You can now pre-order the new album from Falling Up, Your Sparkling Death Cometh, here.

Ain't No Grave Records have just put up some very nice pre-order packages for their upcoming July 12th releases of Heavy Worship from The Great Commission and Kingdom Days In An Evil Age from Sleeping Giant. The many different pre-orders can be viewed and purchased here. ANGR will also be releasing Volition, the new album from As Hell Retreats, on July 26th, and the pre-orders for that release should be up sometime soon.

My Epic have posted another new song off their upcoming Broken Voice EP, titled "Alone," which can be streamed on their Facebook page, along with their other new song, "Deathbed." The pre-orders for Broken Voice are available now on the Facedown Records webstore. The EP is available in a number of different packages, and you can also order additional copies for less than two dollars each, to share with friends and family, with any purchase of the EP. Broken Voice will be in stores and online July 5th.

The annual New Hampshire music festival, Soulfest, have announced their lineup for this year's festival, running from August 3-6. The festival has a wide variety of artists playing this year, including many Come&Live! bands, such as Sons of God, Life In Your Way and Showbread (among others), and will have a lot of mainstream artists as well, such as Switchfoot, The Almost, Jars of Clay and many more. This year's festival is looking to be a great four days, and the full lineup and more info can be found on the Soulfest site

Fresh off the release of their Separation EP, the band's debut release on Strike First Records, the Connecticut-based Ark of the Covenant spoke with CRR about their EP.

Christian Rock Rocks (Michael Small): Can you tell me a little about the band's past for the people who are just getting into Ark of the Covenant?
Mike Hnath (Ark of the Covenant): Well, we formed in September 2009 as a five piece playing progressive metalcore. But then our lead guitarist left not long after forming due to other obligations which we were totally fine with. So after a while and trying a few different things, we finally settled into the band we are now and have been going full force ever since.

CRR: You recently released Separation on Strike First/Facedown Records. Is there any difference between this version and the one you released last year?
Mike: Musically, it's the same EP. We got new album art for it and put the Strike First logo on it, but that's pretty much the only difference.

CRR: How have things changed for you since signing with the label?
Mike: We've gotten a lot more opportunities for shows and much more exposure since we signed to Strike First. We now have an awesome online store thanks to Facedown with a bunch of sweet merch and our EP.

CRR: Could you explain the meaning behind the songs on Separation?
Mike: Separation mainly talks about how we as Christians are separated from this world through our relationship with Jesus Christ.

CRR: Being a Christian band, do you prefer to aim your shows toward your fellow believers, or try to grab the attention of the secular crowd?
Mike: We don't really aim our show towards one crowd or the other. We just play our hearts out at every show and hope everyone, Christians or non-Christians, enjoy our show and walk away knowing that we play our music for a purpose and aren't just performers.

CRR: What can we expect from Ark of the Covenant in the remainder of 2011?
Mike: Tons of shows all over the country! We'll probably release a new song sometime in the fall. We're also coming out with a bunch of new merch that looks amazing and then we'll begin working on our full length in the winter.

CRR: What's the most rewarding thing about being in a band?
Mike: Performing live by far. It's such an amazing experience playing in front of hundreds of kids and watching them get involved by either moshing, crowd surfing, or just singing along!

CRR: When can we hear the Drowning Pool "Bodies" cover?
Mike: Haha, well I don't know where you got that from, but we still haven't decided if we are actually going to cover it or not. Maybe some day we will do a cover, but at the moment we are just focusing on playing shows and writing songs for our full length.

Falling Up will be independently releasing their new album, Your Sparkling Death Cometh, on June 28th. The first song from the album, "Blue Moon," has been posted on their Facebook page.

The up and coming hardcore four-piece Creations recently took some time to answer questions about their forthcoming debut album, The Gospel, and the background of the band, for CRR.

Christian Rock Rocks (Gary Mark Peterson): Please state your name and your role in Creations.
Blair (Creations): My name is Blair and I play drums for Creations.

CRR: How long have you been a band?
Blair: We've been a band for about two and a half years.

