The point of releasing a record label sampler is never lost on me, and in terms of the consumer, most samplers offer a win-win proposition. Some however, become better than average and truly kick-ass, even if most, or all of the material is previously released. “Transcend” is a 19 track romp through the ranks of Eulogy Records and their German partners, Alveran Records, and the combined line-up is nothing short of astounding. The clincher on this for me is a new song from UNEARTH, called “Endless” that will be out on their upcoming MCD – this track purely destroys. The only two non-hardcore acts are DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL (with the rather edgy, “Ender will save us all,”) and UNSUNG ZEROS, whose new album, “Moments From Mourning” is chock full of juicy pop-punk gems. From there however, we are treated to the likes of UNTIL THE END, A DEATH FOR EVERY SIN, SANTA SANGRE, MORNING AGAIN, LIAR, CHRISTENSEN (back when they didn’t sound like FUGAZI), THIS DAY FORWARD (great song in “Kairos”), WALLS OF JERICHO, DRIFT (amazing, NYHC style band from Europe), COPYKILL, ARMA ANGELUS (very unique metalcore with all sorts of crazy timing changes), DOWNPOUR (imagine early INDECISION on steriods) and the thunderous ONE NATION UNDER. To top this all off, the artwork is very high-quality for a sampler disc. This would be a worthy addition for anyone into supremely heavy music.

Eulogy/Alveran

www.eulogyrecordings.com