more to pull from at shows. We personally don't really feel them that much, but they do hold their place. Not a bad job. Give them a listen to decide for yourself what you think of them. 

Genre: Punk/Punk Rock/Rock

Release Date: October 26th, 2012

Location: Burlington, Ontario
Website: http://www.thepenskefile.net/

Label: None

Perfect Limbs - I Watched Myself Collapse

1. Dread

2. I Watched Myself Collapse

3. Seeking

4. The Act Of Dying Slowly

5. Only Ghosts

Perfect Limbs have released their second album titled "I Watched Myself Collapse." This album pretty much follows along the same lines, in both style and sound they established on their debut album. They have this melodic hardcore sound that bands such as Stick To Your Guns or a band like Like Moths To Flames, so if you like either of those bands, you could like this album. They have done a pretty good job here. 

When looking at the recording quality of the album, this album as been recorded to a pretty decent standard. The vocals recording could be a little bit better, as they sound a little too quiet and not to the level of the instruments here. 

Now the instrumentation on the album could be better. This album has a pretty standard overall feel to it, and the instrumentation shows the band can play, but nothing to really get you to turn a head or anything. 

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on here are pretty nice and clear with the backing vocals, her has a nice voice and you can hear everything. The regular screamed vocals aren't bad either, bot quite hard to understand but are screamed to where you can still understand what the singer is singing about. Not bad overall. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about relationships, trying to make people proud, hardships and more. These are quite standard lyrics to hear from a band this young, and style they play. We would hope to hear a little more noteworthy, lasting lyrics, but this isn't bad. 

If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Seeking" your attention as it is the best song on the album, and really gives you the feel of the album. 

Perfect Limbs have made an album that compares to their other works, and gives them more songs to play in their live set. The band has made a step forward and we like the way this up trend is going. Hopefully the band plays more and they can push this album to more people. We liked it. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think.

Genre: Metalcore/Post-Hardcore/Hardcore
Date: July 19th, 2019
Location: Burlington, Ontario

Label: None

Perfect Limbs - Tunnel Vision

1. Sadist

2. Blind Eye

3. Wounds

4. Pathways

5. The Light

Perfect Limbs have released their debut album titled "Tunnel Vision." This album is one that really shows the band in a metalcore with hardcore style vocals to it. They have that mix that isn't what the typical post hardcore band is doing these days, mixing more hardcore in. They have a similar sound to that of Gideon, or a Varials, so if you are into either of 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 pretty good standard. The instrumentation is nothing that is going to really turn your head, but the band can certainly play. Their song are just right down the middle, nothing over the top, but nothing horrible, just right on the middle. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are pretty decent, as the vocalist can certainly scream. He also has a clear enough voice that you can get all the lyrics the each song. He has a really good, nice scream and fits well with the music the band is making. With the lyrics, the band goes for songs about self absorbed people, people taking just to talk, still loving someone when you are at the end or ending of a relationship and more. These lyrics all seem to be about the same person. The vocalist seems to be at a hard place in a relationship and we feel that there are plenty of younger people who have been or are in this predicament as well. Hopefully getting this a ll out has helped and maybe it helps others to see they are not the only one in this situation. Not a bad job on the lyrics. If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Wounds" your attention as it is the best song on the album and gives you the best feel for the rest of the album. Perfect Limbs have made a debut sort of welcome to album that shows off the sound and style the band want to go with, while also lyrically making a relationship album. Overall we like the album. Now it is time to just get out there and show people your music to gather more fans. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Metalcore/Post-Hardcore/Hardcore
Date: September 30th, 2016
Location: Burlington, Ontario

Label: None

Ascariasis - Ocean Of Colour

1. Shatter

2. Torchbearer

3. Eleven

4. Ocean Of Colour

5. Carving The World

Ascariasis have released their debut album titled "Ocean Of Colour." This album shows off the band in a very metal way. The band has a very fast and heavy presence to their music, with deep screamed vocals that bring the powerful metal all together. They have a similar sound to that of an Amon Amarth or a Children Of Bodem, so if you are into either of those artists, you could really like this album. They have done a solid job here. When looking at the recording quality of this album, it has been recorded to a fairly decent quality. We can however hear a touch in the guitars that could be upped a bit. The instrumentation on this album is really solid. This band can play and they do it with a woosh right to your face. Really good playing here. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, now the vocals are screamed vocals, but the singer can do them quite impressively. He has the deep growls down pat, but unfortunately for anyone who wants to clearly hear the lyrics, that is not an option in this style of metal. With the lyrics, the band goes for messages about seeing the destruction you caused, No matter how good you are, things will happen if they are meant to happen, When there is nothing left we drift, etc. These lyrics are quite profound and go very well with the style of music the band is creating. We do feel that people will not be able to easily grasp the lyrics, it will take some listening, but music you really have to get into is the best music. One criticism is that the lyrics are a bit too short, that isn;t bad, but we personally would like more to each song. 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 feel of this album. Ascariasis have made a debut, welcome to album that really set the bar high. This band can certainly play and they have all the talent behind them. We do hope that the band can keep this up as it would be a shame to see them take a step down. Hopefully this band can also get out there and get more people to know about them. Solid job here. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Death Metal/Metal/Progressive Metal