CRR: What are some of the band's influences (whether they be musical, philosophical, or otherwise) and yours personally?
Blair: Some of our main musical influences are No Innocent Victim, Advent, Hatebreed, Impending Doom, The Acacia Strain, Meshuggah, but personally, I love tons of different bands/artists like The Manchester Orchestra, Brand New, Iron and Wine, Shai Linne, Thrice, Mewithoutyou, Copeland, Blindside, The Postal Service, Acceptance, and many others.

CRR: Have you always been a Christ-centered band? How have you been received in regards to the message you carry?
Blair: Since we started the band, we always had in mind to be a "ministry band." There were not a lot of Christian bands in Sydney, Australia at the time and we wanted to preach the Gospel to those in our local scene. We've had tons of different responses, some good and some bad. As our ministry progressed, it became more of a reality to us that being a Christian and preaching the message of Christ is costly and not easy; but when we see someone become transformed by the Gospel, it is more than worth it.

CRR: Are there any differences in being a Christian band is regards to Australia versus America?
Blair: Definitely. There are not many Christian bands within Australia as opposed to America. Unlike America, there is a greater majority of people who do not subscribe to Christianity; so some of the audiences are different in their receiving of Christian bands. 


CRR: I believe you had a short US tour stint only a few years ago. How was that?
Blair: Yeah, we went on tour with In The Midst of Lions, The Crimson Armada, and Sleep Serapis Sleep in winter about a year and a half ago. We also did Cornerstone last year and did a couple summer tours with bands like The Gun Show, Strengthen What Remains, and others. Both tours blew us away and we are stoked to be back on the road again.

CRR: You guys recently announced that you were making the permanent move to the States. I have to say that I wasn't shocked seeing as how well you seem to get along with bands here and such. What prompted this decision and how hard was it to make, if it was hard at all?
Blair: Since we started the band, we really wanted to pursue full-time touring. We've had some awesome experiences in Australia, but we just wanted to be able to consistently tour and the US seemed to provide way more opportunity to do so.

CRR: In my opinion, American fans seem to really love you. Why do you think that is? Is it mostly for musical reasons or is there more to it? Because it seems like people really click with you guys on a level deeper than just musically.
Blair: Ha, I wish I knew the exact reason. My hope is that it is more than just the music but the message of Jesus Christ. Another thing that we stress as a band, is that we are all in fact sinners and that there is no person who is "greater" than the other. Jesus has come to set us free from our sin and in response we are to repent and believe in Him.

CRR: What do you guys like to do for fun outside of the music realm? Any funny stories you'd like to share? Aussies are pranksters, no?
Blair: At the moment, we've been pretty pumped on ballin' with the locals of El Centro, California. I didn't think Australians (I'm not Australian. I'm from the country of Texas.) knew how to play basketball, but I was wrong. Can't think of any stories at the moment; but we definitely have some good times.

CRR: Last time you toured the States, you were supporting the fantastic EP Ruined. Now you boys are back (permanently) for what seems to be a very near future release of the new album, The Gospel. How is the album coming along? What stage is it in (packaging, etc, etc)?
Blair: We recently signed with Mediaskare's sub-label Rite of Passage and we are looking at possibly having a release date in the early summer. We've had the CD recorded for a while now and are excited to finally release it! Pre-orders should be online real soon, so make sure you keep an eye out!

CRR: What details can you give us about the new album? I, for one, am highly anticipating this release.
Blair: The album is entitled The Gospel and it contains 11 tracks. It is a lot more musically heavier and more technical than the last release. You should hear a song or two online very soon, but until then we are looking at an early summer release date.

CRR: What are some things fans can do to bless you at a show? For instance, what can we bring to bless you for doing GOD's will by spreading the Gospel?
Blair: It's awesome to see fans just having a good time at shows and fellowshipping. If every person brought an open mind to the Gospel message and allow it to change your life through the work of the Holy Spirit; that would be an awesome thing for us to be a part of.

CRR: What are ways that fans can reach out to the band if they wanted to give you a place to stay, etc.?
Blair: Whatever anyone is willing to give, we will accept. It's always awesome to have a place to stay on tour, as opposed to sleeping in the van, or even a meal. We would love to just hang out with anyone who would love to get to know us as people. But hit us up on Facebook or Twitter, we are usually always contactable on there.

