RARGGHHH!!
Plymouth hardcore act Schiztome are becoming big in the underground metal scene, they have even recently received airplay on Kerrang Radio which is a big step forward. So, des the new album 'The Art Of Dying' live up to all the hype?
The title track, which is also the opening track, is a furious opener, a prime example of hardcore. 'The Age of Fire' is a slightly slower song, containing more grooves and dynamics of the hardcore genre. Whereas songs like 'Sleepless Malice', 'Possessed' and 'Symbiotic Disharmony' show the band's more 'death metal' side.
The band perform well on CD, they are also the kind of band that you would expect to be immense live like Hatebreed, Stampin' Ground e.t.c. The production is lacking somewhat, but in the world of underground metal it seems that it's 'tr00' to have poor production on your albums, but it's not too shabby here, it could be more polished though as the drums and bass could be made a tad louder and tighter to improve the quality.
This band are a fresh, new and young energetic act who are up and coming in the hardcore scene, they may not offer anything new to hardcore fans, but do you think hardcore fans listen to that kind of music to seek out originality? No is the answer.
The band themselves are pretty capable as musicians, the drummer is fast and keeps time with the music well, the guitarists can shred like there is no tomorrow and the bassist hits the low notes perfectly. The singer's style is what you would expect from a hardcore band, violent and full of hate. All the tunes on this album are just pure, simple, fucking brutal death/hardcore music.
If you like your music with no bullshit added and just want something to headbang, hardcore dance or circle pit too, then this album is almost certainly for you. Is 'The Art of Dying' the most violent album of the year so far? Perhaps. Well worth the money for fans of Hatebreed, Stampin' Ground and Walls of Jericho.