ALL REVIEWS BY: Bryce Cooley

After Devin Shelton left Emery, the future direction of the band was indefinite. What was once filled with somewhat sweet back up vocals was now replaced with hard and harsher screams. This brought Toby Morrell front and center on lead vocals and Josh Head delivering even more signat... (read more)

Instrumental indie rock has been becoming a more recognized trait in bands. One of the best bands that exhibit this style is Across Waters. Their album More Light is Never Ending is a great example of how creative bands that pursue this genre can be. Their style is similar to ... (read more)

House of Heroes over the years have steadily released great alternative rock-n-roll albums. That have received numerous praises from reviewers. read more)

I tried to search for words to describe I Am Empire's sound and came up empty.  Enter their official biography.  I Am Empire is described as "Blazing Alternative Rock."  I couldn't agree more.  Their music is intense but not heavy, catchy but not... (read more)

I will admit that I am out of practice on my hardcore.  I have become much more picky over the years.  Before A Plea For Purging (APFP), the latest metal CD I really listened to was probably August Burns Red's Messengers.  That being said, if I sound ... (read more)

Remember in elementary school when you liked one girl/guy but you "like liked" a different one?  Such is the case with Bellarive.  I like Leeland but I like like Bellarive.  Hailing from Orlando, FL, Bellarive consists of Sean Curran, Melissa Mage,&... (read more)

From Indian Lakes is a five-piece indie/rock band from…well…Indian Lakes, CA, (near Yosemite). From Indian Lakes is one of those bands that never lets me down. The many times I have seen them perform... (read more)

This review has been a long time coming.  We interviewed these guys a few months back, and I have been looking forward to reviewing their CD since.  Watchers and Hunters hails from Hollister, CA, a nice stop on the way to Monterey from Sacramento, CA, the town from which&nb... (read more)

If there is one word I could use to sum up I Am Alpha and Omega's The Roar and the Whisper, it would be passionate.  I say this without even reading up on their bio, which says, "This album is a culmination of our passion and dedication to this band f... (read more)

When I first got a request for a review of Children 18:3 I wasn't really sure what to expect.  I had seen them all over the internet but never really cared to pay much attention.  We... (read more)

As Copeland faded away from the scene Deas Vail supposedly pronounced "Day-us Vayl" entered my ear canal.  Though Deas Vail has been around since 2003 their momentum is picking up due to tours with the likes of Mae, Lydia and O' Brother as well as shows with Jon Fo... (read more)

A couple years ago I was passed a burned CD by my best friend with "Oceans Above" written on it.  She told me they had played at their church and how much she loved their worship.  Though she has great taste in music I was skeptical because I was not a fan of the ... (read more)

Not to be to cheesy but... with three seemingly unrelated words my hopeless romantic heart soars with Joy. Those words if you haven't guessed are Hazel and Vine. Think the poppy sensibilities and song craftmanship of the likes of Mae with the dancy electronic beats of Hello Goodb... (read more)

The first time I listened to this album I have to say I was pretty dissapointed. Just by listening to the first song my first impression was that they were beginning to conform to the post-hardcore/southern rock trend. I wouldn't say its way different from Underoath's sophmor... (read more)

This is the kind of hip hop you have come to expect from one of the core members of the Cross Movement. Though the beats on this CD are not amazing they work perfectly. They are much like Tunnel Rats in the sense that they are background music for what the emcee has to say. These are... (read more)

Music not for the average listener. This CD is seriously amazing but if you don't have an appreciation for good innovative music, it might just pass you buy. If you are expecting a hardcore CD, you will be dissapointed. Their is screaming, their is heavy distorted guitar, true bu... (read more)

For those who have not heard Twelve Gauge Valentine yet, that needs to change immediately! TGV has been making their mark on the hardcore scene with their new new style of metal meets chaos meets hardcore. This is not your typical chaotic hardcore band, there is wait for it... wait f... (read more)

I realize this review is coming quite late, but I figure no one else has done it, so why not me! Anyways,

Maybe I am just becoming a sap in my ripe old age of 23, but Mae is beautiful. They make me happy, in my opinion they can do no wrong. Of course this is my general opi... (read more)

I never really liked this band. I realized their talent, but they were just to disgustingly emo for me. So perhaps I have just become disgustingly emo, but I love them now. I think Mae is one of the prettiest bands I know, right up their with Copeland. They are not just another emo b... (read more)

To be honest I do not know how to best review this CD. Though I have heard much of Denison Marrs over the past few years I honestly never really listened to them so I did not know what to expect when I got this CD in the mail. Needless to say, I was suprised, in a very good way.

Caedmon?s Call has always been a very ministry focused bands. As far as song writing they have become one of my favorites. For those who do not know them they have a very acoustic folk style. Not something that is often reviewed on websites like this, but their wonderful so I figured... (read more)

Chasing Victory is yet another EmoCore, Screamo whatever you want to call it. Following in the footsteps of Thursday, the Used, Underoath etc.

The main problem with this CD is the production. Though better than anything I could do, it is not up to par with a lot of release... (read more)

All right metal heads this CD is for you. Pull out your acid washed genes, raise your fists, comb your mullets and get ready to rock.

First thought when I heard this CD was Living Sacrifice. Many of the riffs and drumming remind me of the Old Living Sacrifice. I still thin... (read more)

I kinda think I am lame at this point. The main reason is, is that I have had this CD for probably 2 1/2 months (since I saw him with Blindside) and I never once thought to review it. I thought of doing an interview, but a review? of a poetry CD? why would I? The better question I be... (read more)

When I heard He Is Legends songs that were on Pure Volume, I was really anticipating this album. It seemed as if they were their own style, a Dead Poetic with a deep growl and a few hxc riffs. Well after listening to the CD I was let down tremendously.

The CD starts with a... (read more)

This the CD that came out between "Carry Away" and "Clean." It was not pushed nearly as much because it is mainly a recording done by the boys in the room above their garage. Which to me is what makes it awesome, it is more personal, very intimate, very bare bones... (read more)

This CD is incredible. When I first heard the opening songs "Take my Life" and "Gravity" I was craving more. I was hoping the whole CD had this style (which is kinda a mix of R & B and Acoustic). But honestly I am really glad that it did not proceed in that wa... (read more)

For those who don't already know I love Shane and Shane. They are probably my favorite song writers, lyrically and musically. I really tried not to let my bias effect my rating, I am sure it did, but in the end I do feel they deserved the 10 I gave them.

Shane and Shan... (read more)

It is not very often that I review compilaton CD's but this CD has some new tracks from the Chariot, Norma Jean, He is Legend and Showbread so I figured it could be worth it for that reason.

Track 1: I am very sad to say, I am not huge on the new Norma Jean. The weird ... (read more)

Well Copeland does it again. This CD "Know Nothing Stays the Same" is a cover CD. It gives us Copeland fans something to listen to until their new CD comes out. Though their first CD is still one of my favorites, it is easy to play out because it is so freaking good. So get... (read more)

There is one main reason I bought this CD. That is the last track entitled "You sound like a White Boy." Not only is the title of this song funny to me, the song itself rocks my face off.

Anyways, so I bought the CD and I didn't really know what to expect, wh... (read more)

The fact that I gave this CD may not seem very special considering pretty much all of my reviews are positive reviews. But let me explain to you why it is for this CD.

Anyone who has read my reviews of any of the Tunnel Rats CD's (Sev Statik, Raphi, New Breed, Propagha... (read more)

I have never really heard a good definition of an emo band. I have heard "emotionally music" but in that case Slipknot is emo. Anger is an emotion after all. If I were to define emo based on this band I would define it as "beautiful" and "cute". That is ... (read more)

For all you metalheads out there that love Underoath's "Cries of the Past" CD, this CD may not be for you. Don't get me wrong, i love that CD, it is amazing in its own right. But I love this CD way more. Maybe because my short attention span can't hold out for a... (read more)

I have loved Blindside for awhile. I can't say I have been with them since the beginning, but I wish I could I would be proud to bear that title, alas it has only been about 4 years. But hey everyone has gotta start somewhere. These guys have come along way since their first self... (read more)

Ever since I started listening to worship music I began to enjoy this band very much. Their 2 other CD's All I Can Say and Our Love is Loud made a big impact on me and my life in worship. One thing I love about this group is the depth and honesty of their lyrics abo... (read more)

This is a very interesting CD. Everyone I let hear it seems to use the same key word to describe it "average". whether it be average vocals, average musician ship, average song writing etc. So in that way

I guess you could say this CD is average, but don't ju... (read more)

This is one of my favorite worship CD's. I picked it up by chance in the used section at the Christian book store I work at and took it home.

At first I was a little let down because it is pretty poor production, musicianship etc. But as far as following the Holy Spiri... (read more)

I realize this isn't a very new release but someone wanted me to review it so I will do my best. My favorite thing about this CD is the music. You can dance til you drop this CD it has awesome dancible rock beat, and great hooks. One of their singles "Ready Fuels" is a ... (read more)

Whats up all, this review has been a long time comin and I am sorry I made everyone wait so long. I first heard these guys a year or so ago with their CD "Running EP" needless to say I was very impressed. Though the recording quality wasn't amazing that CD was packed wi... (read more)

What can I say about Stars Are Falling? Well these guys started off in Sacramento, about a year and a half ago. I got to see one of their first shows and was already thoroughly impressed. Then only a 3 piece. SInce then they have had a few member changes and added a guitarist, lets j... (read more)

An awesome Sophmore project from the boys of West Sacramento. Now and Forever blows their premier release out of the water in everyway, production, song writing, lyrics, and musicianship and vocal display. This CD is better in every possible way, one of my favorite punk albums to dat... (read more)

GI Gantic is a side project of the singer and guitar player of the Supertones. This is very fitting because it sounds just like that. Unfortunatley it doesn't really sound different enough. The lyrics are very strong on this CD, as you can expect from Mojo. The guitar parts are v... (read more)

Honestly I never listened to or enjoyed Figure Four, but before you hardcore kids get to upset read the rest of this. This CD made me a believer and I am going to go get their older stuff as well. Some even argue this isn't there best CD, so if thats the case I am super excited t... (read more)

I have been a fan of KJ for awhile and this CD just cemented it even more. This CD has a good blend of fun upbeat songs, to very serious soul reaching lyrics. It is a mixture of great beats, memorable hooks and even songs that just make you want to praise God for the work he does in ... (read more)

The first time I heard these guys was quite a while ago, New Years Eve I believe. They played a show at my church, I didn't really know what to expect. My youth pastor knew the drummer and so he wanted them to play here so I figured WHY NOT the more the merrier. Though style wise... (read more)

Anyone who has ever come to ChristCore or talked to me knows that I love Showbread. So as you could expect knowing me I was as giddy as a school girl when i got their CD in the mail!! OK sorry enough about that.

Compared to their 3 independent EP's release the producti... (read more)

The Blue Letter has come a long way since their last E.P. "This Benchmark of Our Reality Was Never a Story at All." aside from much cleaner recording this CD is much more well thought out and diverse. One thing I have always loved about the Blue Letter is their timing or se... (read more)

I got this CD in the mail a day ago. How they got my address I am not fully sure, but I am not complaining. This CD is a split CD demo for an upcoming punk label Dug Records. The CD featured to upcoming bands Last Tuesday and Curbsquirell

Last Tuesday brought me back to th... (read more)

I don't know how many CD's out there claim to be the best now a days. "Hip Hop CD of the year" or "Hard Rock CD of the year" well one thing I have to say is this CD definatley got my vote. Beginning and ending the CD with an inspired spoken word poetry a s... (read more)

Shane & Shane have done it again. I would not say they outdid their last CD but more built on its excellence and passion. Their infectious melodies, and passionate lyrics cut straight to the heart of God revealing their hearts for worship, and revealing their desire to bring you ... (read more)

This Cd has become one of my favorite Worship CDs. Shane Everett for those who do not know is part of Waiting Room Ministries (Shane Barnard). When I found out he had his own CD I had to get it, and I am glad I did. The CD is simply a combination of worship songs such as "We Are... (read more)

A lot of peple may be wondering what a review of the newest Stacie Orrico CD is doing on a so-called "Hardcore" site. Well let me tell you. I have heard quite a lot of trash talked about this girl simply because she has decided to sign to a "secular label" HOW COU... (read more)

This is definatley one of Tooth and Nails poppier albums (all Joy Electric albums excluded). Poppy or not this is a good disk which brings about a new face of Tooth and Nail Records. Vocally this CD has a couple different styles, some may disagree but the singer almost seemed like a ... (read more)

Let me just say WOAH, from start to finish this CD is packed with the skill and intensity of at least a second record. I can say without a doubt that Sinai Beach will be climbing the ladder as a leader in the metalcore genre. Since signing to Facedown Records this band has created qu... (read more)

I may be biast on this review so please forgive me. Since the infamous song "My Girlfriend" Relient K has been one of my favorite cheesy pop punk bands, NO DOUBT ABOUT THAT!!! Without even listening to this CD this CD can entertain you. First off it has 4 different colors a... (read more)

This CD definatley lives up to part of its name "Beautiful" yes, "Letdown" definatley not. I have liked Switchfoot for awhile, I will be honest at first I did not enjoy them. When I first heard them I was in my Supertones phase where to be a Christian band you had... (read more)

I don't know what it is about this CD but I love it. At first I wasn't really sure I enjoyed it, but once I opened up my mind and gave it a chance I couldn't put it down. The style almost seems similar to Stretch Arm Strong meets Figure Four which is fitting because the b... (read more)

I first heard these guys like 3 years ago, and I will say honestly I was not impressed. They were sloppy and playing MXPX covers. If you have heard these guys recently you have no idea what I am talking about because now all you hear is a band that has established their own sound, an... (read more)

The Hanover Saints since their debut about a year and a half ago have taken California by storm. They have releases 2 independent split EP's with the likes of Shop 11 Phoenix and the Whiskey Rebels and a full length on Facedown Records (which they signed to after 6 months of bein... (read more)

I first heard the 30 second clip of "A Green Desire" on Dead Poetic's website after noticing the band had been signed to Solid State. Needless to say it only wet my appetite I had to hear more. I had been waiting for a really quality melodic hardcore group to come out a... (read more)

What can I say about the first Christian band I ever liked? Hmmmm, let me think I LOVE THEM, The Supertones have re-invented themselves once again. This time into a much more abrasive sound, less "rap ska" than the last CD, almost a little more like the Mighty Mighty Bossto... (read more)

I think this CD is one of the best CD's I have heard in awhile in the punk genre. This CD is a mix of rancid style punk and Squad Five-0 style rock, which is fitting because 2 of Squads guitar players played on this CD. They have now gone to full time with Squad but that is anoth... (read more)

There is only one phrase that can describe the band that is Calibretto 13, that is "Pulls no punches." You are either greatly offended by this band or you love their blunt honesty. I myself LOVE THEIR BLUNT HONESTY! Most people either like this band or do not like this band... (read more)

When I first heard this CD I was caught off guard by the "weakness" of the music on this CD. The guitars, and drums are very muted down and do not hit as hard as I was expecting. But this CD just doesn't need any of that to impress me. That is the sound they were going ... (read more)

I was waiting for this CD for quite awhile. I heard it on a bunch of Facedown Records comps and the tracks made me itchin for more Falling Cycle. I hear a lot of poeple saying they don't like this whole "metalcore" thing that has suddenly become the trend. Well as far a... (read more)

Honestly, what Kind of Hardcore site would I be if I didn't do a review of Living Sacrifice? If only more Hardcore / Metal suits played with as much accuracy and power as these five. Their newest CD far overshadows their previous releases. It is a mix of brutal vocals and excuse ... (read more)

some of you may know them as "That one christian parody band" same may not know them at all. Well let me introduce to you the Apologetix. The christian equivalent to Weird Al Yankovich. These guys do parody's of all different kinds of music, from the beatles, the monkee... (read more)

INGREDIENTS FOR GOOD FUN

2 cups Ben Folds Five
1/2 cup Weezer
a pinch of Queen & Pink Floyd
and a dash of Happy Days

bake for 10 minutes and you got the Swift. Their first release on Flicker Records, is packed with great songs f... (read more)

When I first saw their CD I honestly paid no attention to it, until a guy I was talking to spoke very highly of it. Then I decided to give it a try. Let's just say it never made it out of my CD player, it continues to be one of my favorite CD's and I kick myself for pre-judgi... (read more)

Though it seems dumb to write a review of a CD that came out quite a while ago, I don't mind looking dumb! Blindside has been a major part in my life and I feel obligated to show a little love to them. To be honest when I first heard this CD I was kinda dissapointed. I was so use... (read more)

You know I used to really not like Playdough. I heard him in Ill Harmonics and I never really thought much of him. To me Hip Hop was more about the beats, and Ill harmonics beats were "weak" compared to what I was used to. But things have changed for me.

My views... (read more)