CRR: Thanks so much for the time and interview. We look forward to the release of The Gospel and to seeing you out on the road (especially for those of us that have not had the privilege of doing so). In closing, anything you'd like to add?
Blair: My hope for all our fans is that everyone who hears the record will come to know Jesus and learn to treasure him above all things in this life. The treasures of this world will never sustain you, but Jesus has come so that you may be set free from the power of sin and bring Glory to His name.

Onward to Olympas have just released a video for the song "Structures" off of their March release The War Within Us. You can see it here: http://www.facebook.com/onwardtoolympas

Emery have just released their new music video for their song "The Cheval Glass," which can be viewed here. The song comes from the band's latest album, We Do What We Want. According to the band's Twitter, they are also working on their forthcoming acoustic album. Emery will be heading out on the second leg of their We Do What We Want tour next month, with Oh, Sleeper and Hawkboy (formerly As Cities Burn). The band will also be playing summer festivals such as Creation, Soulfest and iMatter to name a few, so be sure to catch them sometime on the road this summer.

Artist: Dynasty
Album: Truer Living With A Youthful Vengeance
Release Date: May 24, 2011
Label: Strike First Records

2011 is showing to be the year of hardcore, with a big release already from Gideon, and upcoming releases from Call To Preserve, Hundredth, and a comeback from legends Life In Your Way. I believe that it's also fair to add Dynasty to that list of good hardcore releasing this year. Dynasty have been playing for six years already, but have recently joined the Strike First family, and are ready to unleash their new full length, the interestingly titled Truer Living With A Youthful Vengeance. While it's nothing completely ground breaking or anything of the sort, the album is full of passionate, in your face, punk-laced hardcore, sure to make the true hardcore fans, who like more hardcore and less metalcore, happy.

The strongest tracks on the album are "Worthless Will," "Wisdom Is Supreme" and "Way Of The Wolf." All burst with energy, each being full of speedy punk drumming, heavy bass lines and throaty yells. "Worthless Will" opens up the album, and has some great gang vocals that yell "Don't waste your breath, unless you speak the truth!" "Wisdom Is Supreme" begins heavily, and has some of the best drumming on the album, while "Way Of The Wolf" starts off on a slower tempo, before a massive bass drop and more gang vocals get the song really going. Other than those songs, a lot of the songs use similar formulas, and there is an unnecessary 45-second instrumental, "Alpha," that is basically just like a lot of the other songs, instrumentally.

Overall: Full of no holds barred energy, Dynasty's Truer Living With A Youthful Vengeance is. Dynasty's anthemic hardcore is full of punk drumming, gang vocals and throaty yells, along with a message of standing for the truth and faith. Although I feel like not all the songs are groundbreaking, a good amount are solid, and are worth giving a listen to. If you like your hardcore without all the breakdowns and clean vocals, and with a raw, hardcore punk spirit, Truer Living With A Youthful Vengeance is for you.

Rating: 7/10

Tracklisting:

1. Worthless Will
2. Voice Of Truth
3. Wisdom Is Supreme
4. Triumph And Truth
5. Alpha
6. Back To Life
7. Demolish Strongholds
8. Way Of The Wolf
9. Dangerous Minds
10. Sitting Back

The new Hands album is being met with early critical acclaim, and now you can pre-order your copy! Give Me Rest is now available in various bundles for pre-order, including limited edition vinyl which comes with a code for a free digital download of the album. Check out all the different packages available: http://facedown.merchnow.com/catalogs/hands

The songwriter of "How He Loves," John Mark McMillan, has announced that his new album Economy will be releasing on November 1st. More updates on the album soon. His album The Medicine was re-released last year,  and you can check out our thoughts here.

Artist: Swimming With Dolphins
Album: Water Colours
Release Date: May 17, 2011
Label: Tooth & Nail Records

I'll go ahead and say that I've been anticipating the new Swimming With Dolphins album for a while now. Since Swimming With Dolphins, helmed by Austin Tofte, signed to Tooth & Nail Records last year, I have been waiting to see how new music would end up, as the once duo's main musician, Adam Young (Owl City), left to pursue Owl City full time, and also left behind SWD to be handled by Tofte. The result of all this is undoubtedly a good one, which is proved true by Water Colours.

