Balmain – Reach the Unreachable
Genre: Screamo / Post-Hardcore, Melodic Metal, Alternative Rock
Similar artists: Deftones, The Cure, Death from Above 1979, The Bravery, Architects, Depeche Mode, A Perfect Circle
You learn a thing or two after playing in a myriad of crappy, and decent, punk bands. You certainly learn things about writing, about how to approach a show, or even about the necessity of practising diligently. But, there’s one piece of knowledge that stands head and shoulders above everything else: When in doubt play more aggressively!
The world is looking for aggressive music, and it doesn’t have a lot of musicians that it can trust or believe in. Sure, there are people that could scream loud enough to scare a herd of goats. Yes, there are albums filled with guitar detuned so much that your bowels will shake in anticipation. But, most of these musicians are really, merely, exercising their D&D fantasies in front of an audience.
Balmain’s Reach the Unreachable mixes modern anger with a classic sort of sophistication. The sound is the natural result of over six decades of aggressive, hard-rocking music. It’s also the result of having been exposed to the great metal, goth, and alternative bands of yesteryear. Balmain have the finger on a pulse that is tremendously high and fidgety and they don’t sound like they’re looking to let go anytime soon.
AVOID – Split (Kill It)
Genre: Screamo / Post-Hardcore
Similar artists: A Day To Remember, Knocked Loose, Waterparks, Falling In Reverse
Heavy guitar music is a lot like horror movies. Everyone knows what they’re there for. But, the screams of terror aren’t always provided. In fact, statistically, most horror movies are funnier than they are terrifying. And, it’s not because the creators wish for things to be this way.
The same happens for heavy music. Sure, most of the bands that achieve some kind of fame are technically sound. The loud, overbearing vocals take years to master. So does the ability to play the syncopated rhythms on drums, or create the guitar riffs required. But, ask yourself one thing: Does this music really speak to your anger?
AVOID’s Split (Kill It) is an example of modern screamo that doesn’t just describe anger, but lets you experience it with the artists. The music is the equivalent of a public fit of rage. A lot of its qualities rely on excellent singing, an exercise in modern gritty vocals. AVOID provide all that they promise. This is moshpit music that should appeal to fans of modern metal.
