Big thanks to our friend Noah over at The Alchemist for publishing one of our articles in his stellar local entertainment zine! Link here to view our article and continue to support local efforts to keep music alive in the 541, Oregon, the Northwest and beyond.

The Alchemist – “An independent weekly promoting the arts and minds of Corvallis [Oregon]” Distributed locally every Tuesday and available online, check them out at www.corvalchemist.com. Keeping you up to date with local music, art, poetry and opinions relevant to the Willamette Valley [Oregon] and beyond.

HURDCORE.COM ANNOUNCING: Oregon’s First Everything Show [O1ES] brought to you by Suganuts and hurdcore.com – enjoy some of Oregon’s finest local multi-genre talent at Riley’s in Albany, Oregon on March 27th all hosted by The People’s Comedian, Will Woodruff.

What is it about first albums, where they just seem to be so much better? My assumption has been that most first albums encompass a lifetime leading to that official outlet through the freshman release. Whereas the sophomore album is typically written once a band has some level of notoriety, enough of a following to warrant a demand for more and that second release is written under pressure and/or on the fly.

From an outsiders point of view, it seems there are pressures which come into play when a band carves time out to create their second album which may not have had as much of a presence in the writing of the first release. Naturally the expectation of evolution comes into play and often with many faces. Whether this drive comes from within, where a band wants to develop and explore the limits or their artisanship. Or the compulsion is derived from outside stressors such as record labels, fan cravings and/or genre trends.

Fans and art are certainly subjective. We’ve seen bands who get criticized for never adapting while others are ostracized for changing their sound too much. Some bands change as a natural consequence of lineup alterations, this can be positive, seamless or such a redirect that it turns off a fanbase. The outcome of band progressions can be negative, positive or neutral with a spectrum ranging from decimation to opening a band up to a whole new arena of fans. There are many bands, regardless of how strong their initial release is, that don’t make it past their freshman year.

I will mention bands that I personally enjoy whom embody this perceived trend. The bands I note may only reveal the limited scope of my own musical influence, but if this topic resonates with you I’d love to hear your feedback and some of your own examples.

While the first album may not be the best in terms of technicality or overall quality, yet the character of some of those first albums cause them to stand out above any which follow. Freshman releases that come to mind in this category are:

Few Left Standing – while Wormwood was still good, it just didn’t quite have the moxie that Regeneration of Self carried.

In high school, no band hit the spot quite like Slick Shoes, their first release Rusty was addicting to me, combined with their second album Burn Out, I had them on constant repeat in the tape deck of my Datsun 210.

The Showdown took a turn towards southern rock for their sophomore release Temptation Come My Way, a notable step down from the pure intensity of their unmitigatedly metal initial release of A Chorus of Obliteration. Back Breaker trends back towards Chorus yet brings with it the depth of Temptation, an enticing translation of elements melding as this band continues to grow.

For straight to the edge classic punk rock, I can think of no better offering than Officer Negative, their 98’ release Dead to the World is a model for JCHC (Jesus Christ Hardcore) mixing lyrics that express a sincere faith with a pure understanding of how to play music that reaches beyond the ears.

Destroy the Runner made a significant change in sound from Saints (’06) to I, Lucifer (’08) which was received with mixed reviews but appears to have opened them to an expansion in their fan base. We shall see what a third offering from DTR might bring.

Embodyment made a huge change from Embrace the Eternal (’98) to Narrow Scope of Things (’00) that came primarily as a transition in membership, specifically the departure of vocalist Kris McCaddon. (For fans of Embrace, be encouraged that the long awaited sophomore release of THAT Embodyment has dropped as 3 of the original members are now teamed back together as The Famine)

I think it is worth noting a category for bands which would qualify for second-birth-first-albums, bands who went through a significant lineup change and seem to have come out as good or better.

My vote goes to two bands who with intense talent and patient commitment significantly laid pavement on that stretch of road through the late 90’s which arguably brought Christian metal out of obscurity. To date they aren’t the most known or popular bands of their era/genre but current bands know the significance of their contributions.

Living Sacrifice had developed intense credibility within metal in the early 90’s and the lineup change at lead vocals for 97’s Reborn carried that cred into what would become the new era for metal. Of similar note is Zao’s Where Blood and Fire Bring Rest which showed that being cookie cutter was not the path to success but ingenuity, brutality and even spirituality could co-exist in more than just our dreams and would serve as the model for future efforts by preceding bands.

Obviously there are exceptions to the first album generalizations, as some bands get better over time and/or with lineup changes.

