"The Frailty of Words"
Hopesfