This! Is A Crisis - The Human Condition

1. The Human Condition

2. Bold Hearts

3. Iron Lung

4. This Means War

5. Life Called Critical

This! Is A Crisis have released their debut album titled "The Human Condition". This album shows off the band in a sort of alternative punk sound. They aren't quite punk and not quite rock. This isn't really a new style, but most bands pick one or the other. They have a similar sound to that of One Second 2 Late and Billy Talent, so if you like those bands or the heavier side of Sum 41, you could like this album. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded pretty well, but you can hear the one notch below a quality recording when you listen. The instrumentation on this album isn't too bad. they can certainly play, and there are glimpses of decent guitar solos. We think the music is solid. 

Now onto the vocals and lyrics, when looking at the vocals on the album, they need a little bit of work to them when they just straight sing. When hearing the screams, you can rally tell the singer can do them in a rock way. The lyrics are done in a pretty nice and clear way so you can get just what they are saying. All in all, not bad here. With the lyrics, the band seems to go for songs about being lost and trying to fix the world, standing up after being knocked down by someone, pushing someone from hearing the truth and more. These seem like topics quite a lot of people can understand and get behind. This is good so the listener can feel a connection with the band. These lyrics are pretty good. 

If you are looking for a single to this album,  give the song "This Means War" your attention, as it is the best song on the album and gives you an idea of the rest of the album.

This! Is A Crisis have released a debut album that shows you the sound and style they are going for. We can't wait to see what else is here with this band, and what else they can come up with. Not bad. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think about it.

Genre: Punk/Rock

Release Date: July 17th, 2015

Location: Pickering, Ontario

Label: None

Manafest - My Own Thing

1. Intro/What Up

2. Down-Town

3. My Own Thing

4. What I Got To Say

5. Toronto (Interlude)

6. U Don't Know Me

7. Manafesto

8. My Life

9. Feel It

10. Coffee Shop (Interlude)

11. Slang Talkin'

12. Childs Of Light

13. Mana Zone

14. The Ladies

15. The One

16. Losing My Mind

17. Stressed Out

18. The Questions

19. Changes

Manafest has released his second album titled "My Own Thing." This is a long album filled with indie hip hop stylings. You can tell he has talent, but it feels really indie and old school with his style of hip hop here. He has a similar sound to that of Lacrae or Da' TRUTH, so if you like those artists, you could like this album. He has done a pretty good job on this album. The instrumentation on this album isn't too much, since rappers don't usually use many, but the tracks and occasional scratch sound pretty standard really. Nothing to the beats or scratching will really turn your head. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are quite good. He can certainly rap, and its at a pace where you can hear just what he is saying perfectly. You can tell he has the skills and could take this somewhere with a few tweaks. With the lyrics, Manafest sings songs about what is right and wrong in life, relationships in various forms, as well as street life. He has very positive and real lyrics that many artists are afraid to talk about, which is pretty refreshing. All in all, pretty decent. If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "What I Got To Say" as this song is the best on the album, it has a positive message, and really shows you what the album is all about. Manafest has made an album that is a little bit too long, but gives you a more solid idea of what he is about. This isn't something that can grab the casual hip hop or rap fan, but we feel fans of the genre will be able to get it for sure. Decent album and we can't wait to see what he comes up with next. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think about it.

Genre: Rap/Hip Hop/Religious

Release Date: 2003

Location: Pickering, Ontario
Website: http://www.manafest.com/

Label: None

Lungless - The Love That Remains

1. To The Part Of Me I'm Missing

2. Near Shore

3. The One And Only

4. Unwitched

5. Beauty In Death

Lungless have released their third album titled "The Love That Remains." This album follows in base, the style the band has created on their last two albums. However, this album seems to have a bit more of a melodic touch than before. These guys have a pretty standard post-hardcore feel to them in a way that this is what most bands are now doing. They have a similar sound to that of Like Moths To Flames or a newer Underoath. If you like those bands, you could like this album. They have done a solid job here. When looking at the recording quality, the band again keeps it up and gives a nice sound. It is nice to know the band is consistent in this aspect of their music. The instrumentation is solid, but not to the point where you can really say wow, or have gone to the point of being progressive. These guys just play stead post hardcore music. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are not bad at all, they keep up to the level of their previous efforts and push them in your face. We like the softer more sung lyrics, as you can certainly hear what he is saying, while the heavier more screamed vocals aren't to the point where you can't hear them. All in all, both vocals are clear to where you can get the meaning of the songs and not hear strained screams in your ears. Pretty decent job on this. With the lyrics, the band has gone for songs about relationships, feeling alone, being in a dark place, not knowing what is next. These are pretty dark themes, but are what many young people are feeling. We like to think that it is positive for the singer to get these out, and for the listener to hear they are not alone. This is a good message right now for a band like this. If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Beauty In Death" your attention as this is the single for the album, plus it gives you an idea as to the rest of the albums feel. Lungless have made an album that expands upon their style and sound, while giving it a little more melody. We do like what they have been doing, but we also feel they could get out and show Ontario their music more. We certainly like this. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Metalcore/Post-Hardcore/Metal

