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Friday 28 October 2011

Machinae Supremacy - Overworld

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Artist: Machinae Supremacy
Album: Overworld
Genre: Alternative Metal, Hard Rock, Electronic
Released: February, 2008
Country: Sweden
Rating: 9/10

Review:

It's not trancecore, rather electronic metal like it's never been done before. Playing an infectious and hard hitting style of alternative metal, Machinae Supremacy has created something that's simultaneously as down to earth rocking as it is catchy, with shredding guitar riffs, solos, pounding drums and a unique, but strong vocal performance. However it's band's inclusion of sounds from the Commodore 64's SID chip that sets them apart from the competition, adding a whole other dimension to the music and giving the music a much larger sound. Although the sounds utilized are similar to those of nintendocore artists, Machinae Supremacy gives us so much more on the technical side, delivering an extremely satisfying listen.

1. Overworld
2. Need For Steve
3. Edge And Pearl
4. Radio Future
5. Skin
6. Truth Of Tomorrow
7. Dark City
8. Conveyor
9. Gimme More (SID)
10. Violator
11. Sid Icarus
12. Stand

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Spacebound - Evolution

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Artist: Spacebound
Album: Evolution
Genre: Trancecore, Rock
Released: January, 2011
Country: Russia
Rating: 7/10

Review:

Russia; net exporter of vodka, caviar and trancecore? Comprised of the members of another trancecore act 'EVO', 'Spacebound' features better hooks and a more polished production than the aforementioned artist. Even though it's got screams and breakdowns to match some of the heaviest acts in the genre, this is very much light pop album at heart. Highlights include 'Fuck You All' which features driving trance melodies, and the happy hardcore, pop punk styled 'Too Dissimilar'. Most importantly, the band never forgets they're a trancecore act, and the synths constantly play against the vocals for the spotlight, while melody never gets sacrificed for brutality, meaning they're easier to get into for those that aren't so fond of heavy music.

01. Интродукция (Introduction)
02. Все будет иначе (Everything Will Be Different)
03. Ты один из нас (You're One Of Us)
04. Время (Time)
05. Наша звезда (Our Star)
06. Плачь (Cry)
07. Пиксели (Pixels)
08. Я свободен (I Am Free)
09. Нет сил (No Forces)
10. Всем похуй на тебя (Fuck You All)
11. Слишком непохожий (Too Dissimilar)
12. Вьюга (Snowstorm)
13. Шаги в пустоту (Steps Into The Void)
14. Хочу другого (I Want Another)
15. Последнее письмо (The Last Letter)

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Sunday 23 October 2011

Sienna Skies - Truest Of Colours

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Artist: Sienna Skies
Album: Truest Of Colours
Genre: Post Hardcore, Trancecore, Pop Punk
Released: December, 2009
Country: Australia
Rating: 9/10

Review:

I think it's the sheer amount of energy present that makes this album so enjoyable. While other bands rely on chugging guitar riffs and breakdown after breakdown, 'Truest Of Colours' keeps the pace flowing, mixing A Day To Remember styled pop punk / hardcore, with danceable techno synths and the most positive lyrical content I've seen in a post hardcore band for a long time, singing songs of love instead of those of heartache. They've also stepped up the level of technicality from the EP, aided by the larger than life, but very unique production. The songs vary from post hardcore epics such as 'Sea Of Smiles' and 'Daylight Through The Nightlife' to melodic pop punk driven tracks, such as the playful 'Heartquake' and  'To All Aspiring'.

1. Commence
2. Worth It?
3. Heartquake!
4. Sea Of Smiles
5. Laughing Time Is Over
6. Daylight Through The Night Life
7. Amygdala
8. Part With Pride
9. iOpener
10. Poetry’s Not So Pretty
11. To All Aspiring
12. Breathe

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Sienna Skies - Where Joy Exists, Despair Beckons

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Artist: Sienna Skies
Album: Where Joy Exists, Despair Beckons [EP]
Genre: Post Hardcore, Electronic
Released: January, 2007
Country: Australia
Rating: 5.5/10

Review:

A promising first release for this Australian six piece, 'Where Joy Exist, Despair Beckons' sees them showcasing their own frantic style of post hardcore, with some keys thrown over the top for good measure. It's immediately obvious that the keyboardist was working with some fairly basic gear, as only a small variety of basic piano and strings sounds are utilized, however it does blend well with the music and provide an extra layer of complexity. The vocals are a real highlight, with the vocalist displaying powerful clean singing, something all too rare in this genre. The various instruments don't seem to mesh quite right, timing wise, and production isn't the cleanest, however it's still extremely catchy music, offering more than your average post hardcore artist. 

