Tag: hardcore

A lineup change would completely balance out Point of Recognition for the release of their sophomore record. This time around, they would be on the famed Facedown Records, a Christian hardcore and metal record label that would gain serious notoriety in their respective Inland Empire locale in Southern California. The bands on the label would produce Christian music that you would not hear in any major church, that’s for sure.

“Refresh, Renew” is different than their previous record in that you get a guttural scream, no dual vocals, and a more steady hardcore pace. Less metal, more hardcore, and a firm stance lyrically on the foundations that made the band stand out initially. With a new focus and sound that was more akin to Hatebreed than metalcore, Point of Recognition found themselves creating a standout second record. It was just different enough from the first one and a leap into hardcore sounds.

Through the tracks, you still get a sense of Christendom, which may turn off some fans. However, the steady pacing, heavy riffs, breakdowns, and constant onslaught of hardcore hold their own against others in the genre. Even 21 years later, “Refresh, Renew” still sounds like it could be released today and stay the course with other hardcore bands. The production value is higher here, and the songs are mostly brief, making this a suitable hardcore record to play every now and then.

1999 a mix of hardcore and metal bands was getting much attention. One of the bands making a name for themselves by being left of center was that of Walls of Jericho. In 1999, the band would release their first studio record, “The Bound Feed The Gagged,” and they would mix genres to catch you off guard. The resulting disc is a mix of metal riffs with hardcore breakdowns and even punk rock shifting speed at times. Despite their name, the band is not religious, and pummels the listener with sing-along choruses and metallic onslaught at other times.

Production-wise, this is not the most polished of records, with the guitars feeling slightly off, but not terrible. The guitarwork is good, don’t get me wrong, but it sometimes overshadows the bass and drums, and is second only to the vocals, which are screamed. Candace’s vocals are spot on, hardcore, at times feminine, but with enough gusto that she doesn’t fit in one category, giving the band a little bit of a leg up in terms of their song structures. “The Bound Feed The Gagged” puts pressure on your brain from the opening track, “Playing Soldier Again”, through the rest of the tracks, all of which stand independently with heavy-hitting measures. “Home is where the heart is”, “Unwanted Resistance”, “Full Disclosure”, and more round out the record highs, with an onslaught of metallic music you’re going to either love or hate. Female-fronted hardcore? Well, this is certainly a good record.

Pick up this solid record from Walls of Jericho by clicking here.