Since The Flood

Hardcore is one of my favourite sub-categories of metal, and bands like Since the Flood really keep the genre going. From humble beginnings as a basement band consisting of a few friends who live for the music, to an up and coming powerhouse of hardcore reigning out of Massachusetts, they have been making a name for themselves over the past few years. With many shows and demos under their belt, they caught the attention of Unearth frontman Trevor Phipps. Shortly thereafter, Valor and Vengeance was born.

From the first opening blasts of the title track “Valor and Vengeance”, is it clear that this is hardcore in one of its purest forms. Straight up hardcore easily accomplished by the vocals, deep sounding guitar, and heavy, double-kicking drums. This album could be easily compared to the likes of early Bury Your Dead and Hatebreed.

The almost violent breakdowns in Valor and Vengeance basically kick your ass. They are fast, loud, and aggressive enough to get your adrenaline pumping. These harsh, aggressive breakdowns make Since the Flood a definite mosh n’ roll pit band. The music as a whole flows well from song to song no matter where you start the album. Nevertheless, the music appears to get better and better as the album progresses.

Lyrics-wise, Since the Flood house your typical “take no shit and stick up for yourself” hardcore lyrics. The lyrical style itself is one of the many things that separates hardcore into its own sub-category of metal. With a recurring lyrical theme throughout the album, nothing seems to be out of place. All of the songs have very prominent messages that many other hardcore acts portray: never give up, stand up for yourself, and don’t let anything stop you or get in your way.

“Simple, yet effective” would be the best way to describe the albums art from the cover to the disc. The cover is eye catching with a dash of black and orange and the back picture blends nicely, providing a light contrast. The very clean-cut Since the Flood logo can be seen over top of the back cover. On the disc itself there is a bronzed eagle that looks close to hand drawn, and I’ve always thought it to be awesome when you have a stunning art covered disc in your stereo.

The standout track on the album which definitely deserves mention is “The Only Way.” The song starts off with a captivating rift then is shortly thereafter joined by the bass. Drums pulse and rock along to the same rhythm. For a song that is not even two minutes long, it gets stuck in your head, but when it’s over, it leaves you wanting more of it.

Being brought into metal by my friends who listen to and are in hardcore bands, you learn a thing or two, and this album is a prime example of hardcore music at one of its cleanest points. If this section of metal is your preference, or you’re just looking for new bands to listen to, then Since the Flood’s album Valor and Vengeance is a welcome addition to your CD library. For sheer hardcore ass kicking, I give this album an 8.2/10.  [ END ]

Track Listing:

01. Valor And Vengeance
02. These Scars
03. In My Way
04. 24K
05. Up In Arms
06. The Only Way
07. In My Eyes
08. Enough Said
09. For Today
10. The World Is Dead To Me
11. Bonus Track

Run Time: 31:42