Release Date: March 24th, 2017

Location: Pickering, Ontario
Website: http://www.lungless.com/

Label: None

Manafest - Misled Youth

1. Freestylin'

2. What's Going On

3. Session

4. Freedom

5. Soul Searching

Manafest has released this debut album titled "Misled Youth." This album really shows off his christian rap stylings here. He has something that isn't too much different than most rappers, but his lyrical content is different than most. He has a similar sound to that of Lacrae or Da' TRUTH, so if you like those rappers, you could really like this album. He has a cool sound. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to an alright sound. It could use a little bit of work, but it is an older album and holds up pretty well. There isn't much instrumentation here, as much as it is more just a beat in the background to keep him rapping and some scratching. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are done very well. Manafest can certainly rap and rap well he does. He can keep up to the beat, and his vocals are clear, this is quite nice. With the lyrics, Manafest sings about having troubles, getting caught up with crutches and having GOD to help you. Now we know this isn't for everyone, but he does a great job on everything 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 feel of the album. Manafest has made a debut, welcome to album that really shows you the type and style of rap he wants to do. He also really shows his faith through his music, so you really get that in his lyrics. Manafest has done a pretty solid job on this album overall. Now all that is left and we hope is that he can get out there more and get more of Ontario into his music. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Rap/Hip Hop/Religious

Release Date: October 4th, 2001

Location: Pickering, Ontario
Website: http://www.manafest.com/

Label: None

Lungless - Exhale

1. Proxy

2. Ark

3. Secure

4. Shell

5. Exhale

Lungless have released their second album titled "Exhale." Just as their previous album Inhale, this one follows suit in style and sound. The band went for a heavy, loud hardcore sound that punches. The band has a similar sound to that of Dead And Divine, Norma Jean, and we can even hear Underoath a bit in here, so if you like those bands, you could really like these guys. They have again done a solid job on this album. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded to a very solid standard. We love the sound and quality of this album's sound. The instrumentation on this album is fairly decent here as well. The band can play and they have solid guitar playing that makes you want to listen to this band. Now onto the vocals and lyrics, the vocals on this album are quite good, the singer can certainly sing and scream well. We think this band has a perfect vocal sound that can carry this band. Nick is also very clear and you are able to understand the lyrics pretty well which goes a long way. With the lyrics, the band has gone for messages of relationships, not being sure what things are going to be, not being happy with yourself, and just having the world suck for you in general. These are the types of things that a lot of people deal with in life. We know people will be able to r e late to these lyrics. If you are looking for a single to this album, give the song "Proxy" your attention as it is the first song on the album and gives you the best idea for the feel of this album. Lungless has again shown that they can be a solid band and have the potential to produce songs with a sound that could take them far. We hope to see that the band can now take these to the proper markets and get everyone interested in them. Great job on this album. Listen to this album to decide for yourself what you think of it.

Genre: Metalcore/Post-Hardcore/Metal

Release Date: March 11th, 2016

Location: Pickering, Ontario
Website: http://www.lungless.com/

Label: None

Lungless - Inhale

1. Inhale

2. Eden

3. Lush

4. Trance

5. Glass

Lungless has released their debut album titled "Inhale." This album has a feel of a little more hardcore than your typical post hardcore album, but nothing that you don't still see. These guys have done a pretty good job on this album and we suggest it to fans of The Ghost Inside and subsequent bands. When looking at the recording quality of this album, the album has been recorded pretty well but unfortunately the instrumentation is pretty average here. Now onto the vocals and the lyrics, the vocals are pretty nice and clear in the background, while the main vocals are pretty average with the screams. With the lyrics, they could use a little more work to be a bit more meaningful and tell a better story. Lungless have still done a pretty good job on their debut here and we are pretty pleased to listen. We do however hope that the band progresses a bit more into their own sound while playing more shows to get the bands name out there. We also hope to see what else this band come up with next. Listen to this album to decide for yourself to see what you think of it.

Genre: Metalcore/Post-Hardcore/Metal

Release Date: March 13th, 2015

Location: Pickering, Ontario
Website: http://www.lungless.com/

Label: None

In Lights - The Rivercourt EP

1. The Debut
2. If You Say
3. Ace And Jocelyn
4. Consider The Following

In Lights have released their second album titled "The Rivercourt EP." This album is a huge jump from the previous album as they have totally forgone the screamo bit and changed into a light, poppy, pop punk band on this album. The guys have done a pretty good job on the transformation and hopefully you guys agree. When you look at the recording of the album, they have done a good job on it, the music is what you expect a band going in this direction would sound like and the vocals are pretty good here.The band has written some catchy songs here and the listenability of the songs is good because they do have that, wanting to play again feel. If you are looking for a single to listen to, there isn't one, so just press play on the first song and listen from there as its not a long album. this has been a really big change for the band on this album and thats okay if the band wants to go that way. These guys have done a good job on this so far and we are looking forward to hearing more of this in the future. Listen to this album and follow this band as they do have something there.

