Fall From Grace/Skare Tactic "Split" CD
[Liberty]
This split CD EP offers up four songs each from two bands. Fall From Grace starts things out with some energetic metalcore that's far more melodic and enthusiastic than I thought it would be. There are some post-hardcore textures blended in with some faster chord progressions and more straightforward riffing alongside nonstop screaming vocals. Some of the writing is a bit more typical, such as the obviously huge breakdowns (check out the monstrous end of "Uprooting Tomorrow"), but for the most part this isn't at all what I expected. I really like the intensity of the music. The songs are short and the tempos tend to be just fast enough to really keep things moving strong. They've got a solid sound, too. The vocals are ever so slightly loud, but it's okay. The drums sound good, the guitars are right on, etc. I always say it, but yes... I think they should turn the bass up, but for the most part they sound fine (it's just a tad thin). The only real downfall is that I'm not into the lyrics here. They're personal and pretty generic if you ask me, taking things to emotional extremes without really putting a lot of thought into it: "Could you handle the hate that I have inside? Please just fucking kill me, Take this fucking knife and spill my blood, On your dirty hands, I spilled my fucking guts..." Ummm, okay then. Work on that aspect of the content and you'll be good to go. Skare Tactic is up next with some more traditional metalcore in the NYHC type of vein. There are more old school hardcore influences floating around amidst the mosh and the shouting vocals, but there's some modern action happening as well. They do have some melody and they mess with some oddly harmonic guitar noises at times, but that's about as far as they venture into unusual territory, as the writing is really straightforward. The recording isn't bad. It's a bit heavy on the low-end, but the basslines are fucking awesome and stray from mirroring the guitars, so I like the muddiness for the simple fact that it helps the basslines be more prominent. But the kick drums end up sounding sort of flimsy as a result, and more definition to the bass guitar would yield better results. Here the lyrics are also a bit typical, but they deal more with perseverance and things of that nature, and the passages are generally longer. "I was wrong when I thought we had so much, I won't be there when you cower away, With your eyes to the ground and nothing to say, And when it all falls apart, I'll be standing, I watch you run, That mask fits you so well, And I'm not sorry for turning my back, I'm sure we both have had some fucked up pasts, Our only difference is I'm still standing, I'm still standing." The layout's pretty cool. I love the thick, warm colors and textures, and the large block lettering on the face of the CD and in the booklet. Everything looks really clean. I think the soldier's face and the brighter colors of the front cover actually stick out from the better half of the visual aesthetic, but whatever. This is a strong split. I'd be interested in hearing more from both bands, but I've got to give this one to Fall From Grace overall. (6/10)
Running time - 22:14, Tracks: 8
[Notable tracks: The Light, Open Wound, Collapse, Anesthetic]
Liberty Records - http://www.libertyrecords.net

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