The Heads are Zeros - All the Men I Love Are Dead

Clocking in just short of 8 minutes, this EP is a whirlwind of tech and grind reminiscent of early Daughters and The Sawtooth Grin, with elements of hardcore similar to Converge. However, that description doesn't begin to cover it. This band has such a delightful and eclectic blend of influences, it's hard to tire of "All the Men I Love Are Dead," and you'll soon find it on repeat. Super tight percussion, razor sharp guitars, and the disturbing and visceral prose poetry of vocalist Olivia Henry make this a powerful debut.

Seizures - The Sanity Universal

So last night I ventured out to SUB/Mission to see Deathwish Inc heavyweights, Cult Leader and Oathbreaker, and ended up discovering this great band from the OC. Although the aforementioned touring package's performance was obviously flawless, Seizures really seemed to steal the show. I was tempted to immediately compare them to Converge and Gaza (who's latter incarnation shared the stage with them that night), but as their set progressed it became clear they also had their own distinct voice, with thoughtful compositions that both pay homage to their influences yet still strike out in new and interesting directions. Truly next-generation mathcore, and fans of any seminal metalcore / mathcore bands in the vein of Botch etc should really give these dudes a listen, as they're efforts seem to be criminally under appreciated.

Favorite tracks: Channeler, The Story's as Old as the Pills.

Every Time I Die - From Parts Unknown

...because, why not?

I don't think this band is capable of releasing a bad album.

Sectioned - SHDDRSCTND Split

Sometime ago I posted about Frontierer, an international two piece playing heavy and technical grooves in the vein of The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza and Ion Dissonance. Guitarist Pedram Valiani is also involved in another similar project, Sectioned, which plays a more slightly more eclectic blend of hardcore. The aforementioned grooves, however, are not entirely abandoned (see Prodigal Scum).

Sectioned's entire discography can be download free/name your price on Bandcamp.

Convert - 7"

Speaking of Destroyer Destroyer, 3/5ths of the band (vocalist Jamie Schnetzler, guitarist Corey Ray, and bassist Lucass McRay) have formed another project called Convert. Those of you expecting another Destroyer Destroyer might be disappointed, as the band has deviated from it's original techgrind/mathcore sound to something closer to traditional hardcore and grind. However, their sound is as furious as ever, and they've proven themselves to be versatile song-writers.

Cara Neir - Portals to a Better, Dead World

I do love Cara Neir's curious blend of grind and crust and black metal and....screamo? Truly a fun listen that takes you on a journey through your favorite sub-genres. This release has some moments that reminded me a bit of Converge, as well as longer songs that seem to focus more on the hardcore and screamo aspects of their music. 

Edit: I'd also like to add this record includes cello and what sounds like organ on "Exalting the Shadow Proprietor."

Horselover - Discography

Horselover (abbreviated HRS LVR), which might best be described as later Daughters or Destroy All Operating Systems with more whammy pedal, posthumously released an EP last month. It's too bad, because although they weren't prolific, there was potential here.

Also, the vox remind me of my friend Doogie, from Moth Voices. Another mostly unknown and defunct act, but brilliant nonetheless.

Danza - The Alpha The Omega

Alternative Press has premiered another a new Danza track, and it is nothing short of thrilling. The track features a crushing triple vocal assault near the end, with guest vox performed by Alex Erian of Despised Icon, and Phil Bozeman of Whitechapel.

The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza - You Won't

The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza has announced their new album, Danza IIII: The Alpha - The Omega, will be released October 15th. The band already has a seriously heavy catalog, and show no signs of letting up on their 4th release. They've also premiered a new track, "You Won't," which is embedded above.

-Update:

Sadly, this will be their final release. Apparently, Josh Travis is now a full-time member of Glass Cloud. However, it does seem they're ending on a high note, as the release will also include guest vox from Phil Bozeman of Whitechapel and Alex Erian of Obey the Brave and the now defunct Despised Icon.

Gaza - Not With All the Hope In the World

Another new Gaza track has been leaked, and it's a sludgy one.

Crown the Liar - Dead World Anthology

It's encouraging to see great mathcore bands still emerging so long after the genre's inception, and Crown the Liar is no exception. Their sophomore EP is a more polished work, and far more intense.

Chaz Bell of An Isle Ate Her (B_C_M's #1 release of 2011) also lends his tortured and frantic yelps to the track Crow's Throat.

Gaza - The Truth Weighs Nothing

"It sure was nice of Jesus to take time away from ignoring 

Ethnic cleansing genocide and famine bloated children.

Or regrowing limbs for landmine victims

To help you score that touchdown

To help you find your keys
To help you land that promotion.

Is it that he can't? Or is it that he won't?

Wake up. Wake the fuck up.

The truth weighs nothing. Travel light, be unburdened."

Decibel is currently streaming the new Gaza track here.

Crown the Liar - Dead Tooth Grime

Georgia's Crown the Liar seems to have significantly stepped up their game with this new track. Really liking the direction they're heading, as it's reminiscent of The Number 12 Looks Like You and Heavy Heavy Low Low.

Their new EP, ''Dead World Anthology'', drops July 21st.

Gaza - Mostly Hair and Bones Now

If I could sum up Gaza in one word, it would be raw. Their first two full-lengths are already underground successes, and their upcoming release, "No Absolutes in Human Suffering,"  was produced by Kurt Ballou of Converge. You can expect the same intensity, anger, and mandatory God-hating, coupled with Ballou's production sensibilities (so it's already a hit).

The lyrics, which I found exceptionally disturbing: 

"I pulled a dead horse out from under a tarp in the back yard piece by piece.

Once proud, once full of strength...She was gold.

Mostly hair and bones now.

I dragged a leg around the yard for hours wearing a path.

I left it there in the sun, abandoned like a child's bicycles at the call of a mother. 

Mostly hair and bones now."

"No Absolutes in Human Suffering" drops July 31st on Black Market Activities. 

Abuse - Arc and Panther

The latest EP from Orlando's underground mathcore-punk act, Abuse. This release has a noticeable old school feel, with the band also exploring a heavier doomish sound.

Snake Baptist - Capital Wasteland / Liontamer Demo

Snake Baptist has just released a new 2 track demo, with High Pitch Rich live in effect, and it's 2 minutes of screeching and grinding madness.

Talk to Music Project

Some of you may remember Zelophilia, who made my best of 2011 list. Well, the driving force behind aforementioned band, Tom Noyd & Noydian Records, needs your help. 

Voila:

100 Posts / Burn Everything - Hollow Victory

Yay, a milestone. I leave you with Burn Everything's new EP, "Hollow Victory."

Burn Everything - Last Run Through the Ruins / s/t

The next in this series of submissions is Burn Everything, a hardcore / mathcore band from Rochester.

Abuse - .

I've been receiving a lot of submissions, and although I'd never post any I didn't enjoy, most of them have been excellent. I'm also sure it's apparent I've been somewhat neglecting this blog lately, because I'm just now getting around to posting them. 

Here is the first, Abuse, an awesome mathcore / punk act from Florida.