Monday, December 30, 2013

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
 
Adelaide has been around for quite sometime now. They have been going on and off hiatus for the past couple years now, releasing an EP here and there as they go. The latest release was Slugtrail and it contains four crushing tracks. Adelaide took a new turn away from all the chugging and brought new sounds to work with, including some feelings of black metal. This album will satisfy any death metal lover. Unfortunately, they have taken ANOTHER hiatus. So it is unknown how long we will wait for another stunning performance from Adelaide.
 
 
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.
 

 

 
 
 

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Top EP's of 2013
 
15.
Color Me Valiant
SinnerServantSon
melodic hardcore
 
 
This spot could have gone either way with CMV, Papertowns, or Guide. Ultimately gave in to CMV for the fact that this EP is perfectly mixed with hardcore and REALLY good catchy worship.
 
14.
Hotel Books
I'm Almost Happy Here
spoken word/ambient rock
 
 
This is probably my most unbiased pick, because I am not a huge fan of spoken word or of this band in general. But this album went way above my expectations. The instrumentation is beautiful, and the lyrics are just as touching, and together HB put together their best three songs for I'm Almost Happy Here.
 
13.
Faithful Unto Death
Epistemology
progressive hardcore/djent
 
 
Super solid from start to finish. It took a while for it to grow on me, but with each listen I gathered something else that I really enjoyed. FUD mixes a lot into this record (bounce, grooves, atmosphere, and more) and it results in a really good progressive hardcore record.
 
12.
Eons Before Us
Pillars of Creation
progressive metalcore/djent
 
 
Literally an unknown band until a couple weeks ago. This record has a sound that matches the secular djent scene that the Christian scene desperately needs. It is super groovy, heavy, and full of true, honest passion.
 
11.
HaShem
New Life
death metal
 
 
Another new bloomer into the Christian metal world. HaShem brings us 3 really fresh songs. Good death metal with good production is hard to come by, so these guys really broke the mold. If this EP was any longer it definitely would have a higher spot.
 
10.
  Take The Name
Against Such Things
melodic hardcore
 
 
Another melodic hardcore band that perfectly fuses hardcore with worship. More melodies and harmonies than the earlier mentioned Color Me Valiant, but of the same breed. Against Such Things is not groundbreaking, but is a fun enjoyable listen that seems to rise above the rest of the melodic hardcore pack.
 
9.
Oh, Sleeper
Titan
technical metalcore
 
 
Never could get into this band much. But that could not sway my decision on putting Titan in the top ten EP's of the year. This release is really good, although it was not received as well as their others, it is clearly my favorite from them.
 
8.
Beartooth
Sick
hardcore
 
 
Loud, hectic, and passionate. Caleb Shomo has taken his direction away from Attack Attack! and all attached strings and builds something totally his own. Best of all, it has taken a passionate turn, screaming about his struggles, faith, and relationship with God.
Oh, and the music is killer too!
 
7.
~k~
(reverse k)
III
industrial/instrumental
 
 
This is an absolute masterpiece. Only with Nine Inch Nails - Ghosts, will you find anything else like this solo project.. This most likely will get the pass over on this list, because he is neither known, or hardcore/metal. Give this a listen, and I promise you, that you will identitfy his talent as unique. And if this does not move you in any form, I would argue that you need to broaden your music horizons. The only reason this is not higher is because it is an extremely long (avg. 23 mins for 3 songs), and the mixing could have been slightly better. Other than that, I highly recommend this.
 
6.
Convictions
Unworthy
post-hardcore/modern metalcore
 
 
My favorite post-hardcore release of the year, Christian or not. This EP is that good. Good post-hardcore is difficult to come by in todays world. It is usually overly generic and extremely annoying. But Convictions does it all the right way.
 
5.
Maranatha
Spiritless
sludge/hardcore
 
 
Heavy. raw, and full of angry emotion. Maranatha brings the sludge and heavy to us in a superb release. Lyrically this is not the typical angst teen with girlfriend issues and cries for God to fix their heart. No, Maranatha brings us raw emotion with big boy problems, world issues, and real true feelings about them. Few albums were better this year. Hint, the spot.
 
