While labels like Deathwish Inc, Bridge 9, Epitaph and Victory are often considered the preeminent contemporary hardcore labels, the fact remains that Halo of Flies actually has one of hardcore’s very best bands tucked away on their label; Milwaukee’s DIY act, Protestant.
Having released numerous vinyl, splits and 7” records I was happy to see a full-length album follow-up to the first actual full-length album The Hate, The Hollow, even if only on vinyl and cassette. Luckily, with my newly purchased record player, I can revisit this late-2010 LP-release in all its glory. And I have to admit, as one of the first LPs I listened to with my new purchase (you can bet your ass I’ll be revisiting The Makai’s Embracing the Shroud of a Blackened Sky LP), it was weird but incredibly nostalgic listening to the vinyl crackle beneath the warm but forceful guitar tone. The same can be said when taking in the detail of the gorgeous artwork in such a large, tactile format and thusly I see a lot more vinyl in my future.
Why the fuck did I sell my vinyl collection all those years ago?!
Anyhoot, based on these nine tracks, Protestant appear to have dropped some of their sludgy, crawling, slower hues and now seem fully committed to more melodic but still urgent, contemporary passionate hardcore and they are fucking good at it. With bands like Killing the Dream, Passion and Ghostlimb (who incidentally have also just released their latest album on vinyl) coming to mind, this LP is simply chock full of driving, emotion fueled power chords and slick, addictive melodies.
Every note on this 26-minute release drips with passion, intensity and sheer hardcore grace. However the track that starts side B, “Funerals” is simply goose bump inducing, awe inspiring hardcore perfection. But the likes of the firece oepner “Revenge”, somber “Deserted”, driving “Waste” and introspective closer “Retirement” left me equally drained and not understanding why isnt isnt much more critical praise and recognition for this hard working, prolific act.
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only vinyl is real!
on Feb 24th, 2011 at 07:26” appear to have dropped some of their sludgy, crawling, slower hues and now seem fully committed to more melodic but still urgent, contemporary passionate hardcore ”
Well that sold me on writing this band off. Thanks for the heads up so I don’t have to waste my money on being disappointed!
on Mar 13th, 2011 at 10:56“Well that sold me on writing this band off. Thanks for the heads up so I don’t have to waste my money on being disappointed!”
download the fucker (google works) and see what you think first.
on Mar 24th, 2011 at 09:42so angry…
^Well then you are missing out on one of the best current bands. This album is amazing. Every single song is great. Loves these dudes.
on Mar 24th, 2011 at 14:06@slk, good idea. listen to reviewers; not the record itself.
on Mar 24th, 2011 at 14:18