Pianos Become The Teeth - The Lack Long After (2011)

Screamo supremo. One of my most anticipated releases this year and it definitely hits hard. The band seem to have condensed the sound of their last outing somewhat, opting for a thicker, darker sound than we've heard from them in the past. The post-rock influence we've come to expect still comes through, but this time around the band seem to have focused more on building a stormy atmosphere. Even the quieter sections have a heaviness to them, eschewing the twinkly style of Old Pride in favor of more brooding bits that are at times reminiscent of Funeral Diner, the whole affair backed by some of the most badass drumming the scene can offer. Kyle's vocals have also improved, now including some really emotive sing/shouting along with his usual outright howl, and the lyricism is as inspired as ever. Really can't praise this band enough, please go out and see them while they are on tour this fall, they put on a really good show.

Please support, these dudes are the real deal:
buy 2nd pressing of the LP/CD/digital/merch here
try it here (updated links)

Hexis/As We Draw/Euglena - Split (2011)

Artist: Hexis/As We Draw/Euglena
Genre: Post-Hardcore/Post-Metal/Black Metal
Country: United States

A great release by three up and coming post-hardcore bands, the Hexis/As We Draw/Euglena split very much offers a look into the darker side of the aforementioned genre. While As We Draw and Euglena sprinkle in elements of post-metal to make their songs extra epic, Hexis's contributions dabble in the realm of black metal giving the album a nice sense of diversity. Although there are still some things that could be worked on, these three bands hint here that they just may have some pretty bright futures ahead of them.

Bandcamp (you can either order a vinyl version or download and pay at your own price)

Infernal Stronghold - Godless Noise (2009)

Artist: Infernal Stronghold
Genre: Black Metal/Hardcore
Country: United States
Record Label: Forcefield Records


With no time for small talk, these jokers get right down to the thick of things and take you on a ride of intensity that doesn't let up until they've released you from their grim, frosted grip. 28 minutes of crusted black metal played in a hardcore format consisting of short songs and quick bursts of punk-like aggression (whatever the fuck that is). A 320 kbps stream/download is available on their bandcamp, though you can also make purchases through their website.

James Dean - Discography

James Dean were a little-known punky screamo band from Australia that disbanded in 2008. As far as I know these two demos are the only material they have recorded, which is a shame because their shit is really excellent. Their vocalist does the sort of sing-speaking thing during the mellower moments that really recalls that old-school emo sound, along with some nice noodly guitar work and occasional gang vocals. That description blew, but this band doesn't and that's what matters. Check it out, I've included their CD-R and the 7" they released after they broke up.

P.S. If anyone happens to have any of these tracks in a non-shitty bit-rate, drop a comment, I'd love to get those.

CD-R

7"

Sicktrip - Demo (2011)

Raw as all fuck, Sictrip's first demo is a nothing but a grindin' good time-- between vicious blastbeats, metallic hardcore breakdowns and particularly dynamic dual vocals, this is a great introduction to the grind scene for the band.

Download

Snowing - RIP

K, so I love Snowing. There's something about these songs that really gets to me. I mean fuck... I know the story of an emo band forming, releasing a handful of songs and breaking up three years later is a familiar one, but when its a band as good as Snowing, it still stings a little. These guys were the real deal. They have this way of playing like sloppy, pop-punkish twinkly shit and then its like they get tired of that and just jam on these climactic riffs that feel like they could go on for days, the whole mess held together by pretty much the best singing and lyricism twinkly has to offer this side of Empire! Empire! If you are remotely interested in emo, pop-punk, sad-sack jams, etc. and you're not listening to this band you're fuckin' up. Download, listen, learn the words, fall in love, drive around singing at the top of your lungs like a jackass at 2 in the morning.

I Could Do Whatever I Wanted If I Wanted

Fuck Your Emotional Bullshit

Alpinist/Masakari

One of my favorite releases to come out this year so far, not a second of this split doesn't rule. Alpinist delivers with absolutely inspired crusty goodness, incorporating generous amounts of hardcore flavor. The occasional well-placed breakdown and excellent use of more decidedly dynamic sections only serves to elevate their tracks further. Alpinist really breaks through the fourth wall here, and although Masakari doesn't quite match their quality on this split, they certainly bring their fair share of intensity to the table.

Mostly a caustic, dirty affair, the Masakari tracks suck you in with a subdued intro before they pummel you into the dirt with unrelenting fast-paced riffing and throaty vocals. A few slower sections and more bass presence add to the atmosphere of the record as a whole, and the split really comes off as a cohesive whole, seeing both bands approaching similar territory with enough give and take that it never gets boring. Really worth your time, highly recommended.

Alpinist has provided this mediafire link on their bandcamp page, but unfortunately I believe all the LPs are sold out. Download, enjoy, buy a shirt or something, I don't know.