DIECAST “Day of Reckoning”
I think metalcore has a new genre classifier. You know how NOFX always references melodic hardcore? And how RANCID is modern streetpunk? Well DIECAST to me is the essence of metalcore, and by the musical accomplishments on this record, they are now in my mind, the instrument of measurement for all other metalcore bands. “Day of Reckoning,” is a spectacularly crushing release that sways back and forth with as much intensity as a construction site demolition team. What sets DIECAST apart from their contemporaries is their ability to shift between melodic gang styled vocals, to full out screaming on the change of a dime. RED ROSES FOR A BLUE LADY does this too, but not nearly with the same amount of clarity. Dare I say, on a few tracks, DIECAST sound like accessible metalcore – a bit too heavy for mainstream radio, but certainly as catchy. I would just love for a band like DISTURBED to listen to this, and then have them call themselves a “metal” band thereafter…you’d probably find members of that band curled up into the fetal position. Along with the devastating chugga-chugga parts that DIECAST concoct, their heaviness can be attributed to the overall feeling of this band being one tightly wound unit – similar to the feeling I got when listening to the new release by UNEARTH. Imagine DIECAST to have the comparable power of the part of a hurricane that is just outside of the eye of the storm. From this band’s name, to the title of their record, I was predicting a whole spat of dark and gloomy lyrics, wrought of personal torment and hopelessness – however, I was pleasently surprised to see DIECAST take on a very positive stance throughout. Themes of support, encouragement, and determination persist through the 46 minutes, and allow the songs to sustain a dimension of viability. Finally, the production on “Day of Reckoning” is thunderous and highly polished. I mentioned how clear everything is earlier, and the drum work only highlights this characteristic further. Plainly put, the drums sound fuckin’ huge!!! There’s double-bass everywhere, and on track seven, “Remember the Fallen,” a sick FEAR FACTORY like rolling double-bass closes out the tune – sending shudders down my spine. Paul Trust was the man behind the boards in putting this disc together, and he deserves a ton of credit. I’ve only become familiar with this band within the past two months, and to be honest, I don’t know how I could say that I’m fan of metalcore without being into this band – “Day of Reckoning” is that good. A must buy.
Now or Never Records