While I thoroughly enjoyed Symphony in Peril’s Lost Memoirs and Faded Pictures, the 2005 release of The Whore’s Trophy displayed a significant growth in SIP’s musical progression.

San Diego based Christian punk band Dogwood’s initial release Good Ol’ Daze wasn’t bad, but Through Thick and Thin (’97) and Self Titled (’98) remain my favorite even though More Than Conquerors was solid and Building a Better Me had a different but welcome progression in the Dogwood sound library.

I’ve not been a Metallica fanatic but have no doubts about the historic significance of their contributions to the world of metal. I’d say that the recent releases, 2003 onward, stand out as a sort of re-re-birthing of Metallica. There are few fans, new or classic, that I know of mark St. Anger as an album of note yet their most recent (perhaps sophomore release of the “new” Metallica), Death Magnetic, is generating excitement and even opening a fan base for a band that spans several eras/progressions of metal—from post-classic, butt rock, heavy metal and nu metal—and continues to camp near the top in each of the last 3 decades.

I’d love to hear back from any readers out there, what are your thoughts on the topic? Agree or disagree and any albums you’d add to the list? Perhaps some bands may also shed some light on the difference between what goes into that first album and what follows with the sophomore release and beyond.

I have much enjoyed the selection afforded by outlets such as iTunes, but one of the downsides is that I don’t purchase or listen to full albums as much any more. I’m just not as exposed or familiar with the totality of a bands efforts, depth and arsenal of music.

Just in case you were trapped in a time warp or stranded on a music barren island, hurdcore.com will share a few highlights from the year that was 2009…

Ransom by Becoming The Archetype blew me away with the haunting yet playful intro, pure brutality and the BTA signature lyrical sincerity. Props also for their rendition of the hymn classic How Great Thou Art as well (check BTA Myspace for audio)

Live Your Life by TI & Rhianna Laid back yet biting (Great hardcore cover by A Plea For Purging)

Balkanization by Besieged the way Besieged orchestrates competing elements of highs and lows, creating a sound that is blisteringly hardcore and yet non-traditional.

Just Dance by Lady Gaga “Just Dance, da-da-da-dance!” – What more needs to be said?!

R.I.P. -
Nodes of Ranvier (South Dakota)
66 Love Letters (Portland, Oregon)

Welcome Back –
The return of Living Sacrifice and [the real] Embodyment…er, I mean…The Famine

Perhaps the rocking-est treat of 2009 – the “Make Me Metal” video within the video for Malevolence by A Plea For Purging

A PLEA FOR PURGING “Malevolence”

Facedown Records – pre-order ONWARD TO OLYMPAS | MySpace Music Videos

So glad to have made the acquaintance and friendship of the local artists showcased throughout 2009 as Interview Alumni, local hardcore groups, hip-hop artists, rock bands, concert venues, causes…keep checking in with hurdcore.com – “fans supporting local music” – as we work together to discover and promote local music, venues and events.

In one word, how would you describe the year that will soon only exist in memory?  I’d have to say 2009 was challenging.  Through hurdcore.com I have met several new artists, local and abroad, discovered new venues and discussed happenings with fans across the country.  I am glad to add several of these artists as friends, and not just numbers in cyberspace, but real time corporeal friends (remember those?!).

So, as we approach 2010 together, I hope that we can re-connect and keep up with those artists, venues and events that we have discovered as well as continue to uncover local treasures.

As we reset, I’d like to invite more interaction from artists and fans, imagine what we could do with more writers, photographers, promoters, artists, etc.  Hurdcore.com is “fans supporting local music,” fans sharing info related to music/art and working together to keep local music alive.  Spread the word.

A Call To The Faithful by Inhale Exhale (SolidState Records) blisters from the very moment that calluses meet frets and begin to form notes. There is a clear emotion that weaves through the slamming of each cymbal, the blood curdling screams and the battering of the guitars. A somber emotion set to continuous confrontation calling those who don two faces and perhaps a hope for those who would pursue change. A Call To The Faithful is well executed with plenty of force in both the composition and the lyrical content.

Lyrics to A Call To The Faithful by Inhale Exhale:

The lights go dim. And eyes begin to close Oh no.
A simple conversation sparks the love inside of him.

You live two lives and never think about your actions. Who is the one you try to please.
Yourself. With no regard for anyone. Who is the one you try to please.