An album written about joys of life and love, Water Colours is full of lively synthpop, that is actually not too much like Owl City at all. Emphasis on the percussion and synths bring a very danceable sound to the table, one that works great with Tofte's smooth vocals. "Holiday" starts it off with a happy, cheery sound and back up vocals from Sarah Beintker of See You Soon, who is also a touring member of Swimming With Dolphins. "Easy" is one of the album's catchiest songs, with big synths and lyrics that will be sure to get stuck in your head. The tongue-in-the-cheek "Diplomat" features a bit of moody keys, and the following title track and "Jacques Cousteau" fall into the middle of the album, and are somewhat less memorable than some of the other tracks on the album.

"I Was A Lover" is another highlight, being a rather "organic" song as compared to the others, the drums being highlighted on the song, and mellow keys being played, while birds chirping can be heard in the background. The song is cleverly written, with some of the album's best songwriting, "I bought a track jacket, some running shoes, I had no pockets, so I had nothing to loose, took a run from all my winter blues, 'til it was summer." The track that follows, "Captured," seems like it could be a song directed at God, amidst the other songs about relationships, and is one of the album's most downbeat songs, that even features some interesting vocal arrangements and an off-rhythm drum beat (at times). Giving off a darker club feel is "Happiness," which is sung mostly by a female vocalist who goes by the name of Sunsun. The closing "Good Times" also features some guest vocals, but instead of a female vocalist, is Mod Sun, a rapper who adds a hip-hop flair to the fun song.

Overall: Don't be mistaken, Swimming With Dolphins is not trying to be the next Owl City, but a group of their own, despite being a past side project of Owl City. Fronted by Austin Tofte, Swimming With Dolphins have started it off right with their first full length effort, Water Colours. A lively synthpop album focusing on love and life, the album takes on moody and serious tones at certain times, while at others fun and danceable sounds that will be sure to be received well. Although the album is not a perfect debut, both lyrically and musically, it is one of the more enjoyable and fun albums I've heard lately, and for that, Swimming With Dolphins are worth checking out.

Rating: 8/10

Tracklisting:

1. Holiday
2. Easy
3. Sleep To Dream
4. Diplomat
5. Watercolours
6. Jacques Cousteau
7. I Was A Lover
8. Captured
9. Happiness
10. Good Times

(Buy Here)

Call To Preserve have released the first new song from their upcoming 7" Validation. The song is "Exploit, Neglect, Condemn" and it's up now on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/calltopreserve Validation will be a 7" vinyl record containing 4 brand new tracks from the band, released on July 5, available only on vinyl or digitally.

Sleeping Giant have released their new song "Dead Man Walking," the first off their upcoming third album, Kingdom Days In An Evil Age, set to release July 12th via Ain't No Grave Records. Sleeping Giant will be on the Scream The Prayer tour this July supporting their new album. Pre-orders will be available soon for Kingdom Days In An Evil Age, so stay tuned for more info.

Metalcore giants August Burns Red have posted their first single off the forthcoming album Leveler, titled "Empire," on their Facebook page. The pre-order options for Leveler, including the deluxe edition of the album and August Burns Red baseball cards, can be found right here.

Artist: Hope for the Dying
Album: Dissimulation
Release Date: April 26, 2011
Label: Facedown Records

Seamlessness, flow, epicness, whatever you want to call it, Hope for the Dying has it on Dissimulation. Every single track flows into the next one. You can literally put this album in and you would not be able to tell when it switches songs. The continuity of the album is made possible with the use of symphonic strings. The band has used keys and like instruments before, but this is something different, something more. The overall sound of Dissimulation is at times a symphonic, death metal sound. The screams sound like the signature Hope for the Dying screams. There are quite a bit of clean vocals too, many of which are done by a female singer. The female vocals are somewhat overused at times, and lessen the mood and integrity of some songs. The awesome thing about these songs however, is that even though they flow so well, you can still take any given song and listen to it without feeling like part of it is missing.

The album starts with "Exordium," and the band just says "hey, we're using symphonic elements in our music and this is what it's going to sound like." The album's intensity builds through the songs "Vacillation," "Orison" and "Transcend," until it reaches the climax in "Perpetual Rain." The song includes strings, horns, blasting drums and searing guitars. After this song, the album starts to falter, the clean vocals become more persistent, and the album begins to lose steam. That's why I call "Perpetual Rain" the climax of the album. Each song is also filled with some great, God-loving and inspiring lyrics like: "The hatred you preach won't stand any longer/We've come to rectify/The years of abuse and pain/The bitter taste endured/Till we celebrate/Revere the glory of your demise."

