[.ca] We Are Gathered Here Today

Pretty cool first listen...then gets a little tiresome:
this band is basically Dillinger Escape Plan, only a little less chaotic...and more song oriented. I almost wanted to buy it, but then I realized I can only take so much of it before wanting to find something else to listen to. Something about it just makes me get bored after a few minutes. Definitely aggressive and heavy though...so I'm sure some people will eat it up.

Making a scene, on the scene:
For metal core fans this CD should be a staple in your collection. Collectively, the band melds together energy and talent taking the listener on an auditory thrill ride. Separately, each member of the band brings a spicy component to the mix that makes the metal core magic happen. The guitar riffs are ardently aggressive, making you sit up and take notice. During any one of the numerous changes you can hear nuances of 80's headbanger, hair bands, metal, emo and, (dare I say), a twisted classical flavor. Combining the guitars with the solid foundation of the bassist, you get a rich, heart pounding theme that permeates throughout the collection. (*In Between The Sheets) The band's masterfully antagonistic drummer gives a blistering performance. The frequent time changes, at first, seem to come out of nowhere but, surprisingly, lead you directly onto a new sensory path. (*And So It Was Said) The lyrics are a growled-out provocative assemblage, at times bordering on the morose. The guttural song style of the lead singer places images of heartache, pain, tragedy, pleasure and longing in your already overloaded frontal cortex. (*Pencil Lead Syringe) Glass Casket's release of "We Are gathered Here Today" is a welcomed addition to the metal core scene. Their journey from parent's basements to high tech recording studios has been an impressively fast climb up the hard core ladder. Hopefully, their next release will incorporate more ambient tracks and mental down time for the listener. Come on guys, at least let us catch our breath before the next assault!

Great music, but a rip off of BTBAM:
Well, this band has very incredible talent. Their guitar riffs are soaring and melodic, the drumming is technical, and the vocals are amazing from grunts to high pitched screaming. But only one problem here...they are a TOTAL rip off of Between the Buried and Me. Now, BTBAM, I've been listening to for a few months (and I LOVE them, they are excellent musicians and very cool guys to talk to), but Glass Casket is a bit new on the scene and I can tell they are a copy of BTBAM. If you listen to the song "In Between the Sheets", then stle of the song changes just as the BTBAM song "Mordecai" does...It's chaotic, techinal, and loud at the beginning...but in the middle, it changes to a smooth, soothing chorus of soft acoustics. Plus, then ending of it sounds very similar to the ending of yet another BTBAM song "Aesthetic". So, in conclusion, Glass Casket is a great band, I wouldn't mind seeing them live, but they sound so similar to BTBAM that it makes them sound like a scam and not even as great as they could possibly be.

Chaotic:
More Chaos metal! I like this cd along with other bands such as "Norma Jean", "Eso Charis" and "Spitfire". The music ranges from chaotic guitar crunching and strumming accompanied with deep growls death metal style and howls Zao style. I find that chaos metal is somewhat like listening to acid jazz but death metal style. Its brutal and honestly just chaotic. If you like this kind of music or consider yourself "artsy" and like new things give it a try!

Another good band from the Abacus label:
I heard "Fisted and Forgotten" while listening to Xtreme Metal Radio on live365.com. I got to say I was impressed. This is what Metalcore is all about. I am glad I was introduced to this band from this station. A couple weeks later I picked up this album. From begining to end nothing but pure metal agression for your ears. Don't let the smaller bands go unnoticed. Do yourself a favor and pick up this album today.

• Pencil Lead Syringe
• And So It Was Said
• Fisted and Forgotten
• Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
• Cellar Door
• Chew Your Fingers
• Scarlet Paint and Gasoline
• In Between the Sheets
• Gray A.M. You Will Never Get to See