Rapid Review: Downswing, Envy, Saviour, Viscera

Downswing - Good Intentions - A very nice record mixing classic sounding hardcore and some modern touches of cleaner singing and slight nu-metal influence. Another great find by Stay Sick Recordings and Attila frontman Chris Fronzack. Downswing puts a unique spin on the current hardcore scene which has become very heavy often bordering on not even being hardcore. Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Envy - The Fallen Crimson - Japan's premiere posy-hardcore band returns with a fresh take on screamo. I would compare this record to if Deafheaven were more post-hardcore than black metal. Many songs feature beautiful shoegaze passages with harshly screamed moments of genuine emotion. This is a rare case of a metal album you can relax to. Rating: 3 out of 5

Saviour - A Lunar Rose - This record does an excellent job of utilizing an a healthy blend of male and female vocals, something I've always been confused about as to why more metalcore bands haven't attempted this. Many of the records tracks sound soft and soothing before kicking into gear and picking up very nicely. This band shows a ton of promise. Yet another example that something must be in the water in Australia. Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Viscera - Obsidian - While I had high expectations for this album, I'm left feeling a bit disappointed. There's nothing really wrong with this record but it sounds like a million others that have come before it. With the uber focus on technicality now in this genre it starts to lose it's desired effect. I'm hoping the band can come out with something perhaps a bit more original with the next release. Rating: 2.5 out of 5