If you're as big of a metalcore geek as I am, you miss the days of Misery Signals a la Jesse Zaraska (the golden age, when Of Malice and Magnum Heart was released). And yes, Mirrors rocks on a plane all its own, but some of the charm that got me into Misery Signals in the first place has slipped through the cracks. Zaraska had a voice that could empty an entire graveyard, a voice that my own god-fearing mother -- who's heard most of what my busy music collection has to offer -- heard and observed that Satan himself had started his own band.
So it's time to name my hardcore band to watch of the week, or month...at least until I name the next one.
Band to Watch: August Burns Red
Stop longing for old Misery Signals and move on with your life. Check out August Burns Red's Messengers (2007).
Take Norma Jean's grit, Misery Signals' technique and vocal styling, the Black Dahlia Murder's speed and Bullet for My Valentine's hooks and throw them into a demolition derby. By the halfway point of this album, you won't be sure if you're going to make it out alive.
Honestly, I'm afraid I picked up on these guys a little too late. They've already got a video (posted below) that will melt your face off. I'm serious. Your skin will literally crawl right off your face. Maybe I'm exaggerating a little. Just take a break from my rambling and watch the video, then come back.
Oh hey, welcome back. How's your face? Still solid?
Speaking of solid, I found out these guys randomly one day months ago when I was looking through the Solid State Records repertoire. Now, Solid State is a Christian-label, and for the life of me I can't understand why all this pent-up aggression decides to manifest itself in these likable little church-going boys. To be fair, not everyone on Solid State is Christian. But, uh, with band names like Living Sacrifice and Advent, I think it's at least fair to say Jesus is Solid State's home-boy.
So you checked out the video, you've listened to some songs from the album, you even went out and bought the friggin' record. Now what?
The next place to find up-and-comers is the Take Action! Tour. Unfortunately, the tour is almost halfway over already, and it looks like they'll be embarking on a European tour after that, but I have a feeling they'll be sprouting up on another one soon after the dust settles.
"It's time to gain some ground."
- Jake Luhrs, "Composure"
