Mixing the fundamentals of punk, black metal and hardcore to a degree ferocious enough to make a Molotov cocktail seem like a refreshing alternative, New Jersey's The Banner are a force to be reckoned with. A beefy relentless assault, their Ferret debut "Each Breath Haunted" would suggest that they spend their spare time burning graveyards rather than churches as the sense of blackened evil they exude is just that sinister.

Not since Cursed's "Two" has a band delivered such abrasive primal mayhem. Through vitriolic guitar parts, incensed vocals and a chunky rhythm section, they create a jagged wasteland of aggressive metallic punk that vividly compliments their bleak lyrical content as verses like "this isn't suicide, this is self defense" do little to lighten the mood.

Not a one-trick pony, there are some forays into Neurosis-like ambiance and a few sullen moments of eerily melodic introspection. But for the most part, this is violence put to music. There are problems of course, some of the bands more looser punk parts can seem a bit thin in comparison to their more raging moments.

There also isn't much in the way of broad dynamics as the music pretty much charges full-steam ahead with each song reveling in provoked rage. Even so, there is much to be pleasantly horrified by here and the raw talent that drenches this release should be enough to haunt not only the listener, but all of the complaisant metalcore bands out there as well.