Overall, if you add the further experimentation of the strings with the signature sound of Hope for the Dying, you get a breath of fresh air in the metal world, in the form of a great album like Dissimulation. There's a lot of positives to this album, such as the strings, the technicality of the guitars and of course the lyrics. However, there are also some negatives, like the overuse of clean vocals (especially towards the end of the album), and the overall loss of intensity at the end of the album. The album is a very good effort, and hopefully the foundation of what Hope for the Dying is becoming.

Rating: 7/10

Recommended Tracks: "Vacillation," "Orison," "Transcend" and "Perpetual Rain"

Reviewed by Michael Small

Tracklisting:

1. Exordium
2. Vacillation
3. Orison
4. Transcend
5. Imminent War
6. Perpetual Rain
7. The Awakening
8. The Awakening: Dissimulation
9. The Awakening: The Veil Lifted
10. Vile Reflections
11. Derision

(Buy Here)

Chances are you're wondering what the members of Haste The Day have had planned after their breakup two months ago, and it's only two months after that former HTD frontman Stephen Keech has unveiled his new musical endeavors. Going under the name Stephen Albert Joseph Keech, Stephen is now playing some indie/folk rock, that could be compared to the likes of bands such as Surrogate. His first single, "Black Coffee," is available for free download and to listen to on Bandcamp.You can also stay updated with Stephen on his site.

Out of Williamsport, Pennsylvania is the melodic metalcore quintet My Heart To Fear. The band has recently released their new three song EP, which can be purchased on AmazonMP3 and iTunes, and can be streamed right here. They have also released a new music video as well. My Heart To Fear are on an East Coast tour right now, and will be touring this summer, and playing at iMatter Festival in Elmira, NY in September. You can check out the band's Facebook for tour dates and music.

Artist: A Sequence of Ghosts
Album: Hostage(s)
Release Date: May 3, 2011
Label: None

Last year, I was submitted the debut EP from a small ambient hardcore band named A Sequence of Ghosts. The music on the EP was a lot different from a lot of other heavy music being played, with vocals that were a mix of yelling and screaming, somewhat like Shane Ochsner's (of Hands). Well a little less than a year later, A Sequence of Ghosts have returned with another EP, titled Hostage(s). I wasn't sure what to expect on their new material, but I was no doubt impressed. The band has polished off their ambient hardcore, adding in a metalcore influence, for a much more accessible sound that those new to the band will be sure to really enjoy.

A slew of feedback and electronic effects fill the opening seconds of "The Enabler," before launching into the frantic pace of the song, completely with blast beats and a breakdown that will be sure to get kids moving in the live setting. "The Hostage" is a favorite of mine, with vocals that command your attention, until the melodic climax of the song, when the sweet voice of Elle Puckett of Poema sings a few lines. The following "The Bee and Its Swarm" and "The Politician" are more straight forward songs, that are both fast and heavy. The voice of Jake Germany is heard on "Reach The Shore," singing parts of the hymn "It Is Well," before the song ultimately ends in gang vocals shouting "It is well, with my soul!"

Overall: I have found myself very impressed with Hostage(s) from A Sequence of Ghosts, an indie release that will be sure to not go unnoticed. The band has improved and matured greatly since their self-titled EP last year, adding in both more heavy elements, such as breakdowns and blast beats, and more melody as well. Guest vocal spots from Danon Saylor of A Bullet For Pretty Boy ("The Enabler), Elle Puckett of Poema ("The Hostage") and Jake Germany ("Reach The Shore") only add more depth to Hostage(s), a great effort from a young, promising band.

Rating: 8/10

Tracklisting:

1. The Enabler
2. The Hostage
3. The Bee and Its Swarm
4. The Politician
5. Reach The Shore

(Buy Here)

Artist: Ark of the Covenant
Album: Separation EP
Release Date: May 10, 2011
Label: Strike First Records

The Northeast has been one of the country's best places to find both bigger and smaller heavy bands as of late, and coming out of the area is the Connecticut-based Ark of the Covenant, the newest addition to the Strike First family. Blending together elements of hardcore, metalcore and a small amount of death metal, Ark of the Covenant pack in a bunch of brutality in the 13 minutes of Separation.

The songs on Separation don't show much variety, and a few have similar sounding intros. "The Introduction" is a minute long intro that launches with a deep, throaty growl, that reminds me of Brook Reeves from Impending Doom. "The Book Of Life" sounds a bit thrashy, but unfortunately seems to drag a bit. A bit of variation is shown on "All the Inhabitants of the Earth" when some clean vocals make an entrance, among some nice guitar work and breakdowns, while a more direct hardcore influence comes into play with gang vocals on "Locusts Look Like Horses." Perhaps the highlight of the EP would be the closing "Separated." The song is mostly spoken word and contains relaxing, ambient guitar work and drums, that build up into a worshipful ending of praises to God that state "You're the only One who matters."

Overall: Strike First Records' newest band, Ark of the Covenant, have welcomed listeners to their music with the five song Separation EP. The metal that Ark of the Covenant play mixes together elements of thrash, hardcore, metalcore and death metal on Separation, of which are displayed in the wide range of vocals from frontman Alexander Vincelette and bassist Daniel Graves. The lyrics also have one focus, which is on God, and the EP even ends on a worshipful note ("Separated"). The EP is not without flaws however, including a rawness of vocals and similar sounding song structures, but Ark of the Covenant certainly have the time to really polish their sound.

Rating: 5.5/10

Tracklisting:

1. The Introduction
2. The Book Of Life
3. All the Inhabitants of the Earth
4. Locusts Look Like Horses
5. Separated

(Buy Here)

Artist: Memphis May Fire
Album: The Hollow
Release Date: April 26, 2011
Label: Rise Records

On their second album, The Hollow, Memphis May Fire step it up in a big way! The screaming vocals sound deeper and more rooted in the metalcore genre, whereas the band's previous effort, 2009's Sleepwalking, felt like it was more of a southern rock/metal style. The clean vocals have changed a lot as well. They sound less screamo and more along the lines of The Devil Wears Prada's clean vocals, which compliment the screams very well. These two major changes, combined with the overall move towards a more "straight up" metalcore sound, have worked amazingly well on The Hollow. The album shows how much the band has grown and matured in just two short years, and why the band was recently signed to Rise Records.

One big way to see the growth and maturity of Memphis May Fire is by the lyrical content. The greatest example of this is the opening track, "The Sinner," which is full of excellent lyrics. My favorite lyrics being: "Beneath the sun I am rotting/Just like the ones that came before me/I cannot deny my walk has become a crawl/I've never felt so.../I've never felt so lost!" Another great thing about these lyrics is that after a few lines, you can tell the band has a deep love for God. This is shown in the words: "I need to hear Your voice, I can't do this alone."

I think these two lyrics describe a moment a lot of us as Christians, myself included, have felt at some point during our lives. The lyrics on every song are great, and touch on so many different subjects. "The Sinner" is about needing God when struggling, and the song "The Commanded" is about a war and the remorse the person feels about the deaths. The versatility of the band's lyrics is downright amazing. I'd suggest reading the lyrics as you listen to the album, they'll blow you away!

Overall, I think the album is a great step forward for the band, both musically and lyrically. The band has gone to a metalcore sound without sounding like every other band out there and more importantly without losing their identity. You can still hear some of the old Memphis May Fire at times on this album, but you can also tell how they're growing and moving forward. I know I'm looking forward to the next chapter in the Memphis May Fire saga.

Rating: 8/10

Recommended Tracks: "The Sinner," "The Victim," "The Deceived" and "The Commanded"

Reviewed by Michael Small

Tracklisting:

1. The Sinner
2. The Unfaithful
3. The Victim
4. The Abandoned
5. The Deceived
6. The Commanded
7. The Burden (Interlude)
8. The Haunted
9. The Reality
10. The Redeemed

(Buy Here)

Artist: Texas In July
Album: One Reality
Release Date: April 26, 2011
Label: Equal Vision Records

Since entering into the heavy music scene in 2007 and releasing an EP and a full length through CI Records (who have launched the careers of bands such as August Burns Red), Texas In July have been poised to gain attention, being one of the best young metalcore bands out there. This being said, the band's time to shine has come, with their signing to the notable, Albany, NY based label Equal Vision Records, and now the release of their second full length, One Reality.

One Reality shows Texas In July maturing, with more experimental and melodic riffs, as opposed to the somewhat monotonous, overused chugging riffs heard on most of I Am (their CI full length). While there is still use of some chugging, those riffs are strategically placed in the album's bone crushing breakdowns, and a few other suitable places as well. The production of the album is much tighter than their previous work also, letting frontman Alex Good's vocals be heard more clearly than before. Good's growls have improved a lot, being yet another element showing maturity from the band.

Although it may be said that some of the songs on One Reality sound similar, it does not take away from the fact that the formula used on each song is used to the band's advantage. A few highlights from the 11 tracks include the two openers, "Magnolia" and "1000 Lies." Both start off with build ups of the aforementioned melodic and almost spacey guitar work, that builds its way into heavy verses. Some great drumming from Adam Gray is heard on the opening of another one of the album's strongest songs, "No Greater Love." The song sets itself apart from the other songs on the album, as it features a strong proclamation of the band's faith, heard on the sermon-like spoken word section that is heard in the song between Good's screams of "There is no greater Love." The band also sets another song apart from the others on "May" as well. Similar to what they did on I Am, "May" is an acoustic instrumental, that shows a different side of the band, and gives the listener's ears a rest before heading back into the heaviness that follows on the rest of One Reality.

Overall: One Reality shows Texas In July at their best, truly finding their sound. Melodic guitars build into bone-crushingly heavy verses and breakdowns, that fit together with the band's anthemic lyrics written for this generation to leave behind hard experiences in the past, and to stand up for one's faith. One Reality is one of the best albums I've heard as of late from such a young band, and just proves the fact that Texas In July are undoubtedly one the best young metal bands out there today, in both the Christian and secular heavy music scenes.

Rating: 8/10

Tracklisting: 

1. Introduction
2. Magnolia
3. 1000 Lies
4. Dreamer
5. Dying World
6. No Greater Love
7. May
8. Our Freedom
9. Cyclops
10. Pretender
11. One Reality

(Buy Here)

Gideon have just released the video for "Virtue," the first single from their Facedown Records' debut Costs (Mar 2011). Gideon were ranked among Alternative Press Magazine's "100 Bands To Know in 2011" and they continue to make their mark with an appearance at last month's Facedown Fest and now releasing their debut video directed by Drew Russ. The video for "Virtue" is streaming at the band's Facebook profile now: http://www.facebook.com/GideonAL

My Epic are back with Broken Voice, an acoustic-based EP filled with beautiful misfit songs written during the creation of 2010's Yet that didn't quite fit with the sound of that album. Now the band has made a home for those songs, simply written then fleshed out in the studio, on Broken Voice. 

According to their Facebook, melodic-hardcore four piece Hundredth will be releasing their sophomore album Let Go on July 5th via Mediaskare Records. The band released their fantastic debut When Will We Surrender at the end of last March and I for one am excited to hear new music from Hundredth. The band is currently touring Europe and will be playing iMatter Festival in September, but have yet to announce the rest of their summer touring plans. Stay tuned for those dates, and new music from Hundredth.

Farewell Flight have signed with Mono vs. Stereo Records, and will be releasing their new album, Out For Blood, on July 12th. In addition to that, they will be releasing a digital split EP with their labelmates Deas Vail on June 7th. You can hear the title track off their new record right here, and can also watch a video regarding the album from Matt Thiessen and Matt Hoopes from Relient k, who now head Mono vs. Stereo, here.

