2012 Best Albums Overview (Part 1)

 Dead End Path: Blind Faith

Metallic sounding hardcore band from Wilkes Barre, Pennysylvania. This record offers some of the best quality chugging riffs that you need on a day-to-day basis. Taking many elements from the 90's hardcore scene they combine the perfect amount of metal with hardcore to create Blind Faith which is a record that should not have been missed. If you did happen to miss this then now is your chance to redeem yourself.

Wrong Answer: Cross a Black Cats Path

One of my favourite bands, labelling themselves as 'Naughty Youth Crew' and for all the right reasons. Lyrically they deal with themes such as drug dealers, demons and labour among other things. Theres a nice old school sound coming from this record and musically there is some awesome upbeat riffs and drum rhythms that make you wanna go crazy. Some really good sing a long parts which was proven when I got to see them at a small show in London this year. Brilliant band and brilliant record. Check em out. 

Frustration: Dying Breed

A really good quality band from Dublin, Ireland. This record is relentless and should set off a pit on every listen. Some of the heaviest riffs going that can get real sludgy too. I found Dying Breed a really intersting and entertaining listen as they add variation into every track. Some of the hardest mosh parts around, get into it.

Benchpress: Stay Hated

Terrible name but freakin' awesome band. Tough guy style with some pretty hard hitting riffs. They sound a lot like terror but with heavier breakdowns and with a more down-tempo twist. Moshing, sing a longs, and as much chaos as possible is what this band is all about. Everything sounds 100% on point so I think you should check them out.

Fire & Ice: Not of This Earth

Awesome band from Richmond, Virginia. These guys are re-inventing the whole groove style of hardcore. This record is faultless and I love every second of it. Lots of progressive guitar riffs and blasting drum rhythms. I really love the themes of conspiracy and the whole extra-terrestrial thing going on, different from the usual hardcore topics. This is definitely worth the money so if you haven't already then you should get this album ASAP.

True Valiance: Expect Resistance

One of Rucktion Records finest bands. They have come a long way and I think that they are one of the best bands going in the UK at the moment. I love the heavy sounds they put out and are always fantastic live. They have put a lot of hard work and dedication into their music which has payed off greatly. Main influences are from early 90's hardcore bands which is evident from their metallic ferocious sound. I highly recommend this band so whatever you do make sure you check them out.

Fire and Ice: 'Not of This Earth'

Fire and Ice: 'Not of This Earth'

There are so many records that I wanted to review from 2012 but didn’t get the chance to. Fire and Ice latest record Not of This Earth was most definitely one of them so I we’re in 2013 now, but it’s definitely worth a big mention.

I first listened to this band a couple of years back when they first released their demo and I thought it was pretty cool but, if I’m honest, nothing special. Soon after this they released Gods and Devils which showed a more promising sound and now a couple of years down the line and they release this corker of a record. As I say in a lot of my reviews ‘this style of hardcore won’t be for everyone’ and stand by that as there have been many mixed feelings over Not of This Earth. I stand on the side of the people who did appreciate this album as the themes were slightly different than your average hardcore band belting out lyrics about conspiracy theories and alien life forms in the universe. The metallic sound is not to miss, taking key elements of bands such as Cro-Mags and Leeway. I really enjoyed this record and thought it was one of the catchiest ones of 2012.

I think Fire and Ice have made a mark in the hardcore scene with this record and are bringing back the grooving metallic hardcore style from the late 80s but with a slight modern twist. The opening track also titled Not of This Earth kicks this full length off and sets the pace with a groove sound. The tracks History Repeats and Helpless throws some more dirty grooving metallic riffs to the listener which I thought were very catchy. The Devil’s Side is a decent track opening with a heavy down-tuned progressive guitar part leading into a very energetic part and the vocals sound simply awesome.  About Face is another memorable track with a head banging opening and an intense solo half way through, very satisfying.

I have to admit it took a while for this band to grow on me but if it’s your first listen I do recommend that you give it a few listens before finally judging it. The sound that Fire and Ice have chosen to go with is a good choice as they pull it off well. If you haven’t got around to getting this yet then you can get it here.

My Turn: 'Athens'

My Turn - Athens

I’ve been into My Turn for quite a while now since Apostles (founder of WAK) sent me the link to his band. Their debut release Noble Intentions was a fantastic record which was reviewed last year and since listening to this, it got me really interested in their music and also the themes and topics they cover from day to day life. They have recently just dropped their first full length Athens which is also an awesome record and shows great progression in their music and song writing. What I really enjoy about My Turn is the positivity and themes they put across and the nice melodic approach within the music, it’s something fresh and original from the hardcore scene in Greece. This is a record not to be missed!

After a quick vocal introduction on the opening track Photos on the Wall the guitar riffs kick in with a nice fast, punk hardcore sound. The recording quality of Athens is far more refined than that of Noble Intentions and is noticeable from the instance you start the record. The next track Broken pumps out a really powerful melodic hardcore sound which to me has taken elements from bands such as Verse and Anchor. It has definitely got the compelling lead guitar melodies and emotional edge to it but on this record the song structures are far from generic and My Turn have pulled off a decent original hardcore sound. There are some really catchy tunes that come out on the tracks Let’s Laugh to Death and Bitter Smile especially with the fast drum rhythms and inventive guitar riffs. I really like the old school punk feel in these two tracks that really show the routes of hardcore coming through.

My Turn play this style of hardcore how it should be played. The track lengths are just the right time too, the songs are not dragged out in length or are too short which keeps the listener entertained. The shouting vocals may not be for everyone but I personally think they fit perfectly with this style of hardcore and I wouldn’t want it any other way. The track Do You Care slows things down a little but is a nice break from the previous track, do not get too comfortable though as this soon breaks out into heavier guitar riffs and rapid drum beats. My favourite tracks are towards the end of the record, If and Precious, are just so catchy and makes me want to be at their shows stage diving and shouting into the microphone. It’s a nice change to listen to a record that is filled with positivity and hope.

My Turn has come a long way and I feel they need more recognition. Overall this is a good quality album and is a record you should not sleep on. Drop whatever you are listening to at this time and check out My Turn. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. Help these guys out and pick up the record here.

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