They've merged the heavy handed delivery of new breed hardcore with the crunch of metal and the emotiveness of emo. More impressively they have added to this mix a ton of noise and ferocity that elevates them above most of the band plying their trade in this popular flavor of crossover. The music is tight and focused belying the fact this is a young band. The music is raw and agitated yet there is a definite melodic undertone rife with hooks. Vocalist Todd Finoch rips out his vocal chords on this project. In HEREAFTER his generally reserved 'spoken' approach was often too constricted, not anymore. He adds a glass gargling screech to his style that blows me away. It's a superior performance and one of the most impressive elements in the band. Whether your preference is metal, Victory style hardcore, emo, or even more extreme variations of 'core, this tape is for you. ($5 ppd $6 out of the USA to Justin Mank c/o NWBD 1109 Madison, St. Charles, MO 63301)

Not From There: Sand on Seven

Not, The: The Not

[Issue Fifteen // December 1998]