Release Date: March 1st, 2012

Location: Burlington, Ontario

Label: None

The Author - Act 2: The Defined

1. Judge, Jury...

2. Prometheus

3. The Boy and the Beast

4. Haunted Dreams

5. I Felt Like Destroying Something Beautiful

6. No Hero, No Hope

7. The First Time Always Hurts

8. Some Will Wonder, I Will Know

9. The Bitter Taste Of Denial

The Author have released their second album titled titled "Act 2: The Defined." This album has the same style and sound that the band began with on their previous debut album. They seem to do the landscaped singing and screaming thing, which they have done quite well here. The band seems to have a similar sound to that of Protest The Hero on this album, so if you are a fan of that band, you could like this album. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded pretty well and has a nice sound. The instrumentation on this album is decent as well, the band can play and they show off some skills. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are really nice, their vocalist can certainly scream and it's the kind of scream that is deep but still post hardcore like. They are also done well enough so that you can make out the lyrics in the screams without too much trouble. Good job all in all. Now onto the lyrics. The band has decided on this album to go for messages of being able to escape from the troubles keeping you down, being in a place where you want to destroy everything, being alone, relationships and more. For the most part, the band has written song that people can relate to on some level, which really helps for people being able to get into the songs. They have some nice stories in the music as well. 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 feel of this album. The Author have made an album here that really rocks and has some nice softer songs with landscaped part in it. This album really gives the band more music so they can play better sets live. We hope the band goes out and plays more shows so more people can see and get into them. Really nice job overall on this album. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think about it.

Genre: Progressive Metal/Hardcore/Screamo

Release Date: December 28th, 2016

Location: Burlington, Ontario

Label: None

The Penske File - Young Hearts On Trial

1. Young Hearts On Trial

2. Our Constructions

3. High Fives And Nose Dives

4. Stew Pants

5. Lifelessness - The Great Enemy

6. Suburban Bustle

The Penske File have released their debut album titled "Young Hearts On Trial." This album has a very punk feel to it and hit the traditional punk fan with their music. These guys seem to have a similar sound and style to that of Face To Face or The Flatliners, so if you are into either of those bands, you could really like this album. They have done  pretty solid job on this punk album. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a pretty decent quality while still holding onto that raw punk feel. The instrumentation on the album is pretty average, but we haven't really seen a punk band that could blow you away with their playing style so it fits perfectly into what they are trying to do. This does sound really good and they can certainly play so thats all that matters. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are very much in that raw punky style, while being very clear and just what the typical person would figure a punk band would sound like. Their vocalist has done a great job here and he can really sing this style well. With the lyrics, the band goes for singing about things like having a great camping weekend, the hustle and bustle of life, trying to figure out life and just the journey that life brings you. This album is pretty much a journey through life and the things you do while just living life. We can certainly relate to this and think many people can as well. Overall these lyrics are really decent. 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 feel of the album. The Penske File have done a pretty solid job on their debut welcome to album here. This album has the exact punk sound you want it to and it is a great way to start off this band. We really liked this album and we can't wait to see what else the band comes up with. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Punk/Punk Rock/Rock

Release Date: July 9th, 2011

Location: Burlington, Ontario
Website: http://www.thepenskefile.net/

Label: None

Gym Class Joke - Corporate Punk$

1. sXe Love Song

2. Don't Expect Me To Care

3. Why Do I Try?

4. This Thing I Believe

5. New Youth

6. Myself

7. I Think We're Alone Now

8. End Credits

Gym Class Joke have released their debut album titled "Corporate Punk$." This album is quite the punk album and really sticks with that sort of skate punk and street vibe here. They have done the typical punk rock you would expect from bands in the 90's so it goes well with the time. They have a similar sound to artists like Belvedere or even Rancid, so if you like that style of punk, 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 just an okay standard. Now we aren't sure if the recording just hasn't stood up well or was recorded like that, but either way it needs work for sure. The instrumentation on the album could use some work as well, but with the style of punk they are playing, it is suppose to be sloppy and messy. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album have been done pretty fast and have a very raw feel to them. This is something people who are into this genre like, so it isn't all that bad, just not our thing. Their vocalist can sing alright so hey. With the lyrics, the band tends to go for subjects of feeling alone, being by yourself and just that whole loneliness feeling you can get trapped into. This is something we can all relate to as some point or another, hopefully this help either them or a listener. 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. Gym Class Joke have made a debut album that really shows the style they are going for and gives a raw punk feel. We enjoyed it for what it is and they have potential for sure. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Punk/Street Punk/Skate Punk