You taste the leather of that shoe. It comes with the words you say.
The week seems long and you cant wait till your Sunday morning masquerade.
Let down your guard and everything just seems to fall to shame. With a nervous
look you search but your only one to blame.

You live two lives and never think about your actions. Who is the one you try to please.
Yourself. With no regard for anyone. Who is the one you try to please.

Feel glass against your face. Hopeless for this moment. 2x
You cry out for help. He has been watching all along 2x
This is ending right now

This is a call to the faithful. An outstretched arm to the faithless

I was in the car yesterday and in the middle of a time consuming detour, “Reject” by Living Sacrifice came up on my iPod. For those of you that are unaware of this Christian Hardcore/Metal milestone, Living Sacrifice was one of the bands that I believe was pivotal in ushering in a new era of clarity in message being expressed through a quality and relevant medium (ie Hardcore music). For those of you that have experienced this tasty treat, recall for a moment where you were at when Reject assaulted your eardrums and you were awakened to a reality where Christian music could challenge you as well as rock your face off.

As my long journey on roads never traveled, this detour through Memoriam (ha ha – Living Sacrifice’s last album) afforded me additional time to consider other milestone songs. I tried to compile the “best of” with these factors: 1) Song must have a clear message; 2) Song must inspire passion; 3) Song must be crisply executed (quality); 4) Must still be relevant today (still sounds good)

Hardcore: Reject by Living Sacrifice

Alternative: Jesus Freak by DC Talk

Contemporary: Shine by Newsboys or Big House by Audio Adrenaline – “Secret Ambition” by Michael W. Smith deserves a nod and possibly should top the list, who was edgier than MWS in his initial era?

*I recognize there is a host of songs that church going folk will have been inundated with via Christian radio and even the “special music” from church – perhaps some of those belong on this list or maybe a separate category. Some of them may be jaded by their redundancy but a few that come to mind are “Mary Did You Know” by Michael English; “Thank You” by Ray Boltz

Rap: “What Do You See” by Cross Movement

*I will admit that this is not a genre that I have extensive knowledge of, but I think most that enjoy this arena will have to recognize the impact that Cross Movement has had.

Ska: “Unite” by Supertones

Punk: “Never Die” by Dogwood (“Control” is also another great offering by Dogwood but slightly more mellow) “JCHC” by Officer Negative also came to mind

*I recognize that MxPx owns the most widespread audience as a Christian Punk Band but in the early days of their music where the message was clearest the quality wasn’t but perhaps “Teenage Politics” deserves a nod.

Hair Metal: “To Hell With The Devil” by Stryper

*Is there really any argument here? What was better at the time than yellow spandex and weapons that only the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles had access to.

Before some of you music buffs go crazy and start rioting at my house, please note that this was mainly written on the fly with only my memories to serve me. This list is certainly up for discussion and I’d love to hear back from you all. Keep in the mind the (4) distinctives that I tried to use to guide this list.

Band: August Burns Red
Song: Truth of A Liar
Album: Messengers
Label: Solid State Records

August Burns Red’s The Truth Of A Liar hits you right off the bat with dueling guitars that a crisp in their abuse of highs and lows while taking you on blistering runs through fret board marathons. The Truth Of A Liar clearly has components that will encourage all of those still familiar with circle pits to swarm to the occasion while also boasting breakdowns that will not disappoint your inner karate kid. The drums and guitars are so on point you’d think that the instruments were harvested from a magically sprouted beanstalk and once crafted embarked upon a journey to find the hands designed to unfurl their brutal bounty. August Burns Red shows a depth of talent in their attention to detail and the intrigue in contrasts that plays throughout the development of The Truth Of A Liar.

August Burns Red - The Truth Of A Liar
Allow what’s done to preach new insight to your life.
Hindsight is perfect vision.
The past is easiest to see.
Clear a path.
Stand aside.
We’re carrying the torch now.
There’s no stopping us.
You think you’re everything to everyone.
Go ahead.
Partake in it.
Justify it.
Become engulfed in it.
It will eat you alive.
This is not a one way road.
You’re headed for the dead end.
You might think you’re everything to everyone.
Well pardon me if I intrude.
You’re not a perfect man in a perfect world.
Look at where your ignorance has brought you.
All this will be buried.
Like the fall of Rome, you will come crashing down.
The truth hurts, but denial’s what will kill you.
All that you loved, all that you treasure, will pass with time.
Blinded by the inability to see beyond flesh and blood.
Shifting blame with a log in your eye.
Insisting that a string tied to your limbs is what’s to blame.
Suck it up and bite the bullet.