It's not hard to understand what the buzz around In Pieces is all about after listening to the true masterpiece that this demo is. Wisely titled "A Broken Promise To Last a Lifetime" it is also not difficult to understand how they received positive feedback from numerous established bands from the hardcore genre, and managed to have their effort produced by none other than Kurt Ballou from Converge. In Pieces' furious demo brings an aggressive brand of hardcore filled with emotion, that makes it inevitable that they will get comparisons with bands the likes of Shai Hulud, Poison The Well and even a bit of GlassJAw. Still, they do manage to handle their own, playing intelligent hardcore that, is so emotional, that it can easily make tears fall from your eyes.

What amazes me the most about In Pieces' music is the dynamic guitar duo formed by Rick and Val. While the heavier guitar parts are furious and aggressive in a monstrous proportion, the mellow ones carry an emo-ish vibe played with an unrealistic mastery that is sure to leave even the best and most important bands of the ever vague emo genre jealous. The music's emotion doesn't come only from the guitars though. Singer Scott also gives the music the necessary backbone for its aggressive passion, with screams that can almost be felt in the listener's skin due to their immense honesty, making it clear that he really believes in what he says. Lyrically, the album mostly talks about the members experiences with relationships, but also hints on their personal struggle on trying to find their own identity, themes that most, if not everyone can relate to.

Something that puts the release down a bit though is the fact that Scott's melodic vocals are still very raw and definitely need a bit of practice. His melodic side doesn't transmit as much emotion as it should and instead feels a little bit lost which makes it end up breaking up the song's emotional climate, since he doesn't seem to sing with as much intensity and sincerity as he does when he screams and yells. The only song that breaks this cycle is the closing track, "A Part of Me Dies", in which melodic vocals are done by drummer TJ, who seems to reach higher notes much easier than his vocalist partner. Still, this flaw is absolutely nothing that the listener won't be willing to overlook after a couple of listens, though.

Quite frankly, In Pieces are easily on the same level as the established bands in the genre. By introducing themselves to the world with "A Broken Promise To Last a Lifetime", In Pieces hit the right spot, as they will undoubtedly please the fans of hardcore, emocore and maybe even the open-minded fans of emo and metal. This band offers something far from generic and their music is one of the most beautiful blends of hardcore and emo ever created. This demo is undoubtedly a release that will last a lifetime, and with one single listen, you'll be forced to collect the pieces of your heart from the floor, since the music, combined with their lyrics, is sure to break it without any pity. Then again, it's a small price to pay. Believe me: In Pieces' music is more than worth the price you'll pay for the glue to mend the pieces of your heart together again.
(4.5 / 5)