Diecast
Day Of Reckoning
Now Or Never
Surprising record here, as Diecast collide mainstreamable melody and metallic hardcore head on. You’d be well within your wits to think this was an entirely different band: After all, Diecast’s earlier work fits the ambivalent definition of “heavy hardcore.” On the much-improved and appropriately titled Day Of Reckoning, the five-piece come off as a bunch of metal kids well versed in hardcore (and not the other way around • in other words, they’re actually decent musicians), similarly stomping and slamming with scissor-sharp, shorthaired aplomb, frontman Colin Schleifer aggressive perfection rock-radio-ready through an alternatingly sinister/sweethearted croon that could yet give the likes of Linkin Park, Godsmack, and Disturbed a run for their (big) money if given the proper push. Smart, accessible, and bloody heavy as hell • right up there with Haste for metalcore of such an illustrious ilk.
Now Or Never, 61 Riordan Place, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702, http://www.noworneverrecords.com