CD Review: Everything Went Black - Cycles Of Life

Written by Colin McNamara Friday, 27 January 2012 09:02

Artist: Everything Went Black
Title: Cycles Of Life
Genre: Hardcore Punk
Release Date: 17th January 2012
Label: Prosthetic Records

Album Review

Some might recognize the title of EVERYTHING WENT BLACK as an album released by early Punk/ Hardcore outfit BLACK FLAG, and further might wonder if ‘Cycles Of Life’ is a masquerade of that group by the same band, just under a different name. While it is true that EVERYTHING WENT BLACK, the Hardcore/ Punk outfit from St. Louis, Missouri does have quite a bit of BLACK FLAG worship in them, their music is not a direct copy out. Much on their debut album is a blend of both slow, grooving rhythmic Hardcore with bellowed vocals mixed with faster, more energetic rhythms that have been used from bands all the way to Melodic Death Metal bands like DARKANE all the way to mainstream Punk like GREEN DAY. Right from the start with ‘XI’ listeners know they’ve gotten themselves into something that isn’t going to be typically mainstream, even though it takes elements from such a section. ‘XI’ is slow, dooming, and deceiving, touching on Gothic Doom elements the way a DRACONIAN track might open. Then ‘Gods Of Atlantis’ kicks in and that familiar chug, chug, chug of Hardcore is present with the gritty vocals mixed with the breakdowns and speedy churn of Punk. Tracks like these will keep listeners on their toes as it switches between the fast and slow, which is a good balance overall to enjoy.

Other tracks like ‘Thorn Feeders’ are just downright obliterating with their speed, but lack the variety and subtlety of the other tracks as it just rushes by. On the other end of the spectrum, ‘Halo Of Vultures’ carries a more sludgy Hardcore sound that is easily paced and great to sink into, but still can get a bit too repetitive. The best of what EVERYTHING WENT BLACK has to offer is when they are unconventional. ‘Parades’ is an excellent example of this as it includes a symphonic section near the end with violins; very unexpected of Hardcore music, but a nice touch and a great way to end the track. Also on ‘Kingdoms’ the band makes a great use of atmosphere and just slow, dark tones with the drums, bass, and guitar, bringing back that whole Gothic atmosphere that can really get under skins and emotions until everything builds up and explodes again. Overall, fans are going to have quite a bit of excitement on their hands. ‘Cycles Of Life’ may feel like it rushes by a bit too quickly as most of the tracks are short, but that’s why the slow songs are there to ease listeners through the ride.


Tracklist

01. XI - 2:04
02. Gods Of Atlantis - 2:36
03. Halo Of Vultures - 3:06
04. Lifeless - 1:46
05. Parades - 5:12
06. Thorn Feeders - 1:22
07. Amongst Wolves - 3:29
08. Kingdoms - 5:24
09. Baptists - 2:51


Line-up

Brandon Hoffman - Vocals
Chris Moore - Guitar
James Ridling - Lead Bass
Chris Stanton - Guitar
Josh Van Hoorebeke - Drums


Website

www.everythingwentblack.us


Cover Picture




Rating

Sound: 8
Music: 8
Total: 8 / 10