1. A Sports Related Injury
2. Turning Tides
3. Little Did You Know
4. Angst Of The Past
5. To All The Aspiring

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Tuesday 18 October 2011

Helia - 2036

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Artist: Helia
Album: 2036 [EP]
Genre: Metalcore, Trancecore, Electronic, Post Hardcore
Released: September, 2011
Country: Italy
Rating: 8.5/10

Review:

I was on the verge of writing this band off until this release. Gone are the simplistic post hardcore patterns, poor production values and off key singing from 'Shivers'; instead Helia have stepped up their game and produced a unique and memorable record. Sure some parts are borrowed; such as the breakdowns which are carbon copied from any metalcore act on Rise Records. However they've got a much keener sense for melody than other metalcore acts, meshing brutality and memorable hook driven choruses seamlessly. The production is also solid, and vocals have also seen a huge improvement, exploring a greater range. Technicality wise, this is step forwards in every element; this is band which has started taking things seriously.

1. Timetravel 0
2. Back To Delorean
3. Every Sun Turns Black
4. Memories From A River
5. Chapters
6. Memento Mori

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Helia - Shivers

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Artist: Helia
Album: Shivers
Genre: Trancecore, Post Hardcore
Released: September, 2009
Country: Italy
Rating: 5.5/10

Review:

Although there is a some brilliant material on this record, it seems as if Helia ran out of ideas for their debut album, and they would have been wise to cut half the material and release an EP instead. However the quality material does make this album a worthy listen, and fans of artists such as His Statue Falls and Asking Alexandria should enjoy this effort. It doesn't break any new ground, and overly relies on the same breakdown rhythms and chords, however I really got into the keyboard work on this album, as there was a variety of sounds used, including piano; surprisingly rare for this genre. Lead single "Str8 To North-East Lights" stands above the rest, which features head banging mosh and an extremely melodic chorus.

1. We Are The Light
2 .Metempsychosis
3. Six Steps Closer
4. Push It!
5. Breakdown Playground
6. 2009 Paura
7. Str8 To North-East Lights
8. D.P.M. (Dance Party Massacre)
9. No Surrender
10. Welcome
11. In Limbo
12. Shivers

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Monday 17 October 2011

Into The Ocean - Ruins

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Artist: Into The Ocean
Album: Ruins [EP]
Genre: Post Hardcore, Electronic, Progressive Rock
Released: April, 2009
Country: Australia
Rating: 8/10

Review:

The first and only release from this Australian five piece sees them fusing a variety of genres and influences, to bring a unique twist to the the electronic metal style. Every song is different; 'Idiots Of Noise' features an danceable techno beat and a hard rock fulled breakdown, while songs like 'Migration' and 'Doom', although lacking in electronic elements, showcase a smorgasbord of hooks and grandiose choruses. The second half is where the synths truly shine through however, combining with post hardcore and metal styled riffs to create a real dirty industrial feel. The ideas are always kept flowing, and through all the experimentation, the songs remain incredibly catchy at their core. For a self produced EP, this is an admirable effort.

1. Migration
2. Idiots of Noise
3. Doom
4. Hibernation
5. And the Mountain Gave Birth to a Mouse
6. Atalanta Fugien
7. The Soothsayer

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His Statue Falls - Collisions

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Artist: His Statue Falls
Album: Collisions
Genre: Post Hardcore, Trancecore
Released: February, 2010
Country: Germany
Rating: 6.5/10

Review:

Europe has produced a number of competent and talented trancecore bands in recent years, and it's now safe to say that His Statue Falls has joined the ever expanding list. It's the immense sounding trance anthem inspired synths really keep this album alive; elevating the music to trancecore anthem status, rather than just being another electronic post hardcore act. The guitar work follows the tried and true post hardcore formula, and while the screamed vocals are up to scratch, the cleans come across as whiny, although to the band's credit they've avoided the overused, headache inducing auto-tune. Not the most innovative album, however it's a grand example of the formula written and played well.

