Die Young (TX)This Houston, TX hardcore outfit has had its shares of ups and downs. They have encountered problems that have plagued many hardcore acts; being forced to change their name (although in true defiance they managed to keep the name with just the addition of the TX), many lineup changes and all that other good shit. The band has already built itself a solid fan base by unrelenting touring that has taken them the world over all and by releasing a good deal of records; splits with Invade and 7 Generations, two EP's which are called "Survival Instinct" and "Confessions of A Petty Thief", "Songs For The Converted" (Demo 7") and a full length comprised of songs from the aforementioned 7 inches.
There are 15-tracks of scathing metallic hardcore that blends together effortlessly everything that was good about the 90's. Imagine throwing Integrity, Catharsis, Trial, Tragedy, Noam Chomsky and Nietzsche into a blender and you'll have a good idea of what these guys are about. I meaneverything you could ask for is here, fast paced verses, floor moving breakdowns, sing-alongs, well used melody, and even a well used instrumental.
The gruff vocals remind me of Catharsis and though this may be out of left field, the vocalist of the now defunct Redline.
The songs are varied in their lengths, the opening track is a 30 second shot of adrenaline yet the 3 minute "Carried By Visions" is a stomp happy metallic track that has arguably the catchiest chorus of the album.
Lyrically, there won't be many albums that will top this for 2007. But Christian kids and politicians beware because what Daniel "The White Devil" has to say, will in all eventuality have you pissing your pants as you fill your handkerchief with tears and snot. Everything from the hypocrisies of religion and corruption of our government to the point of even existing are tackled by wordsmith Daniel. He may not have attended an Ivy League school but that doesn't mean his tongue is any less sharp than those who have paid an arm and leg for spoon fed insight.
From the band's previous material I have heard in the past, this is definitely a step up in the recording. The bass tone has a bit much treble if you ask me, but hey it works. The guitar tone is full and brings all the necessary tones when necessary. The drums are on point and I'm really liking the kick. The vocals have optimal placement, and the slight effects used on them here and there work well. The incorporation of the electronic samples of sirens and helicopters were well done too.
It seems to be a great vocalist these days you have to write amazing lyrics, have a good throat and to be good with graphic design. Not only has the man known as "The White Devil" helped craft one of the years best albums musically and lyrically but visually as well. When folded out the front cover has a statue of god standing in what appears to be the dome of the United States Capitol building which was given a blue marble ceiling with the quote "Who Will Deliver The Justice You Crave?" in the left hand corner. I can't stress how well done this layout is. The booklet is six pages but it feels like eight or ten because of the heavy gloss paper used. On every left hand page there is a picture that correlates to the lyrical content in one way or another. On the right hand side there is the lyrics to three or four tracks that are printed over a stone background. For each song there is a corresponding quote from everyone from humanist St. Thomas More to Bad Religion's Greg Graffin. The dual page picture of a Jesus statue with the quote "Your Savior Died For Nothing, Didn't He?" is definitely going to get Christian kids running the other way. Nice touch in my opinion. I'm sure if conservatives saw the tray art which shows the pentagon with a scope on it they would cry themselves to sleep.
Rating: 4.7/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: The Story of Our Lives, Graven Images and Carried By Visions
Synopsis: This album will undoubtedly will be in my top ten. This is HIGHLY recommended to anyone with a rational head on their shoulders, and to those who are seeking a bit more intelligence in their hardcore. Also while adding this to your collection, be sure to pick up their split with Invade.