Christian Deathcore's
EP's Of The Year
- All of the following rankings and reviews written by Dustin of Christian Deathcore-
15.
Nomadic - Exhortations EP
Originally known as ‘As Crusaders Depart’, this technical metal
band came quietly and quickly. I got a message from them about their new song
and I checked it out. I was blown away that I hadn’t heard of them! They come
with fast pace guitars, drums, and bass that are complimented by the vocals.
Nomadic is definitely a band you will want to keep on your radar.
14.
Oh, Redeemer - Disasters EP
Oh, Redeemer is actually a band from a small college I go to
called Greenville College in southern Illinois. They are very unknown because
of the small atmosphere that southern Illinois offers. They are a metalcore
band that bring a lot to the table for how small they are. Before they took
hiatus last spring, they finished recording their EP and released it digitally
on Bandcamp. It’s a great debut EP and something I recommend to any metalcore
lover. They are also getting back together with new members, so keep your eyes
out for them!
13.
Animal Giant - The Glory EP
Animal Giant is a solo-project by John LaRussa of the former
Inhale Exhale. When the debut EP first came out, I was very excited for it.
Sadly I never received a chance to listen immediately, so I literally forgot
about it until a few months ago. He brings his signature guitar style to the
table to create a dynamic, chaotic metalcore album. It’s a great album and is
suggested for any Inhale Exhale fan.
12.
A New Reign - Restoration EP
A New Reign is a Progressive Deathcore band that has received
for little attention. Before they finished writing their album, they announced
a break up and went quite. A few months later, they got back together to finish
the album and released it. After the release, they stayed pretty quite.
Thankfully, they announced a couple months ago that they were working on their
full length and are going to be releasing some new songs in the upcoming
months! Keep your eyes on them, they will explode.
11.
In Honor - Foundations EP
In Honor is a group from Oklahoma. I was stoked for them from day
one when my friend in Oklahoma told me about the formation and single coming.
That single was ‘Haunted’ and it was an absolute killer. Their release is
straight up heavy hardcore that just makes you want to go hard.
10.
Faithful Unto Death - Epistemology EP
Good, modern progressive metal. I’ll admit it, I like to djent it
and I’ll djent when I djent. Sadly the scene has slowly become a genre where a
lot of bands are becoming similar in sound. Thankfully, we have Faithful Unto
Death. They have a unique sound that you don’t hear in other bands. James
Livingston’s uses great range and speed in his vocals. Definitely keep an eye
out for this band.
9.
Take The Name - Against Such Things EP
Bands like Life In Your Way will always have a special place with
me. Take The Name has been together since since 2008 and haven’t had much
attention until they released their latest album. The more I listen to it, the
more I love it. The melodic hardcore they bring to the table enlightens the
mood and soothes the soul. I’m excited to see what else they plan to do this
upcoming year.
8.
Come & Rest - Royal Blood EP
Found out about this band about a year and a half ago.
They released Royal Blood at the beginning of 2013 in February. I member listening
to EP all the time the first month I had it. Afterwards, I kinda let it go
until recently, again. The progressive metalcore act bring a fast paced album
to the table with great vocals and instrumentals. A must listen to any
metalcore fan.
7.
Phinehas - The Bridge Between EP
When it comes to Phinehas, there will never be
disappointed. The metal act’s EP consists of re-recorded and new songs along
with some acoustic versions from their last album. It starts out fast like the
Phinehas we love and ends great with the acoustic tracks that knits the album
together. Any metal fan should give them a listen if they haven’t yet.
6.
Beartooth - Sick EP
Everyone knows Attack Attack!. Sadly I even listened
to them when I first got into music.
Anyways, Caleb Shomo left that band and went on to create a new band
from scratch. Beartooth a crushing and dynamic hardcore band with down to earth
hardcore and catchy choruses. I am proud to say I was one of the first people
to like their Facebook page. Caleb really speaks out about his faith in this
album and it pleases me that he is. They are a band on the rise and are not slowing
down.
5.
Stand Alone Complex - Animate EP
I’ve been following this band for a long time now.
They simply started out as a metalcore band doing what most other bands did, at
least I thought they did. This newest released absolutely was mind-blown. The
work of the instrumentals is great and the vocals are strong and mighty. The
guitar work is definitely impressive. This progressive metalcore act will not
disappointed anyone who enjoys progressive metal and metalcore.
4.
Oh, Sleeper - The Titan EP
I remember first reading the concept for The Titan. I was excited
for the story and to actually hear it. This album leaves off from Children Of
Fire and gets into a crazy story. The musicianship is Oh, Sleeper and doesn’t
disappoint. It’s a solid album and every Christian metal fan should take a
listen, at least.
3.
Adelaide - Slugtrail EP
2.
Colours - Skin & Bones EP
This is release is probably a huge surprise to most everyone,
since I’m the guy known for his Christian Deathcore compilations. I actually do
have a soft side to me, believe it or not. Colours is comprised from former
members of Burden Of A Day, vocalist Kyle and drummer Morgan. I first heard
their single The Machinist last January nearly a year ago. I was in awe of the
song. Kyle’s beautiful voice echoing through the ambient and cooling music.
I’ve literally been waiting for the EP for a year and it will NOT disappoint
anyone who enjoys My Epic and other indie bands.
1.
This Divided World - The Missing Pages EP
Finally, a band that has made a big statement in the
Christian heavy music scene in 2013. This Divided World was originally a
two-man act hailing from Rochester ,
NY . Vocalist, Mark Young,
departed ways from the project after releasing their debut full-length for free
titled When Darkness Reigns. Micah Brill put on his thinking cap to decide what
the fate of the band would be. The end result was brilliant. The Missing Pages
consists of six songs, which each feature a different guest vocalist from
popular Christian metal bands, including Tom Hirst (Creations) and Shannon Low
(The Order Of Elijah). It’s up in your face metal with spirit filled lyrics.
It’s dark and it’s heavy. This album is a must listen for anyone and everyone.
I’m excited to see what the future holds for This Divided World. You never know
what God has in store.