COUNTDOWN TO ARMAGEDDON – “Eater of Worlds” LP

This second release from this band is a vast improvement over their self-titled EP that came out in 2006.  Woah — long time.  The first thing that strikes me is that these tracks do not sound eager.  Does that make sense?  You can hear what has improved in the years gone by.  It’s still angry, but darker and more brooding.  There are some slightly discordant sounds here that serve to build tension on the long intro on the first track, and unlike many bands of this style that follow the long intro code, the length here is no hindrance.  The songs are melodic with the galloping guitars that we have come to expect from this style of crusty epic hardcore, and the vocals switch from higher-throated metal style to deeper growls.  The most interesting moments are when the band incorporates some of the darker elements of post-punk and some slightly metallic stuff — listen to “Like Animals” (the best song on this record) to see what I mean… I don’t think Eater of Worlds is for everyone and not every song is great, but if you like melodic crust with slight metallic leanings, but firmly rooted in punk, you should check this out.  These dudes are doing something different within their genre.  Interesting direction. (MB) (Aborted Society)

Listen to “Like Animals” – COUNTDOWN TO ARMAGEDDON – Like Animals