Genre: Pop Punk/Powerpop/Rock

Release Date: Jan 11th, 2010

Location: Pickering, Ontario

Label: None

Dual Seize - From Where To There Vol. 1

1. Intro

2. Legion Invasion (Embark)

3. Phobia

4. Fireworks (Detour 1)

5. Pennies (New Destination)

6. Forget Me (Roadblock)

7. The Ballad Of Malcom Winters (Detour 2)

8. To The Sky (Pit Stop)

9. Wake Up (Asleep At The Wheel)

10. Steady (Freeway)

11. From Where To There

12. Bassline (There)

13. Seize Mixtape Outro

Dual Seize has released his debut album "From Where To There Vol.1" On this album you can tell that Dual Seize can rap, that is a given. His style reminds you of  more of the underground hip hop artists that fill the hip hop clubs all over. He spits verse after verse in perfect fashion, and the lyrics are not about girls, money, etc that fill the airwaves of today's popular rap/hip hop, his songs actually have stories that go with it. One of the things that could be a bit better is his songs seem a little quiet, the vocals could be delivered a little louder, heavier and with more confidence, but that will come with time. A song to listen to would be "Fireworks (Detour 1)" as this song has a good story and shows you what the rest of the album is going to feel like. This album has great lyrics and the quality is there, now just take it to the next level. Give this album some time, as it is a solid first album

Genre: Hip Hop/Rap

Release Date: April 11th, 2013

Location: Pickering, Ontario

Label: None

In Lights - Constellations EP

1. To The Stars

2. Little Miss Vixen

3. My Sunshine At Starlight

4. Dias Place

5. For Everyday After Ever

6. 1993

7. Staircases

8. If Guitar Hero Was A Person It Wouldn't Be Me

In Lights have debuted with their album "Constellations." This album shows a young band doing the screamo thing. this album has a softer side with the vocals  but then has screaming and faster guitars added to it. This album is confusing because some songs are very poppy and others are screamo/ This album just feels like a band that is trying to figure out which genre they want to be. Overall it is a decent album, and their acoustic track "1993" caps off the wide variety of songs on this effort/ Hopefully the next one has more of a straight sound to it. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Powerpop/Screamo/Rock

Release Date: 2008

Location: Pickering, Ontario

Label: None

Constellations - Death To Us

1. From Nothing

2. Predecessor

3. The Stigma

4. Coward

5. Unless

Constellations second album "Death To Us" is quite different compared to their previous debut album. With this one, they have gone for more of a hardcore punk feel that is suppose to round out their sound. This is a good effort, but with the sound change, may have cut some fans loose in the change. The album is pretty decent though especially on the stand out track "From Nothing", which shows just exactly what this new album is about. Give this album a listen as these guys have done a good job to progress and take their band further. They have since called it quits (R.I.P.)

Genre: Hardcore/Metal/Screamo

Release Date: January 3rd, 2014

Location: Pickering, Ontario

Label: None

Constellations/Forever Cadence - Nu Metal vs. Emo

(Constellations)

(Forever Cadence)

1. Papercut
2. Nookie
3. Last Resort
4. Chop Suey
5. Room To Breathe
6. MakeDamnSure
7. Buried A Lie
8. Helena
9. The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows

This is the split album Constellations and Forever Cadence did of cover songs. Constellations is more of a metal type band and Forever Cadence is hardcore. Both bands are pretty good at what they do but when it comes down to it, Forever Cadence seem  to have done a better job on their covers here. When you look at the recording of this album, it seems pretty average,  not great but not bad either. The Forever Cadence songs seem to be more sticking to the bands style and singing the songs while Constellations seems to be trying to sound like each band. The singing is alright on here though for the moat part. As this is just a covers album, there is no single so just listen to them for what they are. Fans however say that Constellation's cover of Chop Suey is the one they like the best. As far as Forever cadence, All of them seem to be alright, so just pick a song. This album is just a fun little thing between two bands that are friends, but please Constellations stick to your own stuff, its way better then the background vocals and failed attempt at putting DJ's into the music that happened here. Give this album a listen and decide for yourself what you think about it. Both bands have sadly since broken up (R.I.P.)

Genre: Hardcore/Metal/Screamo

Release Date: June 18th, 2013

Location: Pickering/Toronto, Ontario
Website: http://www.forevercadence.com/

Label: None