NYS Music 20​11

Author: NYS Music Staff

  • LIFE IN YOUR WAY “Kingdoms” is inspirational, musically excellent

    LIFE IN YOUR WAY “Kingdoms” is inspirational, musically excellent

    I have to tell you, I was not familiar with the band Life In Your Way before being told to check them out by an associate. My views on faith and religion definitely vary quite highly to someone who may be considered a practicing Christian. As a matter of fact, I am quite ambivalent to the role of faith in the realm of music in general. So to say I was a skeptic before my first listens, would be a vast understatement. This highly energetic and devoutly spiritual metal band hailing from Hartford, CT., proved that my skepticism was all for not.

    The story behind the recording of this record is a great one indeed. After being on hiatus for close to three years, the band announced they would re-group and record a new album. Three days after launching  a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the album, Life In Your Way reached their goal of $12,500. In return, the band made the album free for download. This is very inspirational in itself, and has come to show the DIY success that can be achieved with today‘s self marketing process.

    “Kingdoms,” is a concept record broken down into three separate EP‘s, The Kingdom of Man, The Kingdom of Darkness, and the Kingdom of God. All of these different pieces have a profoundly unique message to convey without pushing the agenda of religion on you. The Kingdom of Man is rooted in themes about overcoming challenges in the face of adversity. We as listeners can all relate to the universal obstacles put in front of us, and this first EP drives that home. When singer Josh Kellam delivers a verse like “ Open my eyes to the truth behind this all. This is still breaking me down and I am powerless to change it,” I can relate. I am sure all of you can relate to this on some level as well. The second EP, The Kingdom of Darkness, is my favorite segment of the bunch. I was truly intrigued by all of the songs in this set, but blown away by Buried Idols. This cautionary tale of living life on the edge is accentuated by lyrics that howl with disdain. It is tough to not hear the urgency in “You’ve got yourself wrapped around this. It will dig your grave.” Even more chaos is invoked when Kellam asks, “Will the heart become so callused from self-deceit?” These are strong words of doubt that conflict with some one on a righteous path. The final installment of EP’s is The Kingdom of God. In this last segment of songs, self correction and “being saved,” is the topic of choice. Although I respect what has been laid down here, themes of salvation through a higher being are introduced. This is where the record got a tad uncomfortable for me. I can respect everyone’s opinion of faith, but just not in a preachy way. Luckily, the band does not come off as the type that aims to do this on any level. They are simply proclaiming what they believe to be the truth.

    “Kingdoms,” is a great set of songs that is sensational on a musical level. They are progressive, technically astounding, and diverse in harmonic excellence. Lyrically, these songs are universally inspirational regardless of your notions on religion. I strongly urge you to check out this disc with an open mind and heart!

    The Kingdom of Man
    01. Forever
    02. Blind in Retrospect
    03. Growth in Passion
    04. Forsaken Me

    The Kingdom of Darkness
    05. Ruler of the Air
    06. Take Notes
    07. Swarm
    08. Buried Idols

    The Kingdom of God
    09. Induction
    10. Who I Am
    11. Like a River
    12. The Healer
    13. The Ascension

    For more information on Life In Your Way:
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Life-in-Your-Way/191947100829132
    Website:http://www.lifeinyourway.net
    Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/LifeInYourWayCT

    You can download the digital “Kingdoms” for free here: http://comeandlive.com/kingdoms-life-in-your-way/
    You can also purchase the 3 disc set through Life In Your Way’s online store on Facebook.

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMKFzKFClCE&w=420&h=315]

    -Erik Jensen

  • ONE LAST SHOT “What are you worth” EP is clever and tastefully wielded

    ONE LAST SHOT “What are you worth” EP is clever and tastefully wielded

    One can only hope that all those with the pleasure of hearing One Last Shot E.P. “What Are You Worth” (summer 2011) will have a formidable palette for punk and hardcore bands spanning all the way from the mid-eighties until today. These guys seem to have made it their mission to cleverly pull undertones from several influential bands spanning the era. This Syracuse, NY four-piece serves up raw, unrelenting vocals that set a sinister and almost sarcastic feel reminiscent of Daryl Palumbo circa early Glassjaw, though they tend to stay within an apparent “safe range” in pitch. Much of the dynamic lost by this, however, is compensated by a tastefully wielded modern high range scream, adding to a handful of climactic song endings and scathing transitions. The E.P. seems lyrically astute and addresses a fair span relevant topics for modern punk; from politics and interpersonal relationships to social disparity and violence in youth culture on the track “Homecoming Homicide”, arguably the most memorable and ferocious track on the record, followed by the infectious “Calling All Creeps”.

