Light Yourself On FireAfter checking out Kiss of Death's previous releases, which were typically post-hardcore stuff this was a nice change of pace for them. LYOF are based out Tampa, FL and feature ex-members of Reversal Of Man, who were awesome as shit and were on Ebullition Records, Scrog, Brutality, and Omega Man.
The press sheet says these guys were striving to create a new sound titled "Power Death" which is power violence + death metal. I can't say I agree with either one to sum up this bands sound. The only thing that even resembles anything from the two aforementioned genres are the vocals, none of the guttural stuff though. If anything I would call this a refreshing brand of metalcore that harkens back to the days before it was such a dirty genre tag. Although it's a little more metal influenced and technically involved than most bands.
There are seven songs in all on this EP. The songs are typically just over two minutes long, with the first two well under that mark. These guys keep it intense and never fall victim to repetitiveness. There's loads of off-timed riffing and guitars that chug along viciously as the thoughts and opinions of the front man are delivered in flawless fashion.
The lyrics bring these guys to the next level; they are well thought out and do not regurgitate the typical themes that are all too common these days. They are abstract, so it was nice of the band to place the song theme for each one. 9:60AM is about how we sell hours of our lives for a wage. Smells Like It Sounds is my favorite theme which attacks the terrible artists and personalities that plague the radio. The third track Rikshaw is about cleaning house of any unnecessary false friends and acquaintances. Flux Capacitor is about how everyone is neurotic in one way or another. Are You Talking? Is It Necessary is about intelligent people that allow that mind and abilities to waste away. Four Blows is about how people won't notice Global Warming until it foots us a bill. And the final song Revision Starts At Home is about practicing what you preach.
This EP was recorded at Atomic Audio by Mark Nikolich who has worked with the mighty Torche. And this thing sounds as massive as it does cutting. The guitar tone is razor sharp with all the crunch you could want. The bass sports a really distinct treble tone with plenty of presence. Really good tone on the kick and snare, and I enjoyed the cymbal action. Good placement of the vocals in the mix.
The artwork was handled by SteakMTN which has worked with loads of bands. This may be a bit biased because I absolutely love the Flyers orange, black, and white but this layout is some good shit and on top of it, doesn't give you a give clear indication of how the band will sound. The illustration used throughout the layout is an awesome drawing of a person on fire. I thought it was a nice touch how the front cover sprawls onto the back cover, and again when you fold open the booklet. The inside of the booklet is sufficient, housing the lyrics with some black and white pictures in the corner.
Rating: 4/5
Sections Worthy of Replay: You Talking, Is It Necessary? And Smells Like It Sounds
Synopsis: This band knocked me on my fucking ass. I can definitely see these guys getting a nice following, this shit draws influences from all the right stuff and they channel it into their own unique sound with lyrics that are above most bands, especially these days. I highly recommend this and considering it's a mere 6 bucks from the label you'd be insane to not add this to your collection. It seems cassettes are making a comeback, Robotic Empire will be releasing this on said format.