Lollipop Magazine

Earth Crisis – The Oath That Keeps Me Free – Review

September 1, 1998

They make Minor Threat sound like The Mentors. And, unlike Minor Threat (but so like the majority of NYHC bands), they have no sense of humor what…so…ever.

Abhinanda – Review

September 1, 1998

Abhinanda has a power and intensity reminiscent of so many Dischord bands, but breaks it up with old-school melodies and even an acoustic number or two.

Unsane – Occupational Hazard – Review

April 1, 1998

While not as gritty, it still possesses an almost hypnotic monotony that acts as a perfect white-noise buffer to the vagaries of an unpleasant environment.

Today is the Day – Temple of the Moving Star – Review

April 1, 1998

TITD sawed the audience in half with overdriven guitar, creative sampling, and drumming that would have sounded appropriate on Led Zeppelin’s Moby Dick.

59 Times the Pain – Twenty Percent of My Hand – Review

November 1, 1997

This is NYHC, albeit with the accent of the Swedish Chef.

Strongarm – The Advent of a Miracle – Review

October 1, 1997

Here perhaps was the rebellion-from-the-fold (Christian or otherwise) I expect from a clear-headed, independent hardcore band, but nope, same ol’, same ol’.

Stavesacre – Absolutes – Review

October 1, 1997

This sophomore effort is creative, powerful, and a perfect match to Saloman’s distinctive voice, which soars, yet has enough power to shout out above the din.

Overcome – When Beauty Dies – Review

October 1, 1997

Hoo-wee, these fellers can punch out a tune! Ten (plus the now obligatory bonus-track) pounding psalms to the glories of moral Christian life.

Zao – The Splinter Shards the Birth of Separation – Review

October 1, 1997

They sound like Strongarm: Generic, metal-ish hardcore. I can handle that most of the time, but not along with knee-jerk prosletyzing about the “moral life.”