Release Date: 1997

Location: Burlington, Ontario

Label: None

Always Outnumbered - Demo

1. Everyone Moves On

2. One Last Glance

3. Brand New Start

4. Whatever The Reason

Always Outnumbered have released their debut album which happens to be a demo. This album shows the band having a very punk feel to them. They sound pretty much what you would expect from a fast punk band. They have a similar sound to that of a MXPX or a Lagwagon, so if you like those bands, you could like this album. They have an album that you can see potential in it. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded very rough and not the best recording. What you can see and hear is the ability and potential of the band. The instrumentation of the band is alright, it's not going to blow you away but it doesn't suck either, it is kind of just where you want it to be. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are okay, they have that punk feel you want from them, but the recording isn't the best so you can't really get a true feel for everything here. We did like them and he can sing, so there is that. With the lyrics, the band goes for that moving on after something happens theme to all their songs here. From what we can tell, the singer is looking for a fresh start to things and we get to hear it right here. If you are looking for a single to this album, there isn't one, so just listen to the four songs and you will  know what the album is about. Always Outnumbered has given us a glimpse into their live and what they want the band to be like. We feel there is potential here and we can't wait to see what a full, well recorded album from them sounds like. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Punk/Rock

Release Date: April 1st, 1999

Location: Burlington, Ontario

Label: None

The Video Dead - Shogun Sessions

1. Fuck It, Let's Funnel

2. Left In The Dark

3. Scene Kid Target Practice/ Too Bad Screensavers Can't Save Lives

4. The Legend Of Billy Tipton

5. You Suck, Pantera Rules

We have added The Video Dead's second album called "Shogun Sessions." This album continues the sound and style that the band started with on their previous album. They have a pretty standard punk sound that is easily recognizable to people who listen to this music. This album has a similar sound to that of Belvedere or even a A Wilhelm Scream, so if you are into those bands, you could like this album. They have done an alright job on this album. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album could use a bit of work but as a sessions, and sort of demo it is not too bad. The instrumentation is nothing to really grab you, but the band can play and it does have a good sound. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals are not amazing, but the are the standard punk vocals. They really work and you can hear the vocalist clearly on here. With the lyrics, the band has gone with a screw everything approach and letting you know Pantera rules. They tell you a story about certain people and have songs that you can get the punk fans into them. 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 feel of the album. The Video Dead have made an album here that does up their band and gives them more songs in the setlist. These guys have done an alright job and hopefully slowly but surly they will keep bringing the band up and up. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Punk/Rock

Release Date: 2003

Location: Hamilton, Ontario

Label: None

Them Thieves - ...andthentheycameforus

1. Saving Crosses
2. Wild Choir
3. Echo Midnight
4. Human Art
5. Wolf Feathers
6. Dead Lungs
7. Vows Underground
8. Tattooed Skies
9. Broken Dust
10. Sex Lines
11. Narrow Veins
12. ...andthentheycameforus

Them Thieves have released their second album titled "...andthentheycameforus." This album is a little different from their previous album, but that is okay. This one seems to have more of a rap feel to the vocals but it is still hard and heavy. This album seems to be similar to that of a Hoods or a Stray From The Path, so if you are into either of these bands, you could like this album. They have not done a bad job here on this album. When looking at the recording quality of the album, the album has been done pretty well, the vocals seem like they could use some work being louder in certain spots though. The instrumentation is not too bad on this. The band can play and it has a nice flow to it. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocalist can sing, but it would be nicer to hear more of a flow and actual singing or screaming instead of word, pause, word. We do like the vocals though. With the lyrics, they have a very harsh, angry feel to them with subjects about pain, hate, loss and getting revenge. It would be a little nicer to have a more positive message in the songs but that is okay. 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 feel of this album. Them Thieves have made a pretty good follow up to their debut album. If they fix the critiques we had for them and just get out there on the road more, this could be something special. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Hardcore/Post-Hardcore

Release Date: July 29th, 2016

Location: Burlington, Ontario
Website: http://www.themthieves.net

Label: None