THE WORLD WE KNEW To The Wolves Review

From Long Island comes The World We Knew. "Maturity" is the first word that comes to mind as I finished listening to the release for the second time. While TWWK has only been around for about 5 years or so, there is a certain maturity to both their music and their songwriting.

I did not hear 2007's "Exordium", so this is my first exposure to the band. And after reading that TWWK is "committed to bring innovative and exhilarating material to a stagnant genre of music" on their bio, I thought, man these fellas better seriously bring it with that kind of throwdown challenge. Not sure I agree about stagnant, since virtually every hardcore / metal band is on one of the many summer tours heading across the US (see Thrash and Burn, Summer Slaughter, Pedal to the Metal, Mayhem Festival, 10 Bands for $10, etc.). But I will give TWWK some serious credit for releasing an album that comes across as far more mature than their years and certainly more mature than some of bands filling those tours.

Musically, TWWK has some pretty broad appeal. There are elements of hardcore, thrash metal, death metal, grindcore and even some melodic thrash. Released on Jamey Jasta's Stillborn label, you can hear elements of Hatebreed, but I would liken the band a little closer to New Jersey's God Forbid, although the production on "To The Wolves" surpasses "Earthsblood" in terms of pure brutality. I would also offer that TWWK have infused some significant hardcore elements that might be missing in other bands of the crossover genre. Maybe that's natural given their locale, but I hear some NYHC a la Madball and SOIA. They take all of these varied influences and they do truly acheive the "innovation" they spoke to on their bio.

For me, the standout track on "To The Wolves" is "News Flash". In just a short 3 minutes, this song illustrates that maturity, tempo changes, melodic death metal, pure thrash elements and some stellar hardcore screaming courtesy of their outstanding vocalist, Frank. The album certainly starts out strong enough too with the title track and I can't help but think that that track is nothing short of a crossover free-for-all. I can imagine the mosh pits that "To The Wolves" must create. I also love "King Of The Ring" for its pure aggression and I hope they appreciate that after hearing that track it made me want to unearth "Heartwork" by Carcass and marvel at the intricate guitar work of that those death metal legends.

Finally, I think we have found a new hardcore / metal production talent in Nick Bellmore. He has produced an album with the high quality production value of say the last Hatebreed, but has done it in a manner that honors and respects the technical intricacy found in TWWK's music.

My only disappointment is that I actually have to go out and get the actual album as it has an extra track, "Vanquish" that's not on the downloadable version. That's how much I enjoyed listening to this release!

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Alexisonfire Old Crows / Young Cardinals Review

From Vagrant Records comes the first new album from Alexisonfire in over 3 years. I'll admit, this is my first exposure to the group and while I realize that I may be a bit late to this party, I am glad to have arrived. This stuff is pure anger! I am amazed at the raw aggression heard on the very first track, "Old Crows". From their bio, I can tell they are from Ontario and that this is their fourth release, and what I hear is some pretty brutal "crossover". Not sure that term is still relevant, but maybe we can make it relevant again. 20 years ago it was used to describe a crossover between thrash metal and hardcore punk. Stuff like DRI, Suicidal Tendencies, Dr. Know, etc. 20 years later, I would argue that it means the same thing. There is a whole retro-thrash metal thing going on and certainly hardcore has become a bit mainstream with the success of Rise Against, so I think it's fair to say this is a metal / punk crossover release. I hear a lot of Killswitch Engage at times, not clone-like, just an Alexisonfire variant.

It's quite good. I find myself using the word clever a lot as I listen to this release. "Young Cardinal" is a terrific song. It's got its own distinct parts, some hauntingly beautiful vocals with (I know this might sound odd) some atmospheric death metal vibes on the more up tempo section. It does work though!

The album as a whole is a bit more accessible than say a Mars Volta and a bit more punk than the metal stylings of some peers like All That Remains. "Born and Raised", "Burial" and "Emerald Street" are three more stand out tracks and highlight the talent that the band possesses for penning both song and lyric. I just keep coming back to clever. Maybe it's because this is a punk release, but it sure does marry together a world of other influences.

Heck, there is even a pretty radio friendly song in "The Northern", a bit of a mellow, grungy Soundgarden type tune. Saying that a punk band can be played on the radio is probably silly, since Rise Against is all over adult rock stations these days. But Alexisonfire a another click closer to hardcore, so from that perspective it's pretty intriguing.

On the whole, I can't find much fault from Alexisonfire. I hear they are a terrific live band and I imagine they'll do well on this years Warped Tour.

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or at iTunes

NoFX Coaster Review

What's not to like about the new NoFX release? Absolutely nothing. It's brilliant, inside and out and from beginning to end. I rarely get caught up in packaging, yeah I actually still like physically having a CD, and in this case the entire package is pure perfection. The theme is a bit of throwback to those things long gone from the 80's. It's like the whole album is about "going the way of the coaster". Whatever happened to coasters? Does anyone actually use them anymore? Why not? Anyway, not necessarily relevant for this record review, but entertaining nonetheless. Great pics of the boys as kids, clever vintage photo's, a respectful nod to 80's punk rock, which was such a huge influence on yours truly and it truly does come with it's own coaster, just make sure you use it as such after it's entered your iTunes library.

The first three songs on this release are really good, mid-paced NoFX songs. Very reminiscent of some of the stuff that you might find on "Wolves" or "Errorism". "My Orphan Years" is an excellent track, especially if you appreciate the up tempo stylings of "Kids of the K-Hole" or "What's the Matter with Parents Today?". More than that it's pretty haunting lyrically as Mike seems to work through some parental stuff in the short 3 minutes of its existence.

You can often find yourself smiling or chuckling when you hear certain NoFX tracks as their sense of humor is legendary and lyrically there are no sacred cows. I can visualize the entire story behind "Creeping Out Sara" and laughed out loud through most of it! About Tegan and Sara, it's classic NoFX..."I told her I was big fan of her band. She asked me if I had a favorite song. I admitted that I never actually heard them but I like k.d. lang". Classic!

The story of Iron Maiden wrapped up in a clever song, tells me that NoFX is in top form these days. It probably takes a fan of heavy metal to uncover the hidden story behind "Eddie, Bruce, and Paul". So, that's easy for me...it's the story of Paul Di 'Anno getting kicked out of Iron Maiden and Bruce Dickinson (the original human siren) leaving Samson to join Iron Maiden. Again, brilliant stuff!

Alcohol clearly plays a role in this album from beginning to end. Songs about alcohol, drinking, late nights at crappy bars and flat-out alcoholism are pervasive throughout. Sometimes funny and as always sometimes providing some deep soul insight. That's not new nor shocking for these guys, but it's a pretty clear throw-down between that demon and satire! I'd say it's probably a tie..."I Am an Alcoholic" is nevertheless a great NoFX track blending their ska influences with rock.

"One Million Coasters" finishes this stellar release very well! Essentially it's a listing of extinction. How cool to think about stuff you've not thought about in 20 years or so...Kodak 110's, telephone booths, Betamax...how quickly we all forget those relics that have gone the way of the answering machine.

25 years of NoFX! That's insane. It seems like only yesterday that I was watching them live at SOMA or Wabash Hall in San Diego. Now I feel old and sad, I think I'll go have an alcoholic beverage! But hey, it's a long way from Wabash Hall to headlining the Warped Tour!

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or at iTunes