Heavy HeartedFeaturing ex members of such prominent groups such as Buried Alive, Polar Bear Club, and Roses Are Red this Rochester, NY based hardcore outfit play a style that is similar to Buried Alive, American Nightmare and older The Hope Conspiracy. And I know what you're thinking, "Oh great, American Nightmare part 5,064" but these guys change it up enough to steer clear of being too similar to AN. But you will not have to worry about that in the future because the band and the vocalist have parted ways amicably and it seems like they want to go in a direction that's more in the vein of Turmoil, Blacklisted, Another Victim and Buried Alive and may end up changing their name. Which I could understand why.
But lets focus on this lengthy 8 song EP. During the course of the album these guys do a fairly good job of mixing up tempos, switching between their influences fairly well, and mixing it up with some melodic verses and choruses, and pounding verses and choruses that draws more from their Buried Alive influence. One moment you are getting hammered with a short blast of hardcore ("8:50 to (ROC)") and the next the band is playing a fairly slow, melodic song ("From Your Son".) Sometimes they will a have a melodic chorus perfect for a sing along (see end of "Overcast") or a heavy hitting breakdown (see end of "Once A Liar"). Overall, I would say they do a good job of keeping the album interesting.
The lyrical themes touched on aren't anything unconventional to the style but I would say they are done well. For instance the opening song "Lynn" has a trite lyrical theme but it is done well. It is about a failed relationship due to inabilities of the lyricist to change his ways as promised. The one song I really enjoyed was "From Your Son" which is a way for the singer to express gratitude to his mom, who from my interpretation of the song, may be sick. There are some good lines throughout the song but I especially liked the lines "If I had half the strength you had, I could take the pain away. I'm not like you, but I hope I will be someday."
The layout is eh. It is just a red sky, but hey, at least it fits into the title of the record! I did like how the lyrics were placed in the booklet, very easy to read though the vocalist's style doesn't really require you to look at them.
Rating: 3.5/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: "From Your Son" & "Once A Liar"
Synopsis: Solid EP that uses its influences well to keep things interesting. Even though they may shift sounds a
bit from song to song the album doesn't sound like a bunch of covers. The lyrics aren't anything new but they are are well written and come off honest and sincere in my opinion. If you like Buried Alive with melodic moments that were common to American Nightmare and The Hope Conspiracy check these guys out. And be on the lookout for their new shit when
they find a vocalist.
As I always say, check out the band and decide for yourself. I am but one individual with his own tastes and preferences that are probably much different than yours. With that said, check out these links: