Human Demise - The Odditorium - cd

There's no denying that Dwid Integrity has left his mark on the worldwide hardcore scene. From the US to Asia people have been influenced by 'his' combination of metal and hardcore accompanied by dark, sinister lyrics. Dutch band Human Demise is one of them.

Being around since 2004 Human Demise know what they're doing. Something that is easy to recognize while listening to songs like 'Born/Unborn' and '5x2'. There is definately a nineties feel to all these songs reminding me of Earth Crisis, Ringworm and maybe the second Strife full length.

Lyricwise Human Demise is the total opposite of any React! Records bands coming forth with dark, moody lyrics describing the worst of humankind.

The only negative aspect of this record (if you don't take the negative lyrics into consideration that is) is the execution of the artwork. I think you could do more with a style somewhat similar to American Nightmare's Background Music. Especially the lyrics are at some parts unreadable, giving the total package something of a too rushed feel.

Despite that, on 'The Odditorium' Human Demise show they're a mature band able to win the souls of Integrity and other metalcore fans worldwide.

Myspace: Human Demise

Still Screaming - From The Ashes Of A Dead Time -cd

Back in 1995 when the US hardcore scene was mostly about too large pants, sweatbands and veganism the European hardcore scene was for a large part dominated by a type of hardcore called Eurocore. In The Netherlands Backfire and Right Direction were the biggest exponents of this scene while in Germany Rykers and Brightside were calling the shots. Eurocore was the European version of New York Hardcore and was really big in Western Europe for five years.

Still Screaming is a fairly new band from Germany with some ex-Brightside members still doing the Eurocore sound. Think Blood For Blood mixed with early Biohazard and you have a good idea of the songs and sound of Still Screaming.

There's a lo of looking back on From The Ashes Of A Dead Time musicwise but the record never sounds outdated. With a very good production and catchy songparts this record would have been an Eurcore classic years ago but also fits perfectly in with nowadays' bands like Death Before Dishonor.

There's no really political message or very emoish lyric on From The Ashes Of A Dead Time but that's okay.

The record ends with a remix featuring German hiphop artists Black Market Crew, which makes for a suprise ending for a quality release. From The Ashes Of A Dead Time won't revive the Eurocore scene, but it's a solid enough record for NYHC fans old and new.

Myspace: Still Screaming