Dream On, Dreamer – Heartbound

   Rating:  10/10

Heartbound is Dream On, Dreamer’s debut album through (UNFD, Rise Records, Triple Vision).  To be honest, I was a little nervous before I listened to this album.  Why?, because their Hope EP was the best 19 minutes I have ever listened to in all of music. It was wrong of me to have such high expectations, but once I listened to Heartbound those expectations dissolved, and a smile appeared on my face. The smile appeared after the first song I (which only happens to be 41 seconds).  This is when I knew this album was going to unreal.  I could still hear bits of the Hope EP.  The song Downfall was the first song I heard off of this album, and this song has a typical Risecore feel.  However, as each and every song took flight after Downfall, I knew this album was the best on Rise Records of 2011 so far. Bands mature and progress from album to album, and Dream On, Dreamer is a prime example of this.  Each and every song on this album is a masterpiece.  There has always been something about this band that gives me a different feeling from the rest.  I can not put my finger on it, but the passion and emotion is like a wall.  As soon as you start listening it hits you in the face, and soon you forget about all your problems and detach your baggage thats bringing you down. It is amazing to see an Australian band release a cd in the states and gain so much praise and success.  Their the next big thing, and with the release of Heartbound, it is only matter of time before they take over the US hardcore scene.

 Taking Chances, Breaking Free

http://www.facebook.com/dreamondreamerband

 

Make Me Famous

Make Me Famous is a Screamo/Hardcore/Electronica band from the Ukraine/USA.  The 4 featured in the above photo live in Ukraine, and their drummer lives in the USA.  (The name is chosen to draw attention to common vices of young society).  Quite honestly I don’t even know where to really start.  This band, and where this band came from just completely blows my mind. Above92.  Does that ring a bell to anybody?  If it has not then you obviously live in a hole in the ground.  Above92 is Denis Shaforostov, the master behind band covers on YouTube (guy on right side of picture).  He is not one of the best, he is THE best.  I came across his videos one day when I first started playing guitar about 3 years ago.  His videos were filled with so much energy and passion, it drove me to try to be just like him.  I know that sounds cheesy, but this guy has a gift…and now that gift has now been bestowed onto Make Me Famous.  Denis started the band not too long ago and instantly gained a massive fan base in the United States.  Denis writes most of the bands material along with recording, mixing and producing the music in his studio. They have recently been picked up by Outerloop Management, and a record label in the United States is not to far around the corner. Their upcoming 15 song LP entitled Keep This In Your Music Player will feature many guest appearances, including Tyler Carter (Woe, Is Me), and Johnny Franck (ex. Attack Attack! vocalist).  There is not much more to say because once you listen to the song below and watch the video of them playing one of their songs, you will instantly click the link to their Facebook page and like them.  ”The future is up for grabs – ours for the taking…” – MAKE ME FAMOUS

Once You Killed A Cow, You Gotta Make A Burger

Current Lineup:
Denis Shaforostov – Vox/Guitar/Programming
Serj Kravchenko – Vocals
Awesome Sergei – Bass/Backup Vox
Igor (Jimmy Rose) Yastrebov – Guitar
Jace Thomas – Drums

http://www.facebook.com/makemefamousmusic
Make It Precious… My favorite parts are 1:57 and 3:40 Almost has 453,000 views!

Legacy

Legacy is a Metal/Hardcore band from Toledo Ohio.  They are currently unsigned, but just recently got picked up by The Artery Foundation. I stumbled up this band on YouTube randomly one day.  I saw their live music video for their song Demons (which is streaming below) and I instantly became hooked.  I became hooked because they reminded me of one of my favorite bands, August Burns Red.  The screaming is undoubtably perfection as well as the clean singing. The guitarists shred like it is nobody’s business, the drums coincide with the guitar, and the drummer does not miss a beat.  They have A LOT going for them.  What stood out to me most about this band is that they combine such melodic riffs into their heavy sound, it just fits perfectly.  Like legit, it fits perfectly. Every time I listen to them they sound more and more amazing.  They are definitely going places for sure.  And luckily for us, it will be shortly.  By Fall I would expect something HUGE from these guys. They are playing a handful of shows in August so be sure to check them out.  Keep your ears and eyes peeled for this soon to be breakthrough band.  The metal/hardcore see better look over their shoulder, because  Legacy is coming.

Demons

Current Lineup:
Gabe Lopez – Vocals
Lupe Lopez – Guitar/Clean Vocals
Chris Goins- Guitar
Devon Mezinger – Bass
Kirby Hurst – Drums

LIKE THEM ON FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/legacyoh

Of Mice & Men – The Flood

Rating:  9/10

 Of Mice & Men’s The Flood is the band’s 2nd installment which was released on June 14th, 2011 through Rise Records. The opening song, O.G Loko, was enough to let myself know that  by no means was this CD going to be average.  Of Mice & Men really stepped their game up with this one, showing that they have the possibility to be a standout band on the Rise roster. To me this album seems to be flooded with emotions (pun intended).  Shayley’s vocals in some songs are enough to make one reflect on things in life, like in the standout song, My Understandings.  Austin’s screams seem to have more anger in them as they progress through the album.  The ending track, I’m A Monster, to me, is the band’s heaviest song to date. I am glad to see that Austin rejoined with OM&M, who knows how the album would have turned out if Jerry was still with them.  To sum it up, this album blows their previous one out of the water (again, pun intended…).  1. This album is heavier, 2. Austin’s screams are better then ever, 3. Shayley’s voice has a lot more emotion and passion. Be sure to catch Of Mice & Men on all Warped Tour dates this summer and then on tour in September with We Came As Romans.  Oh and one more thing, if your not convinced that this album is heavy for some reason, play OHIOISONFIRE, and keep your ears open for the final minute of the song; because those breakdowns will flood your ears with regret (these puns are way too fun). This album is a true masterpiece.

