Customer Reviews

The Frailty of Words

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

back when this album came out it was a totally different band from even the satellite years; the two releases "frailty of words" and no wings to speak of were done by the band members: Doug- vocals, Ryan- guitar and vocal, josh- guitar, Pat- bass and Adam on drums I think like one of those people is actually still in hopesfall lmao although they still rock so hard they even terrific now with A-types out even though its wayyyy different from this stuff anyways just though all you new kids might wanna know some history instead of acting like you know the story... NO JAY FORREST UNTIL THE SATELLITE YEARS

Simultaneously savage and gorgeous, this record is righteous crazy-horse hardcore often in unorthodox, exhilarating time signatures. Hopesfall make great use of both loud/soft dynamics and screamed/quiet dual vocals without being a lame screamo cliche. The melodies are varied, rich and ambitious, never resorting to gimmicky dramaqueen emo-pop conventions, working synergistically with the celestial fury of the hardcore element rather than upstaging it. The production/recording quality is comparitively rough, but it serves the songs well.

Put bluntly, this record eats all other emocore albums/bands for breakfast.

For the record, the vocalist on this record is Doug Venable, NOT Jay Forrest; the only original member in the current lineup is guitarist Josh Brigham. Read the liner notes.

although the first, unarguably the best hopesfall album yet. period.

when i had heard there was another cd released before NO wings to speak of and satellite years i began looking for it. When i found The frailty of words in hot topic i couldn't believe it.
This is undoubtably one of the most heavy, beautiful and chaotic hardcore albums out there. The opening song shines through just nails you with the guitar work and lament is such a masterpiece. Many songs like The broken heart of a traitor as well as A winter's rose those tracks just kick your ass with the sound of them. The frailty of words is an ablum you should buy if you can find it.

As I said on the No Wings To Speak Of review, my favorite cd of all time. Do you appreciate raw, ear bleeding hardcore? Ok, then add some melodic break downs that make grown men cry, bathed in deeply spiritual lyrics through intense screaming and beautiful singing. I have seen this band live several times starting with a couple of shows they did before No Wings To Speak OF was recorded, and watched them progress into what they are now. I am about to purchase A-Types. But this is it, this is the most moving unbelievable cd this band has to offer period.

Three reasons why I think this joint is the greatest cd ever. Not because I'm a dork and I'm sweating this band. One, it's so raw. Raw like a bunch of kids spilling their hearts out to the music they love which is exactly what it is. Two, it's melodic. But the most amazing thing about these melodies is their uniqueness and ability to catch you off guard yet leave you completely satisfied. Three, the way each band member agressively and thouroghly plays their instruments or screams/sings their hearts out. You will see what I mean if you really just sit down and listen to every part of this masterpeice. Yes, I love this album immensely. My friends think I'm nuts. They are all hardcore/metalcore freaks. They like this album, but I'm obssessed. Buy it now or download these tracks off the internet.

I've been a fan of The Satellite Years for a while but it wasn't until recently that I found out about their full-length debut. I had downloaded a couple songs from it and had become familiar with them but I always assumed they were from their No Wings to Speak Of EP. Well, as soon as I realized my mistake, I immediately downloaded the entire album and gave it a few real good listens:

Shines Through (4/5)- Excellent introductory song that immediately shows the range of this great band.
In Reflection (5/5)- This is what breakdowns are all about! A huge amount of energy and countless timing changes make this song one of their best.
Endeavor (4/5)- A wonderful minute-long mellow instrumental starts off this track until Jay Forrest comes in with three well-placed screams. Then Adam Baker brings the song to the right tempo and it's up and running.
Lament (4/5)- This instrumental is one of the tracks I downloaded and I LOVE it. As a rule, I'll never give any song without lyrics a 5, but, if I had to choose one of Hopesfalls', I'd make it this one.
From Your Hands (4/5)- This is when the lyrics start getting real good. God is never mentioned in The Satellite Years but it's mentioned quite a few times on this album. This song seems to be about how people misinterpret the "word of God" and use it as a condemnation device.
Comfort (5/5)- This song appears to be about how Jay wants to have faith in God but there are so many things disproving God's existence that he has no idea what to believe: "Will you abandon me in my time of need?...My eyes have never seen you but my heart wants to know you." But then, it seems that by the end of the song, he believes: "Your love comforts me, given me eyes to see through the lies of this world to show Your glory." Although I don't believe in God, I can sympathize and relate to his words.
A Winter's Rose (4/5)- More great lyrics, more killer music. A lovely, soft interlude ends this track.
A New Day (4/5)- Another song that I thought was on the EP. The time changes and good lyrics continue as does the brilliant use of feedback.
The Frailty of Words (4/5)- Instrumental title track is short but sweet, especially on the bassist's part.
The Broken Heart of a Traitor (5/5)- Possibly their best song, arguably their best lyrics, undeniably moving.

I've only had this CD for a few days, but I can't stop listening to it and examining it. I don't know if it's better than The Satellite Years, but God damn is it close. This CD is definitely a little heavier, a little more chaotic and they use more feedback but those are factors that don't necessarily determine how good the music is. I guess this CD is better in terms of raw, uninfluenced emotion but Satellite Years is way better in terms of the softer, more beautiful parts. I don't know, decide for yourself. All I know is that Hopesfall is the best band I've found that mixes emo into hardcore.