1. Let’s Get Crackin’
2. Capital H Capital O
3. Jasmin W. Knows How To Mosh
4. Give It Up! Give It Up!
5. Interlude One
6. Sooner If You Let Me
7. You Need Hit To Spell Shit
8. If Shakespeare Had A Myspace Profile
9. Interlude Two
10. A Headless Crow Can’t Bite
11. Does Any Of You Guys Know Why For God’s Sake Every Band On Earth Gotta Have Long Song Titles?
12. Bury My Shell At Wounded Knee

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Tuesday 11 October 2011

Abandon All Ships - Abandon All Ships

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Artist: Abandon All Ships
Album: Abandon All Ships [EP]
Genre: Post Hardcore, Metalcore, Trancecore
Released: July, 2009
Country: Canada
Rating: 5.5/10

Review:

This was the the EP that kicked off the career of Abandon All Ships and led to their signing with Rise Records. It's not a compliment in any way; Rise Records are undoubtedly home to some of the most generic  metalcore of today, so it was good to see them branch out and take a chance on a young and exciting trancecore band. While the overall style is much the same of the debut, it's the overall raw sound that makes this more interesting, it's just brutal trancecore stripped down to the basics, with no super slick production. Although the two strongest songs were re-recorded for the debut, it's still of some interest for those curious to see how it all began for this talented young band.

1. Pedestrians Is Another Word For Speedbump
2. Shake Your AAS
3. Megawacko
4. Brendon’s Song
5. In Your Dreams Brah!

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Abandon All Ships - Geeving

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Artist: Abandon All Ships
Album: Geeving
Genre: Post Hardcore, Metalcore, Trancecore
Released: October, 2010
Country: Canada
Rating: 7/10

Review:

One of the few trancecore bands to achieve more prominent mainstream success, Abandon All Ships follow the tried and true formulas of the genre, but since they do it so well there's really no need to push any boundaries here. Contrary to bands such as Asking Alexandria, they do attempt to work in more electronics throughout the music, creating a much grander sound, and I think it's this that saves them from falling into the void of mediocrity. Fan favourite 'Take One Last Breath' is a solid trancecore anthem, while 'Bro My God' features some truly brutal moments. Unfortunately the clean vocals are heavily auto-tuned, although it does add to the authenticity of the more mainstream sound they're aiming for, which is in essence a real trancecore party album.

1. Bro My God
2. Geeving
3. Megawacko 2.1
4. When Dreams Become Nightmares
5. Strange Love
6. Family Goretrait
7. Guardian Angel
8. Structures
9. Heaven
10. Take One Last Breath

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Monday 10 October 2011

I See Stars - The End Of The World Party

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Artist: I See Stars
Album: The End Of The World Party
Genre: Post Hardcore, Electronic, Pop Punk
Released: February, 2011
Country: United States
Rating: 7.5/10

Review:

I See Stars have really expanded thier influences on this record. The band's trademark electronic post hardcore sound is still present, if only just, but 'The End Of The World Party' sees them taking a step away from '3D', and attempting to make a move into pop punk territory. They've always been a pop band at heart, and this aspect has really been given more prominence on this album. The title track sees a return of the disco like drumming, and features a dark symphonic breakdown in the bridge, while 'Still Not Quite Enough' echoes Relient K, and 'Over It' sounds suspiciously like Owl City until a breakdown makes an appearance. There's unfortunately less screaming, however this is more than compensated by the stellar songwriting.

