Search - This Is Hell :: Sundowning

Hardcore Is Not Dead.

J. bateman | Salt Lake City, UT United States | 07/20/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."