Death Before Dishonor, Better Ways to Die
Two years after the release of their breakthrough record Count Me In, Boston’s Death Before Dishonor are back with another punishing round of metallic hardcore. With the release of Better Ways to Die, the band, for the most part, stick to their hardcore roots, but branch out rather successfully into other genres of metal.
Imparting thrash fueled blasts, punk beats and more, Death Before Dishonor‘s unrelenting delivery is infectious and bruising. Vocally, the band is just as aggressive as it has been, but there’s also a sense of melody amongst the ferocious shouts and gang vocals. While it doesn’t stray from the band’s well received formula, Better Ways to Die‘s variety allows the music to breathe a bit more yet retain it’s back alley attitude — a successful step in the band’s evolution.
Peace And Quiet
Album opener, “Peace and Quiet” gets everything off to a raucous start with a scathing blast of hardcore and aggression. The minute long eruption will surely have you drooling for more.
Remember
Opening up with somewhat melancholy guitars, “Remember” is a relatively dark, reflective song that paints a bleak and raw picture. The gang vocals help give the song some depth as galloping drums keep the flow moving nicely. Overall, this one has a great groove that’s easy to get lost in, shouting along with the band with every word.
Coffin Nail
“Coffin Nail” ramps up the aggressive tone of the band after the more introspective “Remember” with rollicking drums, driving riffs and raw vocal delivery. This one’s like a steamroller through the skull.
Fuck This Year
Galloping drums bring in the aggressive vocals and backing gang shouts with plenty of attitude. Overall, “Fuck This Year” has a nice bit of thrash thrown into the mix, keeping the band’s brand of hardcore refreshing and sharp. The beefy riffs to end out the song are pretty bruising.
Boys In Blue
I’m digging the guitars that get this next song underway. The groove of “Boys in Blue” is pretty steady with a couple of tempo shifts to keep you on your toes. The latter half of the track is a bit more vehement and pissed off than the first.
Better Ways To Die
“Better Ways to Die” sound like a thrash infused Blood For Blood — essentially, it’ll have you hurtling objects around the room in a moshing frenzy. Thick guitars and beefy rhythms dominate the title track.
So Far From Home
Chronicling the band’s feelings of touring, “So Far From Home” is an open book of sorts, exposing much of the band’s personality. The mid-tempo pace lends itself to the might riff work creating a slick groove. The chorus has thundering drum work and backing gang vocals.
Black Cloud
“Black Cloud” once again jacks up the aggression with galloping drums, thick riffs and a few surprising guitar highlights not heard from the band so far on the album. The up-tempo of this track pushes it through speakers with a very direct goal — crushing your skull with groove and thunder.
No More Lies
This is probably my favorite song on the disc. Perhaps it’s the song’s in your face presentation — galloping drums, beefy riffs and confrontational lyrics. There’s really not much more to say about this one. Just crank the volume up.
Bloodlust
Full on thrashing glory is injected fully into “Bloodlust” from the galloping drums to the driving riffs. Hell, the vocals even have a great thrash based cadence. The 1:12 mark showcases the first lead on the album and it shreds quick and hard. The band needs to incorporate a few more of those types of elements into their next release.
Our Glory Days
“Our Glory Days” wraps up the album with a quick paced hardcore anthem with Pennywise-like backing gang vocals. Guest lead vocals on this one are courtesy of Mark Unseen, adding a nice dynamic to the thicker shouts of Death Before Dishonor‘ own Bryon. This is one badassed song to end an album on.
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Additional Notes:
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