1. The End Of The World Party
2. Over It
3. Still Not Quite Enough
4. Wonderland
5. Home For The Weekend
6. It Will Be Up (High School Never Ends)
7. Upside Down
8. The Common Hours II
9. Where I Let You Down (Numb)
10. Glow
11. Pop Rock And Roll
  
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I See Stars - 3D

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Artist: I See Stars
Album: 3D
Genre: Post Hardcore, Electronic Rock, Trancecore
Released: April, 2009
Country: United States
Rating: 6.5/10

Review:

I See Stars were pioneers in this style, and alongside bands such as Attack, Attack! they were among some of the first to introduce electronics to post hardcore. Although this particular style of pop like post hardcore is the subject of a large amount of criticism, I See Stars seem to have more credibility as musicians, writing stronger hooks and avoiding relying on the same old song structures. It's very danceable, positive sounding music, with plenty of mosh in amongst the chaos, and with electronics meshing in between the guitars, rather than showing off with fancy melody lines. And although the singer seems to only stick to one auto-tuned and painfully high octave, and listening to too much will literally drive you insane, it's still an impressive first album.

1. Project Wakeup
2. The Common Hours
3. 3D
4. I Am Jack's Smirking Revenge
5. Save The Cheeleader
6. The Big Bad Wolf
7. Where The Sidewalk Ends
8. Comfortably Confused
9. Sing This!
10. Interlude: The Ocean
11. What This Means To Me

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Sunday 9 October 2011

Various Artists - Punk Goes Pop 3

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Artist: Various Artists
Album: Punk Goes Pop 3
Genre: Trancecore, Post Hardcore, Pop Punk
Released: November, 2010
Country: United States, England
Rating: 8/10

Review:

Although the now renowned "Punk Goes..." compilation series once focused on punk bands, the roster has seen a significant shift towards up and coming metalcore bands and this is especially apparent in the latest 'Punk Goes Pop'. Since modern pop features a lot of synth and trance sounds, it was only fitting that some trancecore would make an appearance on this album. We Came as Roman's cover of 'My Love' is a prime example of a cover done right, switching between synth heavy breakdowns and auto-tuned electronic pop; in essence just one enormous mosh track. Asking Alexandria also make an appearance with a cover of 'Right Now', which is a catchy as it is heavy and Woe Is Me's cover of 'Hot N Cold' switches up tempos, dynamics and styles frequently enough to create a diverse interpretation that improves on the original by far. 

1. Breathe Carolina - Down
2. Woe, Is Me - Hot N Cold
3. Artist Vs. Poet - Bad Romance
4. Mayday Parade - In My Head
5. Asking Alexandria - Right Now (Na Na Na)
6. This Century - Paper Planes
7. The Word Alive - Heartless
8. Family Force 5 - Bulletproof
9. Of Mice & Men - Blame It
10. Miss May I - Run This Town
11. The Ready Set - Airplanes
12. Cute Is What We Aim For - Dead & Gone
13. Sparks The Rescue - Need You Now
14. We Came As Romans - My Love

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Silent Descent - Duplicity

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Artist: Silent Decent
Album: Duplicity
Genre: Melodic Death Metal, Symphonic Metal, Trance Metal
Released: March, 2008
Country: England
Rating: 7/10

Review:

Dubbed by Metal Hammer as, 'the trance metal juggernaut the world has been waiting for', Silent Decent pushes the boundaries of technicality in this often very stripped down genre. At heart they are a melodic death metal band, however it's the constant scattering of synth leads and huge symphonic strings throughout the songs that keep this band from becoming just another carbon copy of In Flames. Most of the songs follow a pattern, with dual guitar riffs, choruses, guitar solos and keys thrown over the top of it all, although a few deviate, such as the symphonic black metal inspired 'Blood Fucked', and the slower instrumental, 'Hitting The Ground', which could have been pulled straight from an Epica record. They're hardly trance metal juggernauts, but they're fresh and bursting with talent, a very welcome addition to the trance metal scene.

1. Anagram
2. Beyond Grey
3. I Can. I Will
4. Bleed In Trust
5. Duplicity
6. Blood Fucked
7. Prepare To Fly
8. Hitting The Ground
9. Failure
10. Living In False Eternity
11. In The Skies

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Saturday 8 October 2011

House Vs. Hurricane - Perspectives

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Artist: House Vs. Hurricane
Album: Perspectives
Genre: Post Hardcore, Electronic, Progressive
Released: March, 2010
Country: Australia
Rating: 6/10

Review:

House Vs. Hurricane have always been a band that does things their own way, and this is no exception. 'Perspectives' sees them continue in the vein of 'Forfeitures', fusing synths with their unique riff driven style of post hardcore. The techno sections are worked into the songs much better and it feels more cohesive as a whole, however doesn't have the same lasting value as their debut. Standout song would have to be 'Off The Wall' which takes the meaning of epic to a whole new level with an uplifting and melodic chorus. My only criticism is that the keyboard player seems to rely on the same sounds too much, and as the album progresses it all tends to sound the same, but it's still worth a listen.