    The guitar work stays within the “book 1, page 1” 3-4 chord realm of generic punk, though they maintain a delightfully dark and brooding tonal aura in the vein of late-nineties New England Hardcore such as Blood For Blood, with a nostalgic tinge of So.-Cal. Punk. The drum parts are appropriate but wildly predictable at times, and something is definitely left to be desired tonally, a common qualm I often have with more straight-forward punk/rock/blankcore bands. A few generic hardcore breakdowns offer a change up from the steady-rolling punk feel that dominates the five songs, though they stick out as being a bit out of place and played out in their phrasing.

    While One Last Shot have crafted a clever batch of solid songs with “What Are You Worth”, ultimately they will have to spend a considerable amount of time crafting their technical abilities and investing in adequate equipment if they hope to compete in the national D.I.Y. punk circuit of today.

    Track listing:
    1. Very Much Alive
    2. Homecoming Homicide
    3. The Real Scarecrow
    4. Calling All Creeps
    5. Broken Dolls

    For more information on One Last Shot:
    http://www.facebook.com/onelastshot

    -Chris Parmelee

  • Around The World and Back “Big Beat” is intoxicating and magnetically hypnotic

    Around The World and Back “Big Beat” is intoxicating and magnetically hypnotic

    Every now and then, I am sent a CD that is highly recommended by my peers. In many cases, I have to truly dig in to find the greatness that I am being alerted to. 75% of the time, expectations fall short! With that being said,  I was given the CD, “Big Beat,” by Around The World and Back. This album is one that had me floored. The unprecedented songwriting abilities of this Albany, NY, band are poignant in screaming aloud, “Sign us, we are the real deal.”

    “Big Beat,” is the kind of record that many national acts aim to make, but fall flat on their face. The band succeeds in an effortless vision to take influences that are stapled to their sleeve, and turn them into something that is highly refreshing and reminiscent. In other statements about the band’s sound, reviewers have contrasted the guitar ambience of ATWAB to that of early U2. While this is absolutely true and impossible to refute, I hear sounds of grandiosity that easily point to other bands that could be of great influence. Pearl Jam, Coldplay, and most notably My Morning Jacket could easily be some of those who are admired here.

    The guitar sound on this record is incendiary in it’s approach. On tracks such as Slave and Underneath The Sun, the axe work of Bryan Shortell and Marco Testa is intoxicating and magnetically hypnotic. Equally as impressive is the vocal prowess of this band. Once again, the duties of singing are handled by both Shortell and Testa. The melodic and harmonic intricacies that the band are shooting for, are head and shoulders among some of their friends in the musical community. Other great tracks that are worth multiple listens immediately, include Old Man, Rehab, and Words In My Head.

    Simply stated, it is impossible for me to believe that this band is not receiving regular airplay on national radio. It is only a matter of time before they are given the opportunity to soar on the national level. Around The World and Back is a highly sophisticated song writing machine that is in the Waiting Room of bands needing the big break. I am not happy that they are waiting for that break! I have a feeling many of you will feel the same way after your first listen.

    Track Listing:

    Old Man
    Alone
    Slave
    Underneath The Sun
    Lie To Your Mother
    Words In My Head
    Overexpose
    Eighteen
    Rehab
    Long Verse

    For more information on Around The World and Back visit them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AroundtheWorldandBack

    -Erik Jensen

  • Remembering DIMEBAG DARRELL

    Remembering Dimebag. “A 25-year-old man stormed the stage at a heavy-metal rock concert Wednesday night, shooting and killing Pantera founder and Damageplan guitarist “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott and three others before a police officer shot and killed him, Columbus police said. On Thursday, police identified the suspect as Nathan Gale of nearby Marysville.” (CNN.com-Dec. 10, 2004)

    Everyone was shocked. Dimebag Darrell was dead. Now seven years later we remember him once again. I remember him for changing the sound of heavy metal guitar; that deep, heavy riff that punched out your very soul from the inside out. He had feel and style that was missing from metal. Some of his music had the distinct southern rock flavor, a product of his father, Jerry Abbott’s influence as a country & western musician and producer. To hear what I mean just take a listen to “Drag the Waters” just a bit closer.

