Haste's sophomore effort for Century Media hits like a right hook out of nowhere, instantly taking the listener by surprise and forcefully dragging them through a violent world where new metal, hardcore, emocore, metalcore and traditional metal all interlock in a never ending battle to the death. Sounding at times like Refused and at others like Poison The Well, this band have a wide range to draw from, but through it all they maintain a deadly crunch of volatile heaviness with hardcore tendencies.
Fronted by two vocalists, Kelly and Chris, they divide the mic duties between low and high vocal parts respectively and their energy and connection is unparalleled. Consistently supporting each other, they let loose with verbal barrages that can make an incoming mortar strike look like a bird shit, and their combination of throaty bruised knuckle metalcore meets higher pitch death metal/hardcore is a true force to be reckoned with. With the addition of some heart wrenching emo passages that showcase an uncanny melody that brings to mind shades of Keepsake, this CD has more than enough vocal strength to make many more well known acts look pale in comparison. Backed by abrasive guitar work that is thick on distorted crunch and well versed within the hardcore/metal vein, the vocals couldn't sound more at home and with the occasional shimmering melodic and ambient buildup, the sonic wall of sound the bands two guitarists create is one that offers little escape. Backed by inquisitive basslines that rely on intricate hammer-on's and upbeat drum work that is fierce enough to give a piston powered engine a run for its money, the group have no problems holding their own from an instrumental standpoint.
These six Alabama boys have definitely written an amazing album and though there are many excellent tracks, it seems that the songs that capture the dynamic created by their mix of emo and metalcore are the ones which tackle the listeners attention the most. Still, with an intense and turbulent mix of a few heavy genres, the bands sound is about as close to getting the shit kicked out of you without leaving a bruise as you can get and when all is said and done, the only reason that most listeners will be left caring about after hearing this explosive disc is why the hell this band isn't bigger than they already are?