1. Leaps & Bounds
2. We, The Reserveless
3. Lessons Learnt
4. Off The Wall
5. Experiences
6. So They Say
7. Complexing The Simple
8. Orphan
9. Positively Shifted
10. I. Sinister, In Many Forms
11. II. Softlight
12. III. Nevermore

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House Vs. Hurricane - Forfeiture

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Artist: House Vs. Hurricane
Album: Forfeiture
Genre: Post Hardcore, Electronic, Progressive
Released: June, 2008
Country: Australia
Rating: 7/10

Review:

They self describe themselves as cinematic hardcore, and it seems to be a very apt description. Debut release 'Forfeiture' sees the band combining post hardcore, ambiance, strings along with techno / dance passages. The dance like sections truly distinguish themselves from the rest of the music; one moment you'll listening to soaring guitar riffs with screams and the next you find yourself in the middle of some happy styled techno hardcore. They also manage to push the song writing boundaries further than their counterparts, with songs such as 'Furious George', which has an inspired piano led breakdown and the title track, which combines all the elements mentioned above into a real progressive piece of post hardcore.

1. Introduction
2. Forfeiture
3. Comforting Our Thoughts In A Continuous Blue
4. Seeing Things Through Water
5. Colour Space
6. The Only Virtue
7. Furious George

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Fail Emotions - Side A

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Artist: Fails Emotions
Album: Side A [EP]
Genre: Trancecore, Post Hardcore
Released: June, 2009
Country: Russia
Rating: 6.5/10

Review:

Fail Emotions are a band that put the 'trance' in 'trancecore'. This debut release sees them showing off their talents with a mix of both English and Russian lyrics, and this is as much music to dance to as it is to mosh too. Very few songs follow a typical verse / chorus formula. Instead they blend together a wide variety of metalcore and dance passages to create a much larger concept than most present day trancecore artists. The auto-tuned vocals are overused, but the screams are easily up to standard, resulting in an enjoyable record.

1. Intro (Fatal Mix)
2. Crying After Dream
3. Tы лжешь
4. Eternity
5. Through Energy Light (Cквозь cвет)
6. Кaпли дoждя
7. How Much Is The Fish (Scooter Cover)
8. Paботa в cтуди

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Fail Emotions - Transfornation

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Artist: Fail Emotions
Album: Transfornation
Genre: Trancecore, Post Hardcore, Dubstep
Released: December, 2010
Country: Russia
Rating: 10/10

Review:

Fail Emotions is possibly the first true trancecore band. While many follow tried and true path of playing metalcore then throwing some synths over the top, this is a band that takes the trance aspects of the band seriously. The songs come across more as trance anthems rather than metalcore, however there's still enough breakdowns and technical guitar work to keep the metal heads happy. It's an album with everything; from the pounding drums and guitars of 'Suit & Tie' to the powerful contrast of soft and loud dynamics in 'Wasted', all aided by top notch production values, this will be a band to watch in the future. 

1. Intro (Teleportation)
2. Suit & Tie
3. Shades
4. Wasted
5. Makes Bad
6. Satellite
7. Crossed Borderline
8. Dance Macabre
9. In The Mix (Electronic Trancestep Melody)
10. Trancefornation Part. 1
11. Trancefornation Part. 2

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Friday 7 October 2011

Enter Shikari - Common Dreads

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Artist: Enter Shikari
Album: Common Dreads
Genre: Trancecore, Post Hardcore, Electronic Rock
Released: June, 2009
Country: England
Rating: 7.5/10

Review:

'Take To The Skies' was always going to a tough one to beat, but Common Dreads almost gives it a run for it's money. There's a lot more singing and spoken word, and a lot less screaming, however the band have taken thier experimentation with electronics even further on this record. There are some truly brutal trancecore anthems, such as the fast and furious 'Solidarity' and the uplifting 'Juggernauts'. They have gone overboard on the interludes, however they've also branched out with their songwriting and this album covers a wide range of terrain such as dubstep, techno, drums and bass, electronic rock and even jazz. Well worth the listen.