    He could set the frets afire, you all know that. But Darrell did it when it counted, not because he could. He knew how to impact a song and where to do it. Even in video, who doesn’t think his hand creeping out of the smoke in “This Love” was the coolest move during a solo, maybe by anyone. Dimebag could do it all on a guitar. Take that same solo and you hear how he made each note have a voice, make it sing instead of just blaring away at warp factor 12. That should be a lesson to all guitarists. Speed is nice, but if you get that guitar to make love to the listener, you will be a guitar God.

    This writer can’t think of anyone since that has changed the sound of a genre like that since. There were a few before him, but not since, not like Dimebag changed it with Pantera. He was virtuoso and showman, he knew what to do onstage. His ever-present, happy and I just pranked you grin is missed. And his laugh….Cheech and Chong must have been proud.

    So, raise a glass to Dimebag Darrell Abbott today. Rest In Peace Dimebag, the world misses you.

    -David Garlow

  • Mastodon’s “The Hunter” is refined; spectacular.

    Mastodon’s “The Hunter” is refined; spectacular.

    Gotta give love to the Rochester boys gone big time! Brann Dailor and Bill Kelliher were in one of the finest bands in the history of the Upstate metal music scene, Lethargy. In the 90’s, that band along with their peers in Big Hair, Bughouse, Hate Machine, and Cheese, created quite a stir in Upstate and beyond. Most of these bands were prog-like in nature, heavy in sound, and as creative as anything being punched out on the national music scene. It is to no one’s surprise that someone would have to blow up on the national scene in this talented group of artists. Bill and Brann’s time in Lethargy ended in 1999. This was followed by relocation to Atlanta, and Mastodon was born! The rest is history as this sludgy prog rock juggernaut has been recognized as one of the best of it’s time. The accolades include a grammy nomination for Colony of Birchmen off their ridiculously sick album, Blood Mountain.

    Fast forward to 2011! After the release of their four previous albums which had a flair for jammed out progressions and conceptualized themes, the band decided to focus their attention on a different plan of attack. Gone are the 13 minute epics that would jam out into the galaxy. As a matter of fact, nothing here goes over the 6 minute mark. It does not mean the band has lost it’s knack for intensely complicated and intense arrangement, it is just in a smaller package. It is not so much a new direction as it is a refining of the song writing process in general. Obviously being a skeptic as I am, I was afraid that this album would not be able to stand up to the best in their catalog. Silly me! This album has helped me refine my approach on passing judgement on something before it is even heard.

    The tracks here are killer. Black Tongue starts off this album with a bang, and is followed by the melodic chorus of Curl of The Burl, which may just be the best rock track of the year, period! Other great tracks include Blasteroid, Spectrelight, and the The Hunter!

    If you feel like the gruff edges have been shined off the sound of Mastodon, you are quite correct. The unusual grouping of Mike Elizondo with this band has resulted in a focus on overall musicianship and song structuring. For those not familiar with Elizondo, he has produced an awful lot of hip hop acts including Eminem and 50 Cent. You will get none of that here though! You get less sludge and more melodic blasts of heaviness. A quite spectacular result overall.

    At the end of this year, you will see this album on many critic’s top 10 lists. Quite simply, it is that good!

    Mastadon The Hunter Track listing:

    Black Tongue
    Curl Of The Burl
    Blasteroid
    Stargasm
    Octopus Has No Friends
    All The Heavy Lifting
    The Hunter
    Dry BoneValley
    Thickening
    Creature Lives
    Spectrelight
    Bedazzled Fingernails
    The Sparrow

    This album is available on Itunes, as well as through the bands website.

    -Erik Jensen

  • Coroner Confirms GWAR Guitarist Cory Smoot Cause of Death

    Coroner Confirms GWAR Guitarist Cory Smoot Cause of Death

    “The Smoot family and Slave Pit Inc. released a statement regarding the official cause of death of guitarist Cory Smoot. Cory had played the character of Flattus Maximus for over ten years, and was discovered dead on the band’s tour bus on Nov. 3rd of this year. He was 34.

    Stated North Dakota coroner William Masselo, MD:

    “We have finalized the autopsy report and death certificate. I have determined that Cory died from a coronary artery thrombosis brought about by his pre-existing coronary artery disease.”