OHIOISONFIRE

LIKE THEM ON FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/ofmice

Evelynn

Evelynn is a hardcore/ambient outfit based out of Chicago, IL.  They are currently unsigned and are a fairly new band.  Since forming they have exploded onto the scene and are traveling on the entire Warped Tour this summer.  It is funny how I came across this band. The keyboardist/screamer Logan, messaged me on Facebook saying how he saw that I liked the band Woe, Is Me. He said he thought I’d like his band so he sent me a link to his band, Evelynn.  Immediately after getting the link I knew I had to check them out.  I listened to their demo The Safe Haven (which is streaming below), and I fell in love with them right away.  Their lead singer Arpan has a very unique voice, and Logan’s screams are unbelievable.  They currently have 3 demos up on their Facebook page, all of which are downloadable for FREE! Go like them on Facebook and be sure to keep an eye on them.  They will be a HUGE part of the scene in no time.

The Safe Haven

Current Lineup:
Arpan Reyy- Vocals
Vic Ordonez- Bass
Tyler Gargula- Guitar
Logan Tran – Keys / Vocals
Mike Walsh- Drums

FACEBOOK LINK: http://www.facebook.com/evelynnil

Im Back Up, Operating Full Time Now!

Ok, so about 2 nights ago I randomly just decided to check out my blog that I used to work on during my Journalism class for school.  When I arrived here I noticed that I had almost 9,000 hits!! That took my breath away so I recently came to a conclusion that I will now start uploading posts every day.  In doing so I have implemented new features to further enhance my blogging site.  Since this site features album reviews I will be adding a star rating system to each of my review posts.  The star rating systems will be out of 10 stars. (Ex. Rating:  7/10).  I will also embed MP3 files to posts, so you can hear the band first hand so you know what they sound like. And last but not least I will be adding Facebook and Twitter share and like buttons.

Thanks to those who have checked my blog out and those who are just finding this out.  With a new mission and a new set of features I am ready to bring this music blog to a whole new level.

Paul

Sleeping With Sirens – With Ears To See And Eyes To Hear

It.Is.Finally.Here…Sleeping With Siren’s debut album on Rise Records, With Ears To See And Eyes To Hear.  I have to say, this album is very strong for a debut.  Yes, some may complain that it’s too short, since it was 9 songs and a video was the 10th song.  Things got complicated.  But after getting the cd I noticed that they broke up the last song into 2.  The Left Side Of Nowhere.  This cd satisfied what I was expecting from this band. This cd has pretty much everything you can think of.  Crazy sweep picking in one song, a little techno, (not a lot), hardcore breakdowns, and the best clean singing ive ever heard.  Kellin’s voice is unique, and personally I think the best that Rise has to offer.  I can’t really pick a favorite song on this album you have to listen to the whole thing, but You Kill Me (In a Good Way), sticks out to me the most as their best song.  BUY THIS CD RIGHT NOW, STOP READING THIS AND GO BUY IT ON ITUNES.
myspace:  http://www.myspace.com/sleepingwithsirens

Breaking Benjamin – Give Me A Sign Official Music Video [HQ]

Breaking Benjamin’s new music video, Give Me A Sign.  Its been out for a while but it took me some time to find it on YouTube so I could post it.  This video by them is probably my favorite one.  What I like about it, (as do most other people), is that it references their other albums, Saturate, We Are Not Alone, Phobia, and their most recent, Dear Agony.  The symbolism in this video is just unbelievable.  Saturate is referenced by the album cover at around 0:49 seconds.  The bald guy with Breaking Benjamin’s logo on his knuckle is referencing We Are Not Alone, (their cd cover).  The distorted figure taking everyone’s hand is the Evil Angel, or the guy on the cover of the album Phobia.  Dear Agony is referenced at the end by the album cover appearing on the monitor screen.  Personally I also believe that the blue tears represent Dear Agony also.  ENJOY!

Of Mice & Men – Second & Sebring Official Music Video [HQ]

This is Of Mice & Men’s first video, Second & Sebring.  It premiered online earlier today and I finally found it so that I can post it up here.  I wrote about this band a while ago if you are interested.  That can be found here.  I really like this video, I like how there are separate windows at some parts and the story of the boy growing into an old man.  Very nice.  ENJOY!!

The Color Morale – We All Have Demons

This is one of my favorite bands, The Color Morale.  They have the most inspirational lyrics I have ever heard out of all the bands I listen to, and it has one of my favorite drummers, Steve Carey.  The Color Morale is a  Rock/Progressive/Hardcore band based out of Rockford, Illinois.  They are currently signed to Rise Records, (which means their amazing by the way), and their debut album, We All Have Demons, released September 1, 2009 is beyond amazing.  One of their influences is another one of my favorite bands, Misery Signals.  This album is again one of those albums where you can’t listen to one or two songs, you have to listen to the whole thing in one sitting.  The way Garret, the lead singer, can change from screaming to clean vox is beyond unbelievable.  It’s not that mashed up screaming where you can’t understand anything they say, you can actually understand what he screams, which is what I like about them.  The whole feel that they bring to the album is one that you must experience.  Songs like When One Was Desolate, and Hopes Anchor are the best songs on the album in my opinion.  Hopes Anchor is possibly my favorite song of all time.  I can’t stress on how motivating the lyrics are.  If your curious those can be found here.  The song is also below.  You have to buy this CD, it will be one of your top favorite CDs, I can assure you.