Alexisonfire: The only band, ever — no more.

Just over a decade has passed since Alexisonfire's eponymously named debut album was unleashed upon the world. 

Hailing from Ontario, Canada, Alexisonfire burst through the hardcore scene with rip-roaring energy, gut-busting adrenaline, and teeth-shattering noise.  Their notorious live shows soon became stuff of legend, and with each album released they notched up a few more places on the richter scale of ear splitting sound. 

Fans, and fellow musicians were left reeling when it was announced they would be breaking up back in 2011 — citing Dallas Green's wish to focus solely on City and Colour as one of the main reasons for their split. 

In true Alexis style they delivered the goods, and gave their fans one last chance to catch them doing what they do better than anyone else — putting on a huge live show, and announced a farewell tour. 
It wasn't long before each venue around the world was sold out, and the five metal masters would take to the stage together one last time. 

They performed fan favourites We Are The Sound, Boiled Frogs, .44 Caliber Love Letter, Dog's Blood, and the timeless This Could Be Anywhere In The World. 

As hard as it is to see them bow out, and knowing there will be no more new Alexis albums to anticipate and obsess over, it's fitting to see them leave at the top of their game. Unrivalled when it comes to live shows, unbeatable when it comes to writing killer riffs that blow steam from your ears, and eternally unforgettable. 

So there it is, the only band ever — no more. 

Dead Set On Living.

Canadian hardcore giants Cancer Bats return with their fourth studio album, Dead Set On Living, with the hopes of being more 'upbeat' than on their previous three. 

Taking influences from non-metal bands such as Fleet Foxes, it is clear from tracks like 'Breathe Armageddon' that the quartet have tried, and succeeded, in fusing a number of genres together to create a new and original sound. 

From indie rock to heavy metal, the broad range of influences has not just shaped a new sound for the band but impacted on them lyrically. Frontman Liam Cormier said: "In a lot of ways we get really inspired by non-metal bands. For me, I find I really like looking at other things because I just don't want to make a traditional hardcore record lyrically."

Long time fans of the band will be pleased to know the same aggression, and seismic presence of Bears, Mayors, Scraps & Bones is featured heavily on this album, particularly tracks like 'Old Blood', 'Wolf Clan', and opening track 'R.A.T.S'. Guitarist Scott Middleton takes the glory by treating us to riffs heavier than Bill Gates' wallet and dirtier than the girl (or boy) of your dreams, as his ever tight and technical skills stand out on each track. 


Producing an album that takes risks, and pushes boundaries has set them even further apart from the hardcore scene that they've dominated for years. Dead Set On Living plays with what Cancer Bats know and love best by going back to their metal-punk roots whilst introducing new and exciting sounds: heavy metal riffs, indie rock hooks, and hardcore lyrics will keep you hooked for the full 12-tracks before hitting the repeat button, because it's just that good.
It's a release that will please their large, and loyal fan base, and see them move ever closer to the top of the game. 


Happy Listening!

letlive.

Okay, so not only is this an awesome track by an incredible band BUT this incredible band are a band that everyone needs to see live at least once (because they're incredible, duh). If for nothing else than to give you some perspective on what's hot and what's not in the world of live performers.
letlive are like nothing else - they're like a hurricane, a tornado, and a thunderstorm all getting together and unleashing hell in one small venue. Shit gets messy, but in a really, really good way.
Frontman Jason has a beautiful jazzy tone to his voice which gives them that old school quality, and the band are so tight and together that despite the madness, and histrionics everything is perfectly professional.

My Favourite Albums of 2011.

La Dispute - Wildlife (No Sleep Records, October)

We Are The Ocean - Go Now and Live (Hassle Records, April)

Rival Schools - Pedals (Atlantic, March)

Anthrax - Worship Music (Megaforce, September)

Funeral For A Friend - Welcome Home Armageddon (Distiller Records, March)

D.R.U.G.S - Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows (Sire, February)

You Me At Six - Sinners Never Sleep (Virgin Records, September)

The King Blues - Punk & Poetry. (Transmission Recordings, April)

Deaf Havana - Fools and Worthless Liars. (BMG, November)

Foo Fighters - Wasting Light (RCA, April) 

Rise Against - End Game (Interscope, March)

Red Hot Chili Peppers - I'm With You (Warner Bros, August)

Saves The Day - Daybreak (Razor & Tie, September)

Beastie Boys - Hot Sauce Committee Part Two (Capitol, April)

Sum 41 - Screaming Bloody Murder (Island, March)