    The band, which will continue as a four-piece until the current tour schedule is complete, has officially retired the character of Flattus Maximus, and has announced no plans regarding a new GWAR-tarist.

    Metal Blade and GWAR have since set-up the Smoot Family Foundation to raise funds for Cory’s wife, Jaime, and their unborn child. Donations can be made: http://www.metalblade.com/smootfamilyfund/ Also, at The Canal Club in Richmond, Va. on January 7th there will be a record release show (featuring Mensrea, Cannabis Corpse, DBX and more) for Cory’s solo record, “When Worlds Collide”, which he had completed working on just prior to his death. The album will be released early next year, with all proceeds going to the Smoot Family Fund.”

  • A Super Gnarly Christmas: Volume II sure to get your nog flowing

    A Super Gnarly Christmas: Volume II sure to get your nog flowing

    Like supporting local artists in Upstate NY? Dig Christmas music with a twist? Need a stocking stuffer for someone who does? Here ya go.

    “A Super Gnarly Christmas: Volume Two” was slated to hit local shelves on Black Friday. Offering 22 tracks by 22 artists. Alongside  6 commercials by Arison Cain, Rob LaVine, and Adam Hunt, which make up the “DemonDS” tracks. All of which are from the Upstate area, the comp seeks to give area listeners a wide variety of holiday inspired original music, as well as a handful of cleverly re-imagined cover tunes.

    Though you may want to give it a serious listen for content before playing it at grandma’s house.

    As Corey Putney (the idea guy behind Super Gnarly’s resurrection) puts it “The album is dirty, fun, festive, offensive, and beautiful. It’s a blend of each and every genre in a way that just makes sense, and I hope that everyone enjoys listening to it as much as all of us had making it.”

    In keeping with the holiday spirit, one can always expect a wide variety of Christmas music compilations to flood the market, agonizingly hoping to move each and every unit prior to Christmas eve so remaining copies don’t go into the local $1 bin at the gas station on the 26th.

    That being said, instead of dropping cash on yet another copy of “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer” while secretly saying to yourself “Bitch shoulda ducked,” check out some local up and comers instead.

    The idea of a band whose name is Bruce Campbell, covering Latin Xmas classic “Feliz Navidad,” makes this listen practically mandatory. Load up the Boomstick and grab a copy while you can.

    Track listing:

    DEMONDS “GHOSTS ON FILM (INTRODUCTION)”
    BRUCE CAMPBELL “FELIZ NAVIDAD”
    LEO LEMAY “ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU”
    [YOURNAMEHERE] “BLUE CHRISTMAS”
    LANDSLIDE VICTORY “DECK THE HALLS”
    APACHE CHIEF “AN UPSTATE CHRISTMAS”
    DEMONDS “THE LAND OF MISFIT SEXTOYS”
    SHAWN VANBROCKLIN “SANTA BABY”
    WOOF NASTY “CAROL OF THE BELLS”
    AARON ADAIR “HAPPY CHRISTMAS (WAR IS OVER)
    BABY BLUE BIRD ”BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE”
    COREY PUTNEY “BABY PLEASE COME HOME”
    DEMONDS “WOMP & CIRCUMSTANCE”
    JESSE TAYLOR “I WON’T BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS”
    ADAM MCANULTY “YOU & ME”
    DAMIEN MORROW “HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS”
    SETH EGGLESTON “YULE SHOOT YOUR EYE OUT”
    FOLDING HOMES “HOLIDAZE”
    DEMONDS “BLACK MASS APPEAL”
    AFTER THE AVALANCHE “LAST CHRISTMAS”
    MATTY C BEATS “O HOLY NIGHT”
    DREW B CROHNS “AULD LANG SYNE”
    PRANCER & THE VIXENS “RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER”
    DEEP REST “WHEN CHRISTMAS COMES YOU’LL DO CHRISTMAS THINGS WITH CHRISTIANS AND YOUR COUSIN CHRISTIAN”
    DEMONDS “THE REASON FOR THE SEASON”
    JAZZTIME STARLIGHT CHRISTMAS ORCHESTRA ENSEMBLE “EVERYBODY SHAKE YOUR HANDS (IT’S TIME FOR CHRISTMAS)”
    DUSTIN NICHOLSON “TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS”
    DEMONDS “STREET NAMES (EPILOGUE)”

    For more information, and to keep up to date on release news visit: http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Super-Gnarly-Christmas-Volume-Two

