Lollipop Magazine

The Hostage Heart – Where There Is Despair, Hope – Review

June 15, 2005

I took the hit, my body bloody and bruised, crashing to the ground under the weight of this diverse hardcore/thrash/death metal act’s walloping aggression.

R’N’R – The Infamous and Notorious – Review

June 13, 2005

Managing to mesh the vivid flow of ’70s rock and a heavyset hardcore drive, Massachusetts’ R’N’R kick it out with style and rockin’ intensity.

Blue Rose Liar – Sycamore – Review

June 13, 2005

They emanate the flow of Quicksand, Kiss It Goodbye, and the manic flare of Today Is The Day, but under underneath it all is rage, melody, and uncertainty.

Zao – The Funeral of God – Review

April 18, 2005

Just when we thought Zao was dead and buried, the band returns with a potent debut for Ferret. Zao showcases a much heavier and fiery stride.

Misery Signals – Of Malice and the Magnum Heart – Review

April 18, 2005

From the ashes of 7 Angels 7 Plagues. Their six-song debut EP (produced by Devin Townsend) is a voluptuous and harmonious drive of thrashing intensity.

It Dies Today – The Cattle Choir – Review

April 11, 2005

Upstate New York act It Dies Today is a volatile concoction of Meshuggah-inspired riffs, metallic angst, and hardcore might: A truly powerful dose of momentum.

Diecast – Tearing Down Your Blue Skies – Review

April 11, 2005

One of the better bands to emerge from the hardcore scene in Boston. Singer Colin Schleifer left, Paul Stoddard joined, and the band signed to Century Media.

Code Black – Penetration- Review

April 4, 2005

Taking ideas from every Slayer and Metallica album ever recorded and dumbing it down with an unfocused hardcore edge, Penetration goes nowhere.

Caliban – The Opposite From Within – Review

April 4, 2005

Easily the band’s most promising and punishing work to date, and no doubt puts them at the forefront of the genre, up there with Unearth and Lamb of God.

Blood For Blood – Serenity – Review

April 4, 2005

No punches pulled, no lies told. The Massachusetts crew serve up a real thug-like assault with each and every listen.