Narrows - Painted (2012)

Formed in 2008 by ex-members of Botch, Bullet Union, Unbroken and These Arms Are Snakes, Narrows is (thankfully) one of those bands that doesn't try to skate by on street cred alone. 2012's Painted is a wonderful next step following 2009's New Distances. Dave Verellen provides the vocals that we Botch fans know and love over music that's reminiscent of what Norma Jean would've sounded like had Josh Scogin not left to form the chariot after the band released Bless the Martyr and Kiss the Child*. Dissonance, horror chords and just the right amount of KICK YOUR TEETH IN, this record is not to be overlooked.

* Anyone who tells you that Norma Jean's first record wasn't their best record is LYING.

For fans of: Converge, Norma Jean, Botch, Heiress

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Discovery of a Lifelong Error - You Can Learn a Lot from a Pair of Black Lungs... (2007)

I went into this record with absolutely no expectations whatsoever, and that's exactly what I would recommend for all those who dare enter here to do. Listening to this record is like getting swept up into a tornado, and while you're up there, getting hit in the head with toasters and stop signs and cows and all sorts of other debris that the whirlwind managed to gather before getting dropped back down into completely unfamiliar territory. With screams that sound like a Frankenstein-esque monster made of parts of Dallas Taylor (while he was still in Underoath), Drew Speziale, Mike Hranica, and all the members of The Speed of Sound in Seawater and blood-curdling riffs all packed into short and sweet tracks (the longest track, "'Terra Firma' Might Be Inappropriate," clocks in at 3:18), you'd better kiss Auntie Em and the dog goodbye, because for the next 18 minutes and 54 seconds, you'll get blown right the fuck out of Kansas.

For fans of: Daughters, The Speed of Sound in Seawater, Circle Takes the Square, 2 O'Clock Girlfriend

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Converge - Jane Doe (2001)

WARNING! This album is not to be taken lightly. Do not listen to this album if you are not 100% ready for it. You should store this album in a cool, dry place only between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not listen to this album without first applying the necessary protective eyewear and body armor. Do not make sudden moves around this album. Do not taunt this album. Do not look this album directly in the eyes.

Revered by critics and devoured by fans, Jane Doe was the perfect next step for Converge as it embarks in a more melodic direction than their previous efforts, yet still retains the softness of a diamond porcupine. Remember that scene in Raiders when the Ark was opened and the Nazis melted? Yeah, it's kinda like that, and then some. Quite simply, this record carries the torch passed when Botch broke up.

For fans of: The Dillinger Escape Plan, Botch, Dethklok

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Norma Jean - Bless the Martyr and Kiss the Child (2002)

This record contains absolutely nothing but raw, pounding awesome (recorded entirely without the use of computers, no less). Norma Jean's 2002 debut came hard, fast and with swift vengeance. I completely understand why vocalist Josh Scogin (who is unmistakably one of the most recognized voices in hardcore today) left after the recording of this album to start The Chariot. There simply wasn't anything all the members could've done together that could ever again reach this level of awesome. The album's most famous track is no doubt "Memphis Will Be Laid to Waste," which features an amazing guest vocal appearance at the end by mewithoutYou's Aaron Weiss. Raw, unrelenting and unapologetic, this is definitely one of the albums you keep when your record collection gets split up in your divorce.

For fans of: The Chariot, mewithoutYou, Botch

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The Bled - Pass the Flask (2003)

This one goes to eleven. It is perfection, an 11/11 amongst mathcore records, and records in general. When listening to it, one doesn't need to skip tracks, it plays seamlessly and beautifully the whole way through. If I had to pick my favorite tracks, they'd have to be "I Never Met Another Gemini" (awesome intro into face melting) "Ruth Buzzi Better Watch Her Back" (there's no hope in saving your face) and "Porcelain Hearts and Hammers for Teeth" (aww, it's sweet and loving, wait no, there's that darn face meltage again). An honorable mention is the breakdown during "Red Wedding" (YOU WILL PAY THE PRICE!!!!!). Musically, it's amazing and lyrically, it's not too shabby either. Whether it's the angst-ridden chant of, "Let's set our hearts at self-destruct" at the end of "You Know Who's Seatbelt" or the self-sacrifice of "I'd burn alive to keep you warm when you're alone" in "Porcelain Hearts and Hammers for Teeth," this album never lets you down.

For fans of: Alexisonfire, Vanna, As I Lay Dying

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The Number Twelve Looks Like You - Mongrel

The Number 12 Looks Like You intended Mongrel as an emotionally driven concept album, essaying the personal demons of the titular character as he flip-flops between self-control and psychosis. Knowing that, the schizoid song arrangements make a little more sense, and the shape-shifting screaming/growling/singing of Number 12's dual vocalists are a good fit, too. The musicianship is impeccable...


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