| September '21 Music Discovery |
| 1 |  | Fall In Archaea
Aura Magenta
Decided to start with some metalcore/deathcore/math to kick it off. These guys really surprised me. I was worried the album was going to be too formulaic and predictable, but there were more than a few times that it pleasantly surprised me. Female vocals on a song, lyrics I could understand sometimes, unexpected riffs etc. Worth listening to again for sure.
3.5/5 |
| 2 |  | Mindforce
Excalibur
Really wanted to like this more. Was recommend to me by a friend. The thrash + hardcore combo sometimes hit good, but for the vast majority of the album just started to sound monotonous. Didn't necessarily dislike the album, but given the buzz I had heard about it I expected more.
2.5/5 |
| 3 |  | Fall In Archaea
Gatherings
Went back to these guys because I was itching for more. Very solid EP, songs are more straightforward and there's less surprises than on their full-length, but the brutality and heaviness had more of a presence. Sounds like Ion Dissonance with some prog-inspired moments sliced in there. Great stuff.
3.5/5 |
| 4 |  | Black Matter Device
Modern Frenetics
Very solid mathcore/metalcore album. Vocal delivery and intensity are what stood out to me the most, but there are plenty of chunky riffs and small moments in songs that kept me engaged. What I'd imagine if Keith Buckley did vocals for early Dillinger Escape Plan.
3.5/5 |
| 5 |  | Nightcrush
You Mark Me the Deepest
Decided to listen to a just-released album instead of an older one for a change. I was impressed with the way the album had songs that sounded ominous and scary while simultaneously having pretty textures and synths going on. There aren't a lot of "loud" moments on the album, but the way the songs develop and change kept my attention.
3.5/5 |
| 6 |  | Every Time I Die
Gutter Phenomenon
Second ETID album I've ever listened to. This sounded a lot like Hot Damn! Part II, which isn't a terrible thing, but I wanted more standout songs on this. By the end of the album you feel like you've heard every song twice. Still, this goes hard and Buckley's vocals are a highlight along with the plenty of chunky & sassy riffs.
3.5/5 |
| 7 |  | The Plot In You
Swan Song
Listened to this the night it came out. Very pleasantly surprised by how good every song was. They knew when to inject heaviness into the songs and then return to the softer/cleaner parts. Sonically and lyrically a strong showing. This is like my dream combo of elements on Happiness in Self Destruction and Dispose.
4/5 |
| 8 |  | Employed To Serve
Conquering
Big fans of these guys so I was eager to listen to this one. While it is a solid and consistent album, I was a tiny bit let down. I prefer ETS when they are going into the metalcore/mathcore territory rather than straight up metal sound. The songs on their previous three albums are much easier to differentiate. Still, I will definitely keep listening to these guys and enjoying the crap out of their vicious style.
3.5/5 |
| 9 |  | Pressure Cracks
Pressure Cracks
Nice to listen to a shorter album to mix it up. 13 minutes of kick your fucking teeth in hardcore/metalcore that was just what the doctor ordered. Even though it is only four songs, they fit a lot of riffs, interesting vocals, and crazy moments throughout. Singer sounds a lot like Stray From the Path which is cool.
3.5/5 |
| 10 |  | Pressure Cracks
This Is Called Survival
Another quickie release. What I expected from these guys after listening to their first album. Still destroys but less interesting moments and more straight up brutality which is awesome as well.
3.5/5 |
| 11 |  | Ruby Haunt
Watching the Grass Grow
Some softer music for a little bit now I think. This album went by super fast for some reason, maybe because it has a pretty consistent sound and pace throughout. Enjoyed the vocals, instrumentals, atmosphere. Very sensual, melancholy music that I will definitely check out again.
3.5/5 |
| 12 |  | Blood Cultures
Happy Birthday
Changed up the genres again. This was a pretty cool album but it seemed a little front-loaded. Most albums are, but the first half definitely held my attention and then I kind of just got through the second half. Was glad to hear interesting electronic/dream pop stuff that even when I didn't necessarily like it, at least it was different. Love the song that starts at around 33 minutes in. Cool vocals and creative sounds throughout.
3.5/5 |
| 13 |  | A. G. Cook
7G
Decided to give this guy a try and before I knew it I was listening to a 2 hours/40 minute 49 track album. This is definitely impressive though in how it managed to keep my attention for the whole span. Lots of cool electronic, idm, hyper pop stuff that was a cool break from the heavier stuff I've been reviewing lately. Good study music for those long sessions I bet.
4.0/5 |
| 14 |  | Machine Girl
MRK90 Mix vol. 1
Listened to this while I did some reading for school. Perfect high-energy background noise but there were a lot of tracks, especially at the beginning, that slapped. Track 21 is god tier, need a whole album of stuff like that. Love Machine Girl, but I definitely listen more intently when it is an official album rather than a mix.
3.0/5 |
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