In Expectation of New Muffins!

Part 1 of 2!

In anticipation of what should be a spectacular week for music, I figured I'd give you fine folks three for the price of one! This Tuesday, we have a sophomore release from punk-rock outfit Children 18:3, a third effort from metal maestros Parkway Drive, and a whopping fifth full-length from Solid State Records veterans Haste the Day. So, I'm going to give you guys a little look back on the last releases from each of these bands!

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First up, we have Children 18:3, a Christian punk band hailing from Minnesota and their self-titled album. Comprised of three siblings (the Hostetters: David on lead vocals and guitar, LeeMarie on backing vocals and bass, and Seth on drums), these guys, and girl, know how to rock. With catchy choruses, energetic verses, and a passion for what they do, they really deliver a strong punk album on their Tooth & Nail records debut.

Musically, it's exactly what you'd expect from a punk album. The guitars are fast, but not terribly technical. The bass has a seat in the forefront of the mix, which I absolutely love. As much as I love metal, I do miss the bass in most mixes on metal albums. The drums drive this enjoyable album. The part that probably catches me the most every time is how talented David and LeeMarie are as vocalists. They have wonderful voices and harmonize beautifully.

The standout tracks have to be the opening track "All My Balloons" and "Mock the Music". "All My Balloons" is a fast paced, heavy-hitting punk anthem that'll have you moving in no time. The latter song, "Mock the Music" is a thought-provoking ditty about stereotypes: "It's alright, it's a stereotype / And I don't mind if you use it / It's alright, you can say what you like / Just don't mock the music". All in all, this is a good listen, and a fun release. (On a personal note, I've had the opportunity to meet the band on several occasions, and not only are they talented musicians and songwriters, but they are very friendly and easy to approach individuals.)

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Next up, we have the boys from Australia who know brutal music, and know it well. "Horizons" is the second full-length release from Parkway Drive, and you had better be prepared for some serious metal when you pick up this one. This five-piece (consisting of Winston McCall on vocals, Jeff Ling and Luke Kilpatrick on guitars, Ben Gordon on drums, and Jia O'Connor on bass) left fans hungry for more after their first album "Killing With a Smile", and they more than delivered.

After the instrumental intro track, we are bombarded by blast beats and wicked guitar work on the first track "The Sirens' Song", and they don't let up until over halfway through the album. It's just song after pummeling song, each with it's own sound. They truly achieved what many bands search for on this album, and that's the ability to write a coherent piece that doesn't turn into a series of forgetful songs.

McCall's screams and growls will echo in your head, as the twin guitar onslaught of Ling and Kilpatrick will cement itself in your psyche as a standard for metal from here on out. Another facet of this album I was truly impressed with was the presence of the bass guitar. As I mentioned earlier, I do tend to miss the bass in most metal mixes, but Parkway Drive enlisted the help of Adam D., and his masterful touch is clearly evident.

My favorite tracks on the album have to be "Boneyards" and "Idols and Anchors". These two songs truly showcase what this Australian quintet is capable of.

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Finally, we have Haste the Day. Originating in Indiana, these Christian metalcore veterans have been on the scene for almost a decade and, despite the lineup changes over the years, have consistently put out solid releases. The crew on their fourth studio album "Dreamer" had Stephen Keech as lead vocalist, Michael Murphey on bass, Jason Barnes and Brennan Chaulk on guitars, and Devin Chaulk on drums.

Opening up with "68" was, without a doubt, one of the most brilliant musical moves in the band's history. This song is a shining example of what Haste the Day does best: wicked guitars, crushing drums, and both guttural growls and soaring clean vocals. And just to reinforce that fact, the follow it up with "Mad Men" and "Haunting".

Now, this album is nothing groundbreaking. However, that is NOT a reason to just let it slip under your radar. It has a similar formula to what you've seen before: screamed verses, sung choruses, and breakdowns sprinkled throughout for your enjoyment. But Haste the Day does this almost flawlessly. If you like metalcore, you will love this album - I know I do.

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So, there you have it. Three albums for you to check out before this coming Tuesday, June 29th, when Children 18:3's "Rain's A Comin'", Parkway Drive's "Deep Blue", and Haste the Day's "Attack Of The Wolf King" all hit stores. Check back next week for part 2, where I'll review the new releases!

>Pawn