Gideon - Costs

Artist: Gideon
Album: Costs
Release Date: 3/1/11
Label: Facedown Records

Over the past few years, it has seemed as if Facedown Records has moved away from hardcore and more towards metalcore and deathcore oriented bands. I have heard this particular complaint quite a few times. A funny thing happened, somewhere along the way, the label managed to put out some great hardcore albums amidst the metalcore and deathcore releases. The latest of these albums, Costs, by Alabama-based band Gideon is perhaps one of the best hardcore releases of late.

Originally signed to Facedown's sub-label Strike First Records, the band was promoted to Facedown after the recording of Costs. This was a brilliant move, as Costs is pure hardcore heaven. At times, I hear similarities to more established bands such as Sleeping Giant, The Ghost Inside, Mychildren Mybride, Call To Preserve, and recently reunited legends Life In Your Way. Cheap, rip-off artists, Gideon are not, those similarities are just that, similarities. Gideon takes these similar sounds and incorporates them into a sound that is truly their own.

Lyrically, Gideon are a breath of fresh air. Their lyrics truly glorify our Lord Jesus and help build up believers. They are a pleasant surprise in a scene that more often than not has relied increasingly on righteous indignation. Some of my favorite tracks are "Unworthy," with a flawless combination of fast, heavy hardcore and excellent (non-whiny) clean vocals, "False Profits," with its speed and head bobbing induced groove, "Gutcheck," which is a hybrid of fast, old-school hardcore and the heavy breakdowns of modern hardcore, and "Brave New World," which features some great gang vocals and a deep death metal grunt.

Overall: With Costs, Gideon ride a fine line between faster, old-school hardcore and slower, heavier modern hardcore. They pull off the sound perfectly. It's no wonder that the band was promoted before the album was even released. To all of you pure hardcore fans out there, don't give up on Facedown just yet, because between Gideon, Call To Preserve, and Messengers, the label is still pumping out high quality hardcore. Suffice it to say, this band and this album are highly recommended.

Rating: 8/10

Reviewed by Matthew Alexander

Tracklisting:

1. Costs
2. Unworthy
3. False Profits
4. Gutcheck
5. Foundation
6. Brave New World
7. Virtue
8. Kingdom Minded
9. Dreams

(Buy Here)