1. Common Dreads
2. Solidarity
3. Step Up
4. Juggernauts
5. Wall
6. Zzzonked
7. Havoc A
8. No Sleep Tonight
9. Gap In The Fence
10. Havoc B
11. Antwerpen
12. The Jester
13. Halcyon (Intro)
14. Hectic
15. Fanfare For The Conscious Man

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Enter Shikari - Take To The Skies

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Artist: Enter Shikari
Album: Take To The Skies
Genre: Trancecore, Post Hardcore, Metalcore
Released: March, 2007
Country: England
Rating: 9/10

Review:

This is where the trancecore revolution started, and it would have to be argued that this was the definitive trancecore record of it's time. It might not be as heavy or as brutal as some modern day trancecore acts, but it's way more diverse and fun. The synths always remain front and center, and every song is different; from the techno happy 'Labyrinth' to epic 'Anything Can Happen In The Next Half Hour', before showing thier soft side with the delicately mellow 'Adieu'. Melody always take prominence over breakdowns, however Enter Shikari work in some truly heavy moments as well. An essential for any trancecore fan. 

01. Stand Your Ground; This Is Ancient Land
02. Enter Shikari
03. Mothership
04. Anything Can Happen In The Next Half Hour
05. Interlude 1
06. Labyrinth
07. No Sssweat
08. Today Won’t Go Down In History
09. Interlude 2
10. Return To Energizer
11. Interlude 3
12. Sorry You’re Not A Winner
13. Interlude 4
14. Johnny Sniper
15. Adieu
16. OK Time For Plan B
17. Closing

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Asking Alexandria - Reckless & Relentless

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Artist: Asking Alexandria
Album: Reckless & Relentless
Genre: Trancecore, Metalcore
Released: April, 2011
Country: England
Rating: 7.5/10

Review:

While 'Stand Up And Scream' found this band an audience, 'Reckless & Relentless' brought them to the masses. It continues along the same lines of the debut, fusing metalcore riffs with danceable trance melodies, and plenty breakdowns to mosh to. It's the same basic ideas, but everything has been taken further, such as a greater use of strings and atmospheric synths. There's also a scattering of better written, catchier choruses, something the last album lacked. If you didn't like them before, this won't change your view, however fans should be more than satisfied with this strong second release.

1. Welcome
2. Dear Insanity
3. Closure
4. A Lesson Never Learned
5. To The Stage
6. Dedication
7. Someone, Somewhere
8. Breathless
9. The Match
10. Another Bottle Down
11. Reckless & Relentless
12. Morte Et Dabo

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Asking Alexandria - Stand Up And Scream

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Artist: Asking Alexandria
Album: Stand Up And Scream
Genre: Trancecore, Metalcore
Released: September, 2009
Country: England
Rating: 6.5/10

Summary:

An explosive debut, this album wastes no time in getting down to business. While the metalcore styled guitar licks from the two guitarists are certainly as good as anything else from the metalcore scene, it's the breakdowns that feature prominently; the last one has barely finished before the next one begins. However it's the trancecore sections that most songs conclude with, which are so brutally epic, that makes the band stand out from the competition. It's not perfect, but it's a solid first effort from the band. 

1. Alerion
2. Final Episode
3. A Candlelit Dinner With Inamorta
4. Nobody Don't Dance No More
5. Hey There Mr.Brooks
6. Hiatus
7. If You Can't Ride Two Horses At Once...You Should Get Out Of The Circus
8. A Single Moment Of Sincerity
9. Not The American Average
10. I Used To Have A Best Friend (But Then He Gave Me An STD )
11. A Prophecy
12. I Was Once, Possibly, Maybe, Perhaps A Cowboy King
13. When Everyday's The Weekend

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