Dead Will RiseTwelve Gauge Records is easily becoming one of my favorite labels, they don't limit themselves to one genre, they have the more straight up hardcore stuff and then a deathcore outfit like Misericordiam. The one common thread throughout the majority of their releases is that most of the band's have something worthwhile to say. And ironically the bands with the most worthwhile and intelligent lyrics are the more deathcore, metalcore oriented bands like Molotov Solution, Misericordiam, and these guys.
But I digress...
These dudes are from Athens, OH and play grind influenced metalcore. According to their MySpace they have been around since at least 2004 and have self released an EP titled "Rest Assured The End Is Upon Us" which in my opinion was a bit more technically driven and brought them comparisons to bands like Into The Moat. It seemed they freelanced a bit more on their last EP. However, throughout this 7 song EP the band seemed to focus on outright brutality and quality song writing as opposed to writing wankery filled riffs. That's not to say they don't have their technical moments because they do but they aren't in such high doses. Recordings aside, this is a better EP than "Rest Assured...".
Aside from the opening and closing tracks, which are both over 4 minutes, the rest of the songs are just over 2 minutes, so they keep on a path of absolute destruction. And with that said, the two longest tracks are actually the best. The closing track "The Act of Vanishing" (which was also on their previous EP) is full of crushing breakdowns throughout (sue me I like well done breakdowns) and really carries its momentum throughout its 6 minutes. However, the worst riff of the EP is in this song, it's at the 2:15 mark and just sounds like it's slightly out of tune, I mean like 1/4 of a note, and that aside the riff isn't that great to begin with. Something about it just doesn't sound right. But they make up for it with the best breakdown of the CD during the last minute of the song.
Overall this EP is really strong in the lyrical department. With the highlight being the title track which shits on the soulless suit whose only concern is the bottom line. The following track "She Is The Plague" is another stellar song which intelligently attacks women who sleep with "the entire city". This is some shit I can get down with.
This EP features a much better recording than their previous EP that I mentioned. The mix sounds absolutely bludgeoning, from the meaty ass guitar tone to the hammering drums everything sounds brutal. The vocals sound nice and wet and are placed exceptionally into the mix.
Now this is one hell of a layout! I love the combination of Photoshop work alongside a drawing of a lifeless corporate soul with bloodied hands looking at his watch, which obviously ties into the title and overall theme of the record. I really like how the booklet folds out vertically over 4 panels to display an extended scene of the front cover. The second panel shows the corporate tool holding a briefcase dripping with blood. It also has some fitting lyrics to tie into the theme and then on the bottom two panels it's the same guy hanging from a noose with more fitting lyrical selections. The lyrics are displayed in the same vertical fashion over some slick contrast work. Very, very nice.
Rating: 4/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: Entrepreneur, She Is The Plague and The Act of Vanishing (minus that one guitar riff that starts at 2:15)
Synopsis: This is just a good listen. The songs are heavy as shit to begin with but with the proper recording the songs sound mean. One of the things that really impressed me with these guys were their lyrics, I mean they aren't the greatest nor ground breaking but they contribute more than half the shit I hear/read these days. I'd rather hear a song about a hoe who should close her legs then some poor son of a bitch crying about his ex. And if that wasn't enough the layout is top notch. I look forward to what these guys will do in the future.
Check them out at their MySpace and if you dig it make the purchase, this thing is only $7, can't complain about that!
Dead Will Rise MySpace
Twelve Gauge Records Website