'Storm Heaven'
(Crimethinc)
Crimethinc Recordings are a faceless label from the United States that puts out some of the finest hardcore music to be found under the sun. The fact that they are a faceless label is not a bad thing. In fact if anything, it is inspiring to find that a label can exist to merely promote its ideals and artists on a non-commercial level. Crimethinc does not sell the coolest fitting t-shirt of your “fave” artist and I’m pretty sure they are not any part of the whole MySpace glut. That being said, they have put forth such heroic acts as Ire and Catharsis, and some members of the aforementioned bands have since moved on to record with Requiem. Their sound is a dual vocal freight train of force that is complemented by an excellent recording, apparently made in their jam room. Requiem promotes free thinking, independence and also cites in their notes that they hope their music can help the listener to craft a life of beauty and creativity. It’s a big call to make, but I think this release has the energy and the passion to get even the most ardent couch potato moving. At least, even reading the liner notes would be a good start. This should be mandatory listen for anyone that has an interest in hardcore punk and wants to find out if there is anything else out there. Of special note is 'Defeat,' with its almost civil war sounding-accompanying violin. This is followed by the haunting strains of rioters beating out a tribal rhythm on plastic buckets in the ascending march of 'Unleash Hell.' A totally worthwhile addition to anyone’s collection and the lyrics provide an excellent read.
-Jamie Moore
