Official Website: www.theminortimes.com Label: Independent Location: Kulpsville, PA Similar To: Botch, Coalesce, Converge Audio: "I Fuck For Money" "Albert DeSalvo"

The Minor Times: It was back in July of last year that this five piece released their first EP "Chris Chambers Never Misses", a title that draws reference from the film "Stand By Me". Good taste in films aside, the band have since toured extensively with a brand of analog noicescore in which every sound and instrument is clearly transparent rather than the chaotic mixes this genre is perhaps known for. Much like Botch the band have the ability to manipulate the sound of their instruments rather than simply play them. New material has just surfaced on the Robotic Empire "Mutation" compilation, serving as a reminder that this band aren't about to go away. Not too mention that the new songs are equally witty, creative and crushing which will more than suffice while the band currently write for an upcoming record.

Official Website: www.manicband.net Label: Independent Location: Hollywood, CA Similar To: Jane's Addiction, Rival Schools, Thursday Mp3's: "Chemicals For Criminals" "This Is What It's Like To Die On The Phone"

Manic: Antagonistic post rock meets with early 90's reminiscent post hardcore and unveils its gritty sensitive side. A relatively young band, its members are already well versed in the ways of the industry from their experience with past projects, and as such making a glossy radio hit is not high up on their list of priorities. With a debut CD expected to be released online shortly, the band are preparing to make a proper introduction shortly, with plans to tour following soon after.

Official Website: www.theovalportrait.com Label: Eyeball Records Location: West Paterson, NJ Similar To: Glassjaw, Quicksand, My Chemical Romance Audio: "Can't You Do Anything For Me?"

The Oval Portrait: From the same scene and label that helped establish acts like Thursday and My Chemical Romance comes The Oval Portrait. A gritty take on post hardcore, the band aren't afraid to use a little brawn to get their point across; and with some help from their aforementioned peers already lined up for their upcoming new album "Life In Death", they shouldn't have trouble picturing a bright future for themselves.

Official Website: www.dew-scented.de Label: Nuclear Blast Records Location: ????, GER Similar To: Slayer, The Haunted, God Forbid Mp3's: "Acts Of Rage"

Dew-Scented Dew-Scented are by no means a new band, having formed in Germany in 1992 and unleashed a string of albums in the years since. However, only one of those offerings has ever seen a proper release in North America and thus, it is with their latest offering "Impact" that the group are hoping to earn the recognition they truly deserve. A violent blend of thrash and European metal, the band tear it up with the best of them and should have no trouble winning over new fans across the pond, especially with nu-metal already in the coffin and real metal beginning to rise to prominence once again.

Official Website: www.crydebris.com Label: Independent Location: London, UK Similar To: God Forbid, Shadows Fall, Will Haven Audio: "Somewhere" "Eden" "Flickering Angel"

Crydebris: London's Crydebris exhibit a fresh sounding dose of metalcore with an emotional undercurrent that is both subtle and over the top in equal amounts throughout the three tracks on their excellent if not totally refined 2002 demo. While 2003 was seemingly less than productive, they nonetheless shared the stage with the likes of Eden Maine, and Beecher and penned a number of new songs which are hoped to be released before the year is out. With their skills continually being honed, this young act should be keenly followed.

Comment On The Learning Curve (Last Updated 12:31 PM PST 10/12/2003)