4.
Adelaide
Slugtrail
deathcore/death metal
 
 
It has been a really long time since we last heard new music from Adelaide. This year they did not disappoint. Bringing us fast heavy deathcore that is not heavy on the chug chug side. This release has a sound that Christian metal is dying to have. And with this amazing release, Adelaide leaves us on hiatus, and another loooong wait for music. Gaaaaaaah
 
3.
Phinehas
The Bridge Between
metalcore and acoustic
 
 
Phinehas released this little treat almost a year ago in January. It is mixed with B-Sides from the Godmachine, which proves how good that album was that these did not make the cut, and acoustic tracks of their previously released stuff. There is new music on this as well, which puts them in contention for this. Needless to say, none of these songs were heard before, and it near flawlessly takes the number 3 spot. The acoustic tracks brought this down...by like a half of a point.
 
2.
This Divided World
The Missing Pages
deathcore
 
 
If you take Impending Doom's name out of the question, and you asked me the heaviest Christian band, I'd no doubtingly give you This Divided World. It is full of every deathcore element, and decorated with lyrical content that revolves around Christ. And like DOOM, they do not paint a pretty picture with it. It is brutal and it touches on several subjects, including the darkness and destruction of porn. A subject not even secular bands touch on. Now that is Metal.
 
1.
I Prayed For An Afterlife
The Truth Inside
progressive metalcore
 
 
No matter how I try to explain, agreement of this being the top EP of the year will be pretty scarce. The fact is, no other Christian band has a sound like they do, and if there is one out there, they do not do it as good as IPFAA. This album truly is perfect, and deserves all credit for this spot. Incredible song structure, unique singing, heavy vocals, atmosphere, heavy breakdowns, shreds, the list goes on and on and on with what this album brings us. The future is uncertain for this band, as far as new music goes, so enjoy this as much as you can!  
 
 
This year was a pretty good year for Christian music. I feel the scene took a huge step. It used to be flooded with overly generic hardcore and metalcore with not much reach into the secular world. There is only up from here. I thank not only these bands but every band that is helping us all grow, and giving a hand out to the world that desperately needs it.
 
 
Honorable Mentions
Abated Mass of Flesh- The Anatomy of Impurity, All Became New- At Home In The gutter, Between Two Thieves - Jawbone Hill, Come and Rest - Royal Blood, Endure- Solid Ground, For Today- Prevailer, Great Counselor- Even The Devil Dreams of Heaven, Guide- Letters to the People, In Honor- Foundations, Meadows- Of Miles & Mountains, A New Reign- Restoration, Oh, Redeemer- Disasters, Papertowns- Passion/Aggression, A Prophet's Exile - Onslaught I, Righteous Vendetta- Vol. I, The Saving- Reign of Terror, Seeds Of Hope- Restoration, Set Free- Think This Through DEMO, Shook Like Dead Men- The Five Solas, Silence The Ocean- Changes, Startled By Silence- As Blood Shows Love, Stick Tight- 1920, Truly, Truly- Beauty & Youth, The Undeniable Truth- Born Broken, Your Past, My Present- Trials & Tribulations 
 
 
(Honorable Mentions were releases that could have been considered for any of the last few spots in the top EP list)
 

Monday, December 23, 2013

Phinehas
O Come O Come Emmanuel
acoustic
release date: December 23, 2013
 
 
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Hotel Books
I'm Almost Happy Here
spoken word/ambient rock
release date: December 21, 2013
 
1. Lose One Friend
2. Lose All Friends
3. Lose Yourself
 
 
5/5

Sunday, December 22, 2013

We The Fallen
Desensitized
heavy hardcore/beatdown
release date: December 21, 2013
 
