Advent
Remove The Earth
Featuring three former members (drummer/vocalist Joe Musten, guitarist Matt Harrison, and bassist Johnny "Long-Arms" Smrdel) of defunct and memorable metalcore act Beloved, the North Carolina act Advent has been awaited as the follow-up or continuation of the late band’s enduring melodics and elongated tracks. Unfortunate for Beloved fans, Advent delivers neither. Once the infamous simultaneous drummer/screamer for Beloved, Musten abandoned his kit for Advent and dove headfirst to the front of the stage with hoarse grumbling growls (perhaps this transition can be accredited to Musten’s short stint as a substitute singer for fellow Southern brethren stalwarts Norma Jean). Regardless of their past, the quintet ignites fist slamming harshcore metal that doesn’t even have time for breakdowns and only continues to spray on the lighter fluid as their debut album, Remove The Earth, progresses. The flames of intense metalcore have recently dwindled over time due to a stronger presence of melodic relief choruses (see: Underoath, Atreyu, Thrice), and if Musten’s crew feels like their past incarnation contributed to the ambers, consider Advent a bonfire. Yet after numerous tracks of relentless onslaught leave you deaf and numb, you’ll remember why bands have easily evolved to feature more dynamic structures and tones: to fight stagnation. [Solid State] Dan Frazier
This album review was originally published in the March/April Issue (#130) of HM Magazine. Order the Print Version to read tons more reviews. You can order the Print Version of this issue online or find this issue on newsstands. You can NOW read this entire feature in the online edition of HM Magazine. If you're a subscriber, you get a free online/digital subscription with your print subscription. You can purchase a single online/digital edition (which includes access to back issues) for only $1.99. A one-year digital-only subscription can be had for only $6.
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