Customer Reviews

Romance of Helen Trent

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

 

 

To the one-star reviewer Jon M. Smith who asked if anyone who knew this band would know who Helen Trent is... I challenge you to a duel, The Romance of Helen Trent WAS an 1930s CBS radio broadcast soap opera following the life of the fictitious middle aged woman and created by the Hummerts. It was one of the longest running radio programs from that era, making it until the 1960s when the writers passed away and the talk radio format was beginning to fall out of favor with more and more listeners. There were two different woman who portrayed the role of the queen of soaps. Next time, Mr. Smith don't assume just because someone enjoys a particular style of music they are not educated. Now, for a little more knowledge, what do YOU know about the band The Killing Tree? Here's some background, it is made up of members of Rise Against, Synnecrosis, Baxter, Holy Roman Empire and Arma Angelus. The OneDaySavior album referenced here, came out in 2002 about the same time as singer Tim McIlrath's other band, Rise Against, released Revolutions Per Minute on Fat Wreck (RA features ex members of 88 Fingers Louie). There are several similarities between the work of both The Killing Tree and Rise Against at this juncture, however, the following duet of releases: The Killing Tree's Eyeball Records EP We Sing Sorrow and Rise Against's Geffen Records debut Siren Song of the Counter Culture would find a significant shift in style between the two with TKT following a more raw and hardcore driven approach while RA shifted toward a more punk inspired ilk. Not long after, The Killing Tree went on hiatus. I believe there was also an EP in 2000 Bury Me at Make-Out Creek, but I don't know much about that (I suppose there's always more to learn).

When I first received this album from OneDaySavior, I wasn't expecting much from it. I had heard good things about this band, but still...one never really puts much into it, unless they've heard it first. Big mistake on my part!
Hailing from Chicago, IL (the birthplace of the Smashing Pumpkins) The Killing Tree features the same singer as the punk/hardcore band Rise Against, and fans of Rise Against will surely go crazy of this smooth blend of aggressive punk and hardcore music, that's tinged with some indie rock vibes. It's very energetic, the songs are very tight, and it just moves you.
This was an unexpected gem...and I highly recommend it be added to your musical collection.

good, fast, hardcore music...definitely a must for rise against (tim from rise against does the vocals on this lp) and strike anywhere fans.

What an amazing album. They have definitely created one of the best hardcore/screamo records out there. The Song "Prelude to Pain" is much more than a prelude, which sets the mood for the album. The following two tracks, "Them's Fightin' Words" and "Switchblade Architect" are great tracks to be put after "Prelude to Pain," because it keeps up the hardcore mood. The next track, "Replace My Heart," may possibly be the album's best track. It starts off with melodic guitaring, almost something you'd hear in a pop-punk record...ALMOST, as it leads on to be one of the harder tracks on the CD. Then, "Soundtrack to a Failing Relationship" starts off the static of "Replace my Heart" and gradually leads into the most emotional yet explosive track on the record, "Violets are Blue." Then comes "The Perfect," which doesn't cease to impress. Then "Counting to Infinity," which is a fantastic song with a near mediocre chorus. And then comes the finisher, "Cacophony (the Death of Affection)," which really leaves a lasting impression and sucks you in for another listen. So, if you enjoy any form of hardcore/screamo, Rise Against or just something a little bit different, the band The Killing Tree are for you.

I wonder if anyone who has listened to this album knows what the title means and who Helen Trent was. I cannot imagine that the people who like this kind of music could possibly know. Here is a hint: radio.