    -Greg Allis

  • FEATURED BAND: Autumn Graveyard

    FEATURED BAND: Autumn Graveyard

    Band Name: Autumn Graveyard
    Genre: hardcore/metal
    Location: Corning/Elmira, NY
         Autumn Graveyard is a band of five self-taught musicians. They are vocalist Ian Williams, guitarists Kenny Sheldon and Jon Schultz, bassist Jake Tiedt and drummer Jeffrey Siptrott. The band is a multi-styled hardcore / metal group that plays what they feel and everything just comes together in a style of their own. They are an epic mix of brutal screams and growls, grinding guitar riffs, a steady bass beat and pounding rhythmic blasts of the drums.
         They put a whole lot of energy into every melodically brutal performance they give. After their shows, they stick around to hang out with their fans and to support the bands they share the stage with. Some of the guys can even be found in the pit moshing with the fans.
         In the summer of 2011, Autumn Graveyard recorded a 3-song EP. The band plans to record a 6-song EP once they are able to save enough money to do so. In the meantime, they’re busy spending their time working and playing any shows they can.
  • Rob Traynor of Black Water Rising discusses song structure; originality

    Rob Traynor of Black Water Rising discusses song structure; originality

    rob-traynor-of-black-water-rising-discusses-song-structure-originalityBlack Water Rising hails from Long Island, N.Y. and from the moment this writer came across them back around 2007ish, I was hooked. The power driven drums and bass punch you square in the chest from the first note. The guitars have enough balls to grab you by the neck and slam your senses into submission as the vocals of Rob Traynor, more power and no frills, complete the assault. They have you thrusting your fist in the air and banging your head along with the songs and never let you go. Their ‘Bio’ on Facebook simply says it best;

    “BLACK WATER RISING is a collection of soul baring, angst ridden, riff heavy material that is proudly anchored in the foundations of traditional Hard Rock song writing. Giant guitar driven monster riffs served up on a bed of crushing grooves with soaring melodic vocals and big hooks. Basically, NO FRILLS RIFF ROCK! Lyrically the message is socially and politically driven by the dark times we live in. With darkness seemingly growing by the day, BLACK WATER RISING is a name that fits this band like a glove. The philosophy of BWR is simple, they are not looking to reinvent the wheel; they just want to give it a much needed alignment in these musically stale times.”

    Vocalist/Guitarist Rob Traynor generously took some time to speak with me about who they are, where they have been, and where they are going. Enjoy.

    David – Let’s go from the beginning, when and where did the band begin?

    Rob – The band has been around now for about 4 years. Around 2005 I sat down and wrote a bunch of songs that would later become the BWR debut album. I had turned Mike my drummer on to the songs demos, he liked what he heard and we headed into the recording studio to rerecord the songs with real drums. We decided to form a band. After we completed about 5 songs we were introduced to Johnny as we were looking for another guitarist. Johnny introduced Oddie who filled out the band on bass. The chemistry was there, we jelled as a band and the rest is history. After finishing the album we set out to release the album and entertained some record deal offers but none seemed worth being involved with so we decided to do things on our own. We are all from previous bands that had record deals. Johnny was in Stereomud, Mike was in Boilerroom, and I was in Dust to Dust, so we had been down that road before with record deals so we were a little hesitant to get involved with anything that didn’t seem worth it. We started a Myspace page and released a few songs one of which was picked up by Octane on Sirius Satellite Radio here in the states, called “Brother Go On,” the song did rather well and ended up staying in rotation for over two years! A buzz started building on the band, we started making a lot of fans and we got the album out through SONY RED distribution here in the states.  We did a little touring around the Northeast and Midwest here in the states eventually, interest came in from Europe to get the album out there, so that’s when Metalville Records came into the picture and here we are today.

    David – Black Water Rising, how did the name come to be?

    Rob – I was listening to a Clutch song called “In the wake of the swollen goat,” and heard the line “Black water’s rising and it ain’t gonna stop.” I said to myself that would make a cool band name, and it fits the vibe of the band so I ran with it. Black water is a geological event that occurs when there is an earthquake and muck and mud on a swamp or lake floor is dispersed into the water above and turns it black and murky. Or you could just imagine a broken public toilet if that is what you fancy. Just another struggling black band.

    David – What is the bands recorded history and where can they get it?

