Darkest Hour  "So Sedated So Secure"   (Victory Records)
     It's insane how many bands are gaining in popularity because of their roots in metal bands like Iron Maiden and other technical metal bands from the '80's.  Darkest Hour takes all their metal influences and couples it with a definite hardcore influence and they just run with it.
     Dual guitar driven metal with drums and bass that sound more like cannons comprise the music behind the throaty, ripping vocals that tear at you chest; that's what makes Darkest Hour so amazing.  It only took a 20 minute set in Chicago one night last October to get them signed.  That 20 minute set was played after the band spent 24 hours in a van driving from Rhode Island to Chicago just so Tony Brummel (Victory Records owner) could hear them, so you can imagine how intense these guys are as people, much less a band.   (DW)

Order It From:  Insound  -  CDNow
MP3:  "An Epitaph"
Band Website:  www.darkesthour.net
Label Website:  www.victoryrecords.com

Minus  "Jesus Christ Bobby"   (Victory Records)
     It's not too often that I put a CD in that I literally say, "Wow!" aloud.  I've listened to every song on this disc twice so far and I can honestly say that it will be in my CD player for a while.
     From the depths of Iceland come one of the most insane new bands I've heard in a while.  Minus is extremely tight and they aim to impress while they deal their destruction.  Imagine if Static X, Mr. Bungle and System Of A Down all got together and just went off.  That's the best way I can describe Minus.
     To break it all down to one simple sentence, Minus is organized chaos.   (DW)

Order It From:  Insound  -  CDNow
MP3:  "Chimera"
Band Website:  http://www.dordingull.com/minus
Label Website:  www.victoryrecords.com

Waterdown  "Never Kill The Boy On The First Date"   (Victory Records)
     When I first heard Waterdown's "Drawasmilingface" I was seriously impressed.  Waterdown's music is melodic at times and chaotic at others, but always very powerful.  Marcel and Ingo do an amazing job trading singing/screaming duties while the rest of the band churns out song after song that will assuredly get stuck in your head.  I found myself humming a couple of them later without even realizing what I was doing at first.
     This German six piece were originally parts of four other bands, and the monotony of playing just one style all the time finally got to them, hence, Waterdown was born.  They were brought to the attention of Victory Records when Grade vocalist, Kyle Bishop, called up the label praising them.  Now, with the "Drawasmilingface" EP and "Never Kill The Boy On The First Date" under their belts, Waterdown is about to start up their first US tour with Drowningman and labelmates, Thursday.
     In a music scene where all bands sound alike, a band like Waterdown are a welcome change.  Indie kids, hardcore kids, punk kids and virtually everyone else that enjoys music will find something in Waterdown to love and enjoy.   (DW)

Order It From:  Insound  -  CDNow
MP3:  "Impress Me"
Band Website:  www.waterdown.de
Label Website:  www.victoryrecords.com

Superkollider  "Superkollider"   (Wonderdrug Records)
     When I was first introduced to Boston hardcore it was with bands like Stompbox, Tree & Sam Black Church.  I've always loved the way those bands played with such intensity and had so much fun with their music, and I always love the way a lot of the bands, especially Stompbox, had that stop-start, heartbeat riff style (similar to Helmet).  After a few years we didn't hear this style of heavy Boston hardcore anymore and were left waiting to see who would bring it back and IF anyone would bring it back.  Finally, someone has;  Superkollider.
     Superkollider's debut self titled CD has already seen them playing shows all around New England with the likes of Tree and many more notable acts.  In fact, River from Tree actually makes a guest vocals appearance on "Human."  Undoubtedly this is only the beginning for these guys as we will see them playing out supporting such a solid release.   (DW)

Order It From:  Insound
MP3:  "Mean (Demo)"
Band Website:  www.superkollider.com
Label Website:  www.wonderdrugrecords.com

One Step Behind  "Learning To Fall"   (Independent)
     One Step Behind brings the rock to the quiet town of Wheeling, WV.  In a time when rock music is more of a novelty it's great to see such a good band come around.
     Forming from the ashes of DSX, One Step Behind brings really creative rock with a decent amount of punk thrown in, and the occasional cello appearance.  There's even a great cover of "Eternal Flame" by The Bangles.
     The only complaint I have about this CD is that the vocals sometimes move in and out of key, but other than that, it's great.  If you get the chance to see them, give our bud Danny a hug, he likes em.   (DW) 

Band website:  http://www.onestepbehind.bipx.com

Comin Correct  "In Memory Of"   (Triple Crown Records)
     I was surprised at how good this CD was when I started listening to it.  Rick Healey is back with a new lineup for Comin Correct and a drive to spread a message.
     "In Memory Of" is a dedication to Rick's father as well as Lord Ezec's (Skarhead vocalist) father who both passed away last year.  Rick and Ezec team up on "Whoever Told You Life Was Fair" and let it all out.
     This album shows a less metal side of Rick Healey (or better known as Rick Ta Life) as we've seen in the past with 25 Ta Life or even other Comin Correct albums.  There is definitely a lot of punk rock and older hardcore influence here with a ton of dance parts and sing alongs for all the kids.  If you've ever been a fan of any of the NYC greats like Agnostic Front, Madball, Murphy's Law or Rick's other band, 25 Ta Life, give this a shot.   (DW)

Order It From:  Insound  - CDNow
Label Website:  www.triplecrownrecords.com

SNACH  "The SNACH EP"   (Independent)
     SNACH is a punk rock 5 piece from Wheeling, WV that definitely knows how to have a good time.  These guys are so in love with music that aside from doing SNACH as their main band, they are all involved in at least 1 side project.
     Steve, Night, Abhay, Chris, and Halavah (the name SNACH comes from the first letter of each band member's name) have already released one full length as SNACH, with another set to come out this fall - this EP was just something to hold us over until then.  This is my first experience in hearing these guys and I have to say that I seriously enjoy it.  It's no wonder that these guys are one of the most popular bands in northern West Virginia.  Give it time and they will spread that popularity like wildfire.   (DW)

Band Email:  Steve_o_27@hotmail.com

Neutral Agreement  "Demo"   (Independent)
     Neutral Agreement is a band that gets better and better with age.  This 3 song demo is such an improvement on their last CD, "Motorbuggy", when that was a great CD.  These songs are incredibly emotional and fun, and you will be surprised how many times you can enjoy listening to the same 3 tracks over and over again.
     As a Christian band, Neutral Agreement spreads the Word of God to the listener, but not in a way that could make the listener feel as if the band's beliefs are being forced on them.  Their music and lyrics are both amazing and can be appreciated by people with or without Christian beliefs.  You'll never be sorry you checked these guys out.   (DW)

Band Website:  www.neutralagreement.com