I Stared Into the Forest: 'Unframed Pictures of Our Epilogue'

I Stared Into the Forest - 'Unframed Pictures of Our Epilogue'

I stared into the Forest are a four piece mathcore band from Romania. Last year they released their debut EP ‘Society Discontinued,’ and have just released their new record, Unframed Pictures of Our Epilogue. What inspires me about this band are their DIY ethics and attitude towards everyday topics, the main one being discrimination. Another factor I really like about I Stared into the Forest is the style of music they play. There aren’t too many bands from Romania that incorporate hardcore, mathcore and screamo into every song (well not that I have heard of anyway.) I’ve read reviews on this record already and they haven’t necessarily been positive but I think this band have a lot to offer and should be given more of a chance.

The whole Mathcore sound may not be new but this band seem to be progressing at a fast pace and they are one of the least generic bands I have heard in a while. The heavy churning guitar riffs and high pitched screaming kick off the EP in the track No Longer Here. The technical parts from the lead are tangled in a frenzy of toned down breakdowns and sounds awesome. I like the recording quality of this EP as it adds to their whole DIY sounding style, although it sounds quite clear and mastered there is still a low budget sound to it, which to me, adds appeal. There are definite influences from more mainstream mathcore bands such as The Bled and Converge that can be heard especially through the second track Failing Lungs. The time sequences are perfect on every chord and fits well in each track; I love the energy coming through from this record.

The tracks Their Crooked Teeth and To Hang by a Thread show a lot of passion and I love the chaotic structure of these tracks. Although I really enjoy the tracks on this EP there aren’t any songs that particularly stick in my head as each one contains a particularly different song structure and it is hard to pay attention to certain sequences but nonetheless it’s definitely a record worth checking out. You can download both of their EPs here. I believe that the 7 inch will be available in the near future to purchase on Fading Halo Records.

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Losin' It: 'No Apology'

Losin' It: 'No Apology'

Losin’ It have recently burst upon Florida’s hardcore scene and seem to be making a pretty big impact. Their last release Danger Zone got decent feedback from people and I really enjoyed it. This month they have just dropped their new full length No Apology which sounds damn good to me.

The sound of this record is nothing original but who cares - it does exactly what it was set out to do. After listening to this, I wasn’t blown away by it but I did find it incredibly catchy and wanted to listen to it again and again. You can definitely hear the influences coming through from bands like Floorpunch, Side by Side and Ten Yard Fight bringing back the lively youth crew sounds. That’s one of the big points of why I really enjoy listening to Losin’ It. Instead of taking elements of traditional hardcore sounds and putting a modern twist they keep it fun, catchy and DIY sounding, which sounds spot on.

The tone is set from the first track of the record Bitter Taste which starts in a frantic guitar solo leading into a fast paced punk hardcore sound with fast and pissed off vocals to go alongside it. The next track Brainwashed Youth kicks in with some rapid thrashy (not in a metal way) guitar sounds and fast tempo drum beats which goes into one of the catchiest basslines that breaks the track up into a slower part. Of course, this doesn’t last long as it breaks out into more crazy riffs. The pace of this album never changes, each tracks is as fast as the next.

Glass Palace is one of the more memorable tracks off the record with a quality sounding side to side part with guest vocals and a breakdown(ish) part at the end. Out also has a moshy heavier sounding riff in the middle of the track adding a bit of variety. There is also an instrumental track Class Dismissed that includes a crazy solo leading onto the finishing track Popularity Contest which is one of my favourites. Yet again loving the catchy bassline on this and brings the album to a nice close.

This is a very short album clocking in at around 25 minutes with 10 tracks but it’s an entertaining listen. Do yourself a favour a check them out hear and if you like it get the record here.

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2012 Best Albums Overview (Part 2)

One of the best hardcore punk bands from Greece. Since 2010 they have been one of the hardest working bands releasing Noble Intentions and now this fantastic record Athens. There are a lot of melodic influences in this record mixed with some nice old school influences that sound reminiscent of Youth of Today. I love the style and the ethics of this band and I am sure they will go far. If you don't know My Turn then check them out ASAP!

I loved this band as soon as I listened to Corroding Kings and didn't think they could get any better Seven Sides soon proved me wrong. Taking a mix of hardcore genres and scrambling them all up in one they produce a sound that is quite original in itself. This band are heavy, angry and wild. I can't think of anything else you need to be honest. Great record, if you haven't listened to it, I highly recommend it.

London's finest hardcore band, signed to the notorious Rucktion Records released this record a few months ago and it blew me away. It was easily my favourite UK hardcore release of 2012. Although it took a slightly more melodic approach to the Knuckledust sound I think this is one of their top records showing the listeners what hardcore is all about. This is a fantastic record and gets better on every listen. Get on this now!

This band are so catchy and fun. Found this record instantly entertaining and a great listen. Out Crowd play a blend of old school style hardcore with a mix of punk. Some pretty sweet solos and groovy riffs. Don't sleep on this record as it is definitely up there with the best of them. Really want to see them live.

Youth crew hardcore at its very best. Mindset top this genre of hardcore easily and they are one of my favourite bands. The previous releases were amazing but Leave No Doubt left such an everlasting impression on me on what I though was a mind blowing full length. Playing some fast riffs, rapid drum rhythms and mixing this with their memorable lyrics this is a band to remember. Get into this if you haven't already and support their music.

This band are heavy as f*ck and are one of the best bands coming out of Chicago at the moment! There are some really down-tempo breakdowns that make you want to Mosh. I love the themes that are present within their tracks and can really relate to this style of music. This band create some of the heaviest music going so if you like down-tempo, metallic riffs, smashing drums and ear bleeding beatdowns then this is the record for you.