    Rob – Our debut CD is in most record stores worth a shit. If it ain’t there, demand it. Everywhere online, iTunes, Amazon, etc.

    David – How does your writing process work? Do you have a certain philosophy?

    Rob – I write a riff which may lead to a melody, which then leads to the creation of other parts that eventually comprise a basic song structure on which other melodies are written. From this the vibe directs my lyrical approach. Most of my songs really write themselves, they build themselves. The pieces fall into place. Lyrically I write what’s on my mind. Political and sociological themes seem to make up the majority of my lyrics because it is these two categories which affect all of our lives on a daily basis. Through my music I have a voice to express my thoughts. I write from a lower middle class, blue collar, working mans point of view. Caught in the daily struggle, and just trying to get by. You may agree or disagree with what I have to say, and that is totally cool, but I speak my mind. I believe my music and message is empowering and positive with substance. I have something to say. Anyone can write about being a wanna be millionaire gangster, panties and parties, or how your Mommy or Daddy didn’t give you your allowance this week. That’s not my world, save that shit for the Lady Ga Ga’s, Kanye West’s and Justin Diaper’s, I don’t write about that shit nor do I have the desire to. As for what song lyrics mean the most to me, I mean what I say and I say what I mean. Not much to it, I just make it rhyme and I feel them all.

    David – I had a band say, the song comes first, originality second. I wasn’t sure how to take that. What are your thoughts?

    Rob – I agree. Write a good song; don’t worry about sounding “different.” I get off on a great song that moves me, not whether a band sounds unique.

    David – What is in the works now? Any new video plans? Are you guys working on a new album yet?

    Rob – Just finished a video for “No Halos” from the debut album and we are wrapping up a new album for a 2012 release. Very excited about the new album, and i cannot wait to turn folks on to it.

    David – Who have you played with and toured with, and what’s in the future?

    Rob – Lots of great bands, I couldn’t mention them all. We toured with Kings X that tour sticks out, shows went over great. We are working on some tours for the New Year.

    David – I see so many bands giving the store away for free these days online. I also never see these bands getting signed. What advice would you give to someone taking that road and trying to get signed?

    Rob – Just keep pushing your stuff out there, if it is any good it will get recognized by fans and industry. Sharks smell blood, so if you are starting to create a buzz they will come.  Deals aren’t what they once were and most are awful.

    David – What does Black Water Rising use to get your sound, gear head question?

    Rob – I think the sound really comes from the music style and vocals. Our gear is really your standard LP’s into Marshalls, Jazz bass into SVT, and Ludwig drums. Rock band 101.

    Nothing fancy, just tried and true.

    David – Thanks for the time and I look forward to hearing more from you guys, hands down one of my favorite bands.

    Rob – Thank you brother!

    You can find Black Water Rising on-

    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Water-Rising/14816181590?sk=app_2405167945

    Myspace:  http://www.myspace.com/blackwaterrising

    Website: http://blackwaterrising.com/

    -David Garlow

  • Borderline Suicide

    Borderline Suicide

    Borderline Suicide

    Borderline Suicide – Many bands have wallowed in obscurity while having the talent to break out into the music business.  Bands have come and gone only leaving remnants of songs and albums in the past.  Too many times we have seen good bands die without proper recognition.  With the release of  “Gone Forever”  by Borderline Suicide in September 2011, we have yet another piece of evidence that incredible musicianship can be found on the outside of confines a label instills.  This album rips through your heart with thrashing guitars, emotional lyrics, and a sound all of its own.  Borderline Suicide has managed to put together an independent album that sets the standards high within the underground. As I listened to each track I was amazed to find out that this release was the first ever for this band from Fulton, New York.  Each song seems to take the listener on an emotional roller coaster starting with, Take It All the Way to Dead Alone.  Most songs on the album stay fresh with a multitude of tempo changes and dramatic breakdowns.  The production of the album could have been better with the backup vocals but overall was solid.  Each song featured harmonizing guitars and vocals that told a story of struggle and pain.  My favorite songs on the album are No One Can See the Light and Punch ‘Em.  Punch ‘Em features the tempo changes that build up to dramatic breakdowns in the song while No One Can See the Light keeps the energy flowing for the listener.  I would highly recommend this album to anyone who enjoys metal music!  The album is priced at $10 each and is available at Soundgarden in Syracuse and Bodified in Oswego, NY.  Albums are also available directly from the band itself on Facebook.

    -Rob Born