Martyr A.D.
Hometown: Minneapolis, Minn.
Web: www.martyrad.com
For fans of: Lamb of God, Killswitch Engage, God Forbid
Martyr A.D. is one of those bands you hear about all the time but have never listened to. You may have even seen other bands wearing Martyr T-shirts in magazine photos. So, while the men of Killswitch Engage have been pushing this band for a while, now is an ideal time to check out this serious metal band.
The band released On Earth as it is in Hell on April 20. This album places Martyr above other heavy bands attempting to survive in a time when hardcore is pop. The band used to have a more metalcore sound, but with On Earth... the group has moved beyond this blurry genre - opting to fine tune it's direct, edge and pushing its breed of metal.
Somehow, Martyr manages to utilize melodic guitar-work without being melodic metal. The rhythm section is powerful and precise. All this work translates to the stage in a distinct display of metal brutality.
The new album is impressive and should be one to propel Martyr A.D. to metal elite. Soon they'll be doing guest spots on Headbanger's Ball and Uranium.
The Rasmus
Hometown: Finland
Web: www.therasmus.com
For fans of: The Cure, Linkin Park, The Vines
The Rasmus manages to blend the desperation of The Cure's lyrics with clean guitars, while creating other songs that sound like a gothic Linkin Park.
They released a single "In the Shadows," which is drawing some attention with decent airplay on Fuse and MTV2. This should help everyone see the versatility of the band.
There is an androgynous lead singer, clad in pounds of make up, yet he appears as though he just finished a good crying session. Is this bad? No, the band is dark and brooding with a pop touch. They are the goth for the kids who watch TRL. It is still up in the air whether the Rasmus is going to create a new wave of pop-goth bands or if they will become a one-hit wonder.
Pipedown
Hometown: Grass Valley, Calif.
Web: www.pipedown.net
For fans of: The Transplants, Green Day, Rise Against.
Pipedown makes the kind of music that results in a chaotic circle pit. Live, the show is always energetic to the point of infection, and that energy translates into an album well. After popping Mental Weaponry into your CD player, you will be hard pressed to keep yourself from moving. The band creates strong punk rock with a purpose.
But unlike their mentors, Pipedown does not come across as preachy. The band talks about issues, but maintains a tone that allows for crazy shows.
NORA
Hometown: Central New Jersey
Web: www.norarockmachine.com
For fans of: Blood Has Been Shed, Norma Jean, Poison the Well
Hailing from New Jersey, NORA has been building a steady fan base for seven years. The band's intellectual breed of hardcore attracted the attention of Trustkill Records.
What sets this band apart from the "Bury Your Deads" of the world is the intricate, delicate guitar work and passionate and provoking lyrics they produce. NORA notoriously sounds like New England hardcore style - think a more intellectual "Blood Has Been Shed."
Where Eagles Dare
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Web: www.whereeaglesdareaz.com
For fans of: Stretch Armstrong, Strike Anywhere, Himsa
There is by no means a shortage of local bands. Just stand by the flyer rack at your favorite indie record store for a half hour, and you're bound to be approached by a bassist looking for a gig. However, the number of local bands with a degree of talent is much smaller.
Where Eagles Dare have proven they belong in the latter category.
The guys have played countless shows and seem to take something away each time. Where Eagles Dare appears to be growing, not just in terms of fan base (though, hitting Vegas with Himsa sure didn't hurt), but the group's musical skills continue to improve. The guys have released a full-length album, To Come from Nowhere, that clearly puts them a step ahead of many bands in the local hardcore scene. The album really illustrates their building of a cohesive sound.
Reach the reporter at< a href="mailto:chelsea.ide@asu.edu">chelsea.ide@asu.edu.
