The Hope ConspiracyWhether or not you've actually given these guys a listen, I'm sure you have heard the name at one time or another. Whether it was while they released their two full lengths, "Cold Blue" (2000) and "Endnote" (2002), or the split 7" with The Suicide File or maybe even when they appeared on the Black Flag tribute album where they covered "Nervous Breakdown". Well, after taking a hiatus in 2004 due to problems finding a guitar player, THC is back with their first full length in 4 years. This album also ushers in Tim Cossar (of American Nightmare and Bars fame) to the THC family.
These guys have always been at the top of the melodic hardcore movement and are heralded for their intense live show but when it came down to recording an album, the material never carried the same weight. Well, this time they have broken that curse and all the people that always shared those sentiments will have no other option but to take notice of this album. The music is a lot more dynamic this time around, you can tell the band really took the time to craft these songs. The songs are very varied, from a tonal and structure stand point. The songs range from 1:35-5:59 and every where in between. They mix in some great rocked out sludgy parts while still incorporating the fast paced melodic verses. Also there are some crushing open D breakdowns. And boy did Kevin Baker's vocals sound stronger and more forceful than ever before. It seems someone has lit a fire under his ass because there is a lot more urgency in his voice.
Most of the lyrical themes from this album were derived from the book Animal Farm by George Orwell ("They Know Not", "Animal Farm", "So Many Pigs So Few Bullets"...) There are songs about people who feel they can wash away their sins just because they go to Church ("A Darkness In The Light"). Another song with relevance to religion is the single, "Hang Your Cross" which is about being brainwashed by religion. Even though the lyrical themes aren't exactly breaking new ground, the manner in which they are delivered is refreshing. They are hammered home with clever word play and metaphors without coming off too artsy. Also for the track "Sadistic Sacred Whore", Dwid Hellion (Integity) lends some of his own lines, as well as his throaty voice.
You absolutely can not go wrong with putting Kurt Ballou behind the board. Seriously, the guy can bring the best out of any band. Whether it's a straight up youth crew band or sludge rock, he knows how to maximize the bands sound. This album serves as another testament to his knob prowess. He captures the essence of their live sound without sacrificing the quality. The bass throbs throughout the album with the perfect amount of presence. The guitars are full and warm. The drums sound strong and pronounced (which were handled by Alex Garcia-Rivera, who I've seen a few times now working on Kurt Ballou albums). The vocals sounded organic, as if it was a live setting. One of the things I always love about the albums that come out of God City Studios is the little nuances of things like feedback that are left in the mix to keep things sounding "authentic".
For a one color based layout this thing looks awesome. Aaron Horkey did a masterful job with the illustrations on this one. The freakishly evil skull is extremely ornate, with all kinds of eye catching details. The booklet folds open to reveal a dual page that is emblazoned with Hope from the bands logo, very nice. Another fold of the pages reveals all of the lyrics to the songs displayed over the piece from the front cover, which is sprawled out to completely dominant the pages. The back page of the cover features another awesome design of a skull attached to a bomb with feathers wrapping around, with "War. Blood. Money. God" placed in banners beneath. Topping it all off is a slick and well placed tattered banner that displays the title of the album.
Rating: 4.5/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: Deadtown Nothing, Sadistic Sacred Whore(best song on the album) and Animal Farm
Thesis: This is one of those extremely memorable releases. There are walloping breakdowns and plenty of rocked melodic sections that really grabbed my attention. And the vocals sound stronger than they ever have. Add that to aesthetics of the packaging and you have yourself one of the most talked about releases of 2006.