Young Poor & Angry Press

The boys who made me believe metalxc0re can be tough and substantive are back with their sophomore release Returners. In the last two years we’ve grown to adore this band, but the question remains the same: Will the overcome the curse of the sophomore slump or will they return to dominate much like the title of the new album?

This can be answered when you play Greater Distance. This track and the rest of the album prove that the illusive curse has no bearing on them whatsoever. Greater Distance makes you want to mosh and scream the lyrics much like Provoke did the first time I heard it. Unspoken is one of those tracks that down the line people will be listening to like Snapcase’s Caboose or Vision of Disorders’ Suffer. The sing-a-long style vocals complete this track and make it blistering and well worth the listen. Specifically though I liked Overlooked. This track reminds me of why I like The Ghost Inside so much. Raw, simple emotional lyrics that bury themselves deep into your brain and make you think about your life. When I listen to a hardcore record like this, it reminds me of why I got into the genre. To find a release and to know that people out there are feeling what I am and going through the same struggles. TGI convey the message of struggle and hope beautifully and in a way few others can do. Needless to say I was not disappointed with this album in the slightest.

They will be touring with Reign Supreme and fellow label mates Betrayal this summer, so make sure you go check The Ghost Inside out because you will not be disappointed. This band with this album has risen to the ranks of a reputable hardcore band with metal influences instead of just another 18 Visions cover band.

My friend Chris over at Immunity Clothing turned me on to this band recently. Normally when it comes to pop-punk Chris’ tastes and mine are far different. I think pop-punk is stuff like Green Day where real punk is stuff like The Exploited and The Clash. I was hesitant when the album finally got sent to my desk by the band upon my request. I quickly downloaded the digital copy and began listening. Then I listened again, and finally restarted the album for the third time.

What I found the third time is the same thing I found the first time. A band whose lyrical style reminds me a lot of Aaron Cometbus in his heyday in Pinhead Gunpowder. A bit whiney but in that really great pop-punk sort of way. The title track Anywhere But Home is pretty damn awesome and found myself bobbing my head to Pave The Way in the same way I did when the Unsung Zeroes first hit the scene about ten years ago. Not since then has there been a band that’s fast enough to keep my attention in this genre with a singer who doesn’t make me want to find a hipster and strangle him. All in all if you like pop-punk (I do) and want an album that will get you to work in the morning and through the day listen to Hand Guns. Check them out on this year’s Warped Tour.

Ruiner stepped into hardcore with their emotional, honest style of music: throat-thrashing vocals, raw energy and fast paced aggression. With their latest release “Hell Is Empty”, Ruiner stepped into the ring with mid-paced, dynamic song-writing that really shows the evolution since their prior release two years ago.

While Ruiner might have changed their pace, the aggression is ever so apparent. With tracks such as: “I’m Out”, “Meat” & “Solitary”, you can really feel the emotion as Rob Sullivan (Vocalist) pours his angst into every song. This album demonstrates the ability that Ruiner possesses, and definitely proves they are able to write slower, yet more intricate hardcore. “Hell Is Empty” is one of my top 10 albums of 2009. Give it a listen.

It’s been a long time since we’ve had a hip-hop group out there that has rappers that can work on their own as well as in a collective . The last time it happened was Wu-Tang Clan and only for two albums. I remember that magical day I first put Enter The 36 Chambers in my cassette player  and bumped Protect Ya Neck at full volume, so loud that my Mom could actually hear Method Man through my headphones. I was transported to a place where verses overshadowed catchy hooks and bling. It was my awakening to the rap game and I’ll never forget it.

Some ten years later I put in Shotblockers release Remember The Name and proceeded to get those goosebumps all over again. The group features Danny Diablo (Skarhead), CeeKay Jones, Grizz Rock, Prince Metropolitan, Big Left (La Coka Nostra), G-Fella, Hoya Roc (Madball), Skam Dust (Son of Skam), Puerto Rican Myke (District 9, Skarhead), DJ Stress and Damian Burnz (Skarhead) as well as a bunch of other guests like one of my favorite MCs Slaine. To say I was surprised to see this line up of rappers would be an understatement.

I could take you track by track and tell you what is stellar and all that. I could tell you how these DMS boys rock the mic just as hard as they rock a set in their collective bands. I could tell you all that, but then again chances are you already know. Stop reading this review now. Yes, you sitting there wondering whether you should buy this CD. Stop and go get into your car or go online and buy it…you can thank me later.