The annual Elmira, NY music festival, iMatter, has announced their lineup for this year. The festival will take place on Labor Day weekend, September 2nd-4th, and will feature a great lineup of 12 bands, who are listed below. For more information on iMatter 2011, check out the festival's Facebook page.

iMatter Festival 2011 Lineup:

August Burns Red
Emery
The Ember Days
Impending Doom
Texas In July
A Plea For Purging
Life In Your Way
Hundredth
I, The Breather
The Great Commission
My Heart To Fear
Gideon
To Speak of Wolves

Artist: Hyland
Album: Weights & Measures
Release Date: May 3, 2011
Label: Tooth & Nail Records

In a similar fashion to my discovery of I Am Empire, I also discovered Hyland before they signed with Tooth & Nail, their current label home. A high energy pop rock band with the emphasis on the rock, their debut indie single "Til Death" was quite an impressive listen, and I was excited for them when they announced their signing with T&N this past year. Hyland's debut full length, Weights & Measures finds the band playing a cross of pop rock and alternative rock, that could be compared to Anberlin, Ivoryline and Run Kid Run, especially Run Kid Run. The 12 songs on the album vary from guitar and keyboard heavy rockers to CCM-styled, acoustic driven tunes, and speak of topics of love, life and faith on the lyrical side of things.

Some of the highlights of Weights & Measures come on songs such as "Fireworks" and "Til Death," the former resembling an Ivoryline song, that features the standout line "I've had quite enough of this lust disguised as love," and the latter of the two is a new version of the first song I've ever heard from the band, which adds in layers of keyboards and synths that close the song. Other notable songs such as "The One That Got Away" has a pop rock vibe to it, and was co-written with Stephen Christian of Anberlin, who also provides backing vocals to the song as well, and "Desperate Man," a song that speaks of the band's equipment and van being stolen.

Although there are a good amount of impressive songs on the album, I really wish that the band would dig more into their rock roots, and let those more upbeat songs take priority over some of the slower ones. Now don't get me wrong, songs like "Coast to Coast" have a good groove and hooks, but some of the other slower ones loose my attention a bit. However, being a young band, Hyland have plenty of time to find their sound, and I am confident that they will.

Overall: The Twin-Cities pop rockers Hyland have shown hope on their debut full length album, Weights & Measures. While I would have preferred more of their guitar and keyboard, rock-driven tunes, a few slower songs, such as "Coast to Coast" and "This Love is Free," were done well. I do hope that Hyland will continue with more of their Anberlin-esque sound, and if they do, I think they will make it big, if they won't already with Weights & Measures.

Rating: 7/10

Tracklisting:

1. Jumping The Gun
2. The One That Got Away (featuring Stephen Christian)
3. Taking The Scenic Route
4. Crying Out
5. This Love Is Free
6. Fireworks
7. Coast to Coast
8. Heart To Life
9. Til Death
10. Downhill
11. Desperate Man
12. Never

(Buy Here)

Chicago, IL.- Rockford, IL based Red Cord Records has entered into an exclusive, worldwide distribution and merchandising agreement with Victory Records. Red Cord was founded by Executive Producer Joey Mathews who represents Day of Vengeance, Phinehas, Righteous Vendetta, Milosny, A Past Unknown, Not One Is Upright, Joliet, and Southbound Fearing amongst others.

With a powerful, in-house booking agency and a world class studio for all Red Cord artists, the label expects their full-time touring artists to quickly become serious forces in the music world. "I have been developing artists through my studio for years now as well as having a competent and hardworking booking agency. I know how important it is to have solid, first-class distribution which Victory will be providing. Also, with Red Cord Studios pushing exciting albums with the assistance of world renown mixing engineer Joel Wanasek we are set apart from the pack with a full circle artist offering founded on integrity and a vision for music’s future,” says Mathews.

The first two Red Cord releases will arrive July 19th from Los Angeles band Phinehas and Des Moines’ A Past Unknown.

Tony Brummel, Founder of Victory Records said, "Joey’s heart and passion are invigorating. We have had the pleasure of helping labels like Rise Records and Sumerian get their starts and we look forward to helping Joey and Red Cord get to the next level. His artists have meaning and offer something for music fans to truly believe in. It is our honor to be in business with him."

Hands is set to release their follow-up album to 2009's Creator this summer. The new album Give Me Rest promises to be a remarkable leap in song writing and profundity for the band. Vocalist and guitarist Shane Ochsner had some things to say about what it was like writing and recording this time around.

Call To Preserve are about to embark upon their final tour in support of their last releaseValidation. Validation will be a 7" vinyl record containing 4 brand new tracks from the band, released on July 5, available only on vinyl or digitally. "We’ve wanted to put out vinyl for years and felt we had a few more things to say before we go, so this seemed like the perfect time and place to put out a 7”," says the band.