1. Intro
2. Modern Day Isreal (feat. Jess Blanchard)
3. Contempt (feat. Dayton Jones)
4. Contentment (feat. Dayton Jones)
5. Lifeless Living (feat. Josh Cuomo)
6. The Murderer
7. Fearful
8. The Example
9. Justice
10. Heart Cry (feat Josh Cuomo and Jerusha Cosgrove)
 
 
3/5

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Face The Throne
Album Review
Face The Throne
Ephemera
progressive metalcore
release date: December 17, 2013
 
1. Repentance
2. Set Free
3. Almighty
4. Redeemed
5. Paid In Blood
6. Unworthy
7. Faithful
8. Hypocrite
9. The Second Law
10. Depravity
 
 
       What is the blueprint for a good progressive release? A piece of work that brings you enjoyable moments from numerous genres all fused together. That is what Face The Throne have managed to do with "Ephemera", combining elements of hardcore, metalcore, and the latest form of prog metal...djent. All while throwing in breakdowns, moments of technicality, atmosphere and catchy melodies.
       Face The Throne open up with two solid tracks with "Repentance" and "Set Free". Although they do not break any grounds here, they leave a lot to the mind with what to expect going forth with the album. Then they kick it into the next gear with "Almighty" and "Redeemed", showing they breakdown any room with their fusion of heavy hardcore and metalcore. "Paid in Blood" starts off in full fury in respected similarity to the likes of Christian heavyweights Phinehas. With that said, they created the most solid song on the record. Or so I thought.
       It came pretty evident to me that with every song, FTT built on the previous song. Usually in music, bands grow with each record, and fans can see the differences in each release. With "Ephemera", that same effect takes place, except it is within ONE record. From the opening tracks through out the record to the ending, you can hear the band grow their sound and hone their skills. "Faithful" is a song that goes on to use the ever controversial clean vocals in an appropriate and mature way, not leaving one questioning a band and their direction. It also helps that they use them sparingly on the record and not over killing it with random cleans in every song.
       FTT end out the record in three tracks that combine everything our ears have heard through the record. And before you know it, their 10 song debut is done. But it does not have to stop their for you, it is a record that should get some plays in your Christian metal playlist. In an age where bands change styles to fit the next generation of sound, FTT does not choose sides. They blend together what we have heard before and make it their own sound. A lot of potential is heard with this album, and there is still a lot of room left to grow, but FTT definitely has staying power in today's scene. Overall this is an enjoyable record, a record that should satisfy your personal tastes in musical style, and a record that ultimately unashamedly proclaims the truth in Jesus Christ.
 
4/5

 


Saturday, December 14, 2013

Vespers
Scandalizer
heavy hardcore
release date: December 14, 2013
 
1. Night - Terror
2. Sadist
3. [Instrumental]
4. Propitiation
5. Scandalizer (feat. Hayden Valentine of Legions Await)
6. Reflection/Repentance (feat. Hunter Young of Silence)
 
 
3/5

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

HaShem
New Life
death metal
release date: December 10, 2013
 
1. New Life
2. Seven Seals
3. Prophets of Baal
 
 
5/5

Friday, December 6, 2013

Eons Before US
Pillars of Creation
progressive metalcore/djent
release date: November 29, 2013
 
1. Exploration
2. Conquest
3. Reflections
4. Desolation (feat. Matt Walter of Guardians)
5. Third Eye (feat. Nick Helmich of Rebuke)
6. Pillars of Creation
7. Salvation (feat. Brian Sandoval of Yesterday As Today)
 
 
5/5

Monday, December 2, 2013

Between Two Thieves
Jawbone Hill
hardcore/metalcore
release date: November 29, 2013
 
1. Doubt
2. The Balance (feat. Brandon Rickner of Lorelei)
3. Prayer of A Hopeless Heart
4. Siren's Song
5. Rameth Lehi
 
 
4.5/5

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Chorder
Sons of Thunder
djent
release date: November 28, 2013
 
1. Commencement
2. Submerge
3. The Vessel
4. Emissary
5. Sons of Thunder
6. Tremors
7. King
8. Conflagration
9. Peroration
 
 
4/5