Aiming to further expose the metalcore/crossover scene, Unrestrained.net have tried their hand at selecting 9 acts from the current underground scene, ranging from former Slipknot frontman Anders's new project, Painface to the sci-fi Helmet like crunch of Forge. This compilation succeeds in showcasing the bands included and incorporates a handful of different styles, making it an open minded journey as it progresses through brutish metalcore, melodic hard rock and fast paced rapcore with a few other hybrids of the previously mentioned styles thrown in for flavor. Unfortunately though, with only 9 bands included on a 21 track CD, some bands take up more than their fair share of the slots, getting 3 tracks each to themselves, which greatly reduces the continuity and exposure which a disc such as this could offer. Another downfall for this release is the varying sound quality of the tracks used, it's quite staticy and almost all of the inclusions seem to have been recorded in home studios and although this is at no fault of bands or the disc's creators, it sadly does reduces how enjoyable it could be. But for what its worth, this CD does take a scenic, albeit short tour of the up and comers of the heavy scene who aren't quite ready yet for the big times, but will most likely end up there with a bit of growth and time spent honing their craft. Some compilation CD's can impress a listener right off the bat, blowing them away with diversity and impressive bands, while others can be downright horrible, making them want to smash their CD player, sadly although a valiant effort, this disc falls somewhere in-between those two extremes.
(2 / 5)