Review Summary: Hundredth's first album was inspired by the best of metalcore, but how does it stand as its own album?
Hundredth, a five-piece band from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I found this band through the record label Mediaskare. I figured they can’t sign that bad of a band. I was completely wrong. This band has a very melodic hardcore sound in the vein of Misery Signals, The Ghost Inside, and It Prevails. I feel as if this band succeeds at what It Prevails failed at with their recent album. Now lets move to the actual band instead of some of it’s influences. They have two releases under their belt, the first being an EP, the second being this, the Mediaskare debut “When Will We Surrender,”released March 30th, 2010. How does this record separate itself among the rest of hardcore bands?
There are breakdowns on this album, however they do not appear as frequently as most other bands of the genre use them. The band uses somewhat of a chug-chorus-breakdown formula, and for the most time it succeeds. The breakdowns do have an effect during the breakdown of the track “Desolate” I was head banging. At that point I realized this album does not want to reinvent the wheel, but use it to make a different wheel, which it succeeds at. The formula they do use can grow weary at times, however this release does stay exciting and wants to take you through different emotions. The bass, however is no where to be found, typical of the hardcore/metalcore genre. The drummer is competent and does stand out in a few spots with the few interesting drum fills. The guitarists shine in this album, however there no solos, which is disappointing, although their riffs and chugs can make up for this.
Now it is time to talk about the vocals. He is an interesting one using a lower pitched scream like Karl uses in Misery Signal’s album “Mirrors,” but at times he uses some what of a higher pitched scream a lot of metalcore bands use frequently. The vocalist changes his vocals to vary it, however if that does not do it for you don’t fret since there are three different guest vocalists on this album. The first track “Catalysts” features the vocalist from Mychildren Mybride a very hated band of the genre. The next song “Desolate” features the vocalist of The Ghost Inside, personally this is my favorite track. The final song with guest vocalists is “Willows” that features the vocalist of It Prevails, and he sounds at home in this song, it suits his voice. The album also features a plethora of clean vocals from the front man, no auto-tune is used here.
“When Will We Surrender,” takes you through an emotional trip from start to finish, and never lets up. At one minute it will be in a very aggressive breakdown, the next group chants with the chants being “You are my everything.” This album should not be overlooked. They have a lot of potential for an up and coming band. I will eagerly await their next release.
Pros
-Very emotional, and heartfelt.
-Great vocals and guest vocalists.
-Very catchy riffs and chugs.
-The Track “Desolate.”
Cons
-A little too long.
-No bass.
-Sometimes the variety in vocals doesn’t feel to great.
http://www.myspace.com/hundredth check out some songs.
