From Ashes Rise - Nightmares

Having never come into contact with this band previously, it's hard to say that the name From Ashes Rise really grabbed me. Judging strictly by their name, this album would've been chucked into the same crapcore genre as, well, bands such as the similarly named From Autumn To Ashes. Thankfully, From Ashes Rise doesn't quite live up to that association. With Nightmares alone, it's easy to call this band overrated. Don't get me wrong, the album is enjoyable. But, it's not going to change your world. The record is basically straight-up hardcore/punk, with dualing guitars and brash vocals. While lyrics tend to be weak at some points, it doesn't really matter, because you can't understand them anyway. As well, the lack of energy in songs such as "On The Fray" or "The Inner Beast" kill the pacing of the set. Yet, when the band plays fast, hard, and pissed-off (see pretty much the rest of the album, but especially "Bloodlust"), that's when I can see where the fanboy love that this band has garnered arises from. Nightmares isn't exactly what it was portrayed to be, but is thoroughly enjoyable for a hardcore/punk album. If they haven't already, they'd be right at home touring with Jade Tree brethren Paint It Black. [www.jadetree.com]