Customer Reviews

Sundowning

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

 

 

Hardcore is not dead. With hardcore bands becoming regulars on MTV, endorsement as well as major label deals, the spirit of hardcore and the do-it-yourself ethics are easily replaced with dollar signs. Self-releasing their debut EP release as well as self-booking their trek across the North America and Europe, Long Island natives, This Is Hell, return hardcore back to its glory days. The five piece's dedication and passion attracted the attention of hardcore heavyweight, Trustkill records which signed and released the bands full length debut, "Sundowning". At just under thirty minutes, "Sundowning" is as much a declaration as it is a testimony to the resilient and spirit of hardcore. Featuring hardcore stalwart and former vocalist Travis Reilly of Scraps and Heart Attacks as well as members of The Backup Plan, members of This Is Hell combine to form a sound that combines the fury and aggression of old school seminal bands Youth of Today, Gorilla Biscuits and Minor Threat with personal tales chronicling regret, loss and hopelessness reminiscent of American Nightmare/Give Up The Ghost. Admittingly, "This Is Hell" is not breaking any new ground but the power, passion and intensity they possess is what deserves a listen to. This intensity and passion is displayed on "Polygraph cheaters" where Reilly issues a manifest about the current state of today's music scene. Screaming for a medic and asserting "all our heroes are tragically flawed", the band's message is clear. With Converge's Dean Baltulonis behind the helm managing the recording and mixing, the other thirteen tracks on "Sundowning" display the same level of intensity. Elevating the album higher are guest appearances by Daryl Palumbo of Glassjaw/Head Automatica fame on the track "Procession Commence". Complementing the album is the stunning cover artwork of Converge's Jacob Bannon. "Sundowning" is a devastating release that will waken the heart of a "stone hearted cynic" and will be sung as the anthem of the gathering masses inside VFW halls across the nation.

I'm surprised this album hasn't received more reviews, but its easy for me to say that this is one of the better hardcore albums released in recent memory. Being from LI, I've heard all the hype about this band and think that they have far exceeded any expectations I had for them back when this album was released.

this album is serisouly one of the best things i have ever heard in my life...

Do not hesitate, hardcore and American Nightmare/Give Up The Ghost fans, to get this album right away. The hype surrounding this album was definitely justified. While not a carbon copy of the now defunct hardcore greats, the vocals sound somewhat like Wes and the music is total hardcore with a few innovations here and there, to keep it from getting stale. People who swear by hardcore music often praise the genre for it's unrelenting sound, and boast that innovation is mostly an afterthought and not that important. No one can deny, however, that some of the greatest (Gorilla Biscuits, Judge, GUTG) are undeniably distinct and innovative in their own way. This Is Hell are on their way.

This cd is what the hardcore scene needs to get back on it's feet. Stick To Your Guns is doing a good job of that as well.

This cd reminds me a lot of American Nightmare combined with Comeback Kid. I'm usually not a fan of this style of music, particularly because of the vocals, but Travis yells and screams, so I think that's the first thing that got me to like the cd, besides the amazing and catchy music. The guitars are melodic and catchy as hell. I got this cd a few days ago, and it hasn't left my cd player. I love it. In addition to Travis' great hardcore vocals, he does a great job of writing lyrics as well. There are a few breakdowns scattered across this cd to get the crowds moving at shows.

The only thing disappointing about this cd had nothing to do with the cd itself. It says on the front of the cover there is a coupon for a free This Is Hell t-shirt. The catch is that the coupon can only be used at "the merchandise booth or any This Is Hell performance".

Considering the only disappointing thing had nothing to do with the actual cd, this should let you, the reader, know that this cd is nothing short of amazing. It is a current favorite cd of mine. Permanence is probably my favorite song off the album, but all of the songs are amazing in their own way.