Review:

on 2007-11-25 hstisgod Said:

Here's an oldie but a goodie review. Forgot to post this. My condolences to the band and family.

-------------- What’s more important than the introduction? Well, on Hawthorne Heights’ latest release “The Silence In Black And White,” it’s the introduction track that cuts my interest right in half like an indecisive butcher with no customer to slice for. Starting out, “Life On Standby” delivers more than just a slice of cold meat. It hands you the neatly sliced cow on a silver platter. By the time the cooking is done, and the eating begins, these boys have visited four, perhaps a fifth different genre of today’s Metal. I feel compelled to tell you of the melodies and passion of the streaming rock conclusion. “Wake Up, Now It’s Over, Just Tell Me Its Ok To Die.”

Track two “Dissolve and Decay,” begins with a cave of melodic memory. Bouncing their instruments like Simon, the colorful memory toy of decades ago, these guys used their 2004 Victory Records debut to show off their natural talent for song writing. Whether it’s the ever-changing tempo of the music, or the lack of concentration towards making a single, one way or another, you’re in for a slew of hooks, and memorable guitar patterns. Whether you enjoy the pacing in which the music is performed will be the question.

For instance, track four “The Transition,” is a cross-breeding of boy rock, hard edge metal and scream-o, featuring a taste of guitar finger tapping. Though this band is easily comparable with Canada’s very own Alexisonfire, JT Woodruff of H.H. leans more towards the nose pitch fever. More like a disciple of Brett Detar of Juliana Theory. At times, the entire album seems like one big generic guitar strum and harmonics that are patterned one right after another in leadership.

Although I probably shouldn’t say it…I will anyway, track six “Silver Bullet”, simply put, bored me to death. During the at-least-five-separate-occasions I listened to this song, I just could not seem to keep concentration. It’s really towards the end of the album things simply come out more naturally, like there was less production interference, and this Dayton, OH quintet was able to relax a bit more. So aptly, we will move on…

The following track “Screenwriting An Apology,” does just as its song title suggests also. It was almost like they knew I would have gotten bored with “Silver Bullet.” “Screenwriting An Apology” has short dark strokes fighting like angry metal strings. JT’s lead vocals take the industry cheese lead singing most of the verse and chorus, while the bridges and backup vocals were handled by Casey Calvert (guitarist) and Matt Ridenour (bass). The addition of the third guitarist Micah Carli for the fuller sound leaves Eron Bucciarelli at the drums gluing it all together. Though scary, like the results of an experimental five-headed monster, Hawthorne Heights’ “The Silence In Black And White” may appeal to fans of Pop, Punk, Emo, Rock, and Metal.
Rating: 7/10

Review:

on 2007-07-19 blackxdan Said:

This was an amazing album for it's time. The three guitars was something completely new to me, but i loved being able to hear that. It was something that i loved to hear. The vocals were fine with me, and the screaming was okay with me as well. I think Hawthorne Heights did a great job with this album, the only thing that i wonder now, is what happened? Definitely get this album if you havent listened to hawthorne heights before. But don't waste money getting the special edition reissue. It's a waste of money for the demo and acoustic tracks that sound terrible in the first place. But good album for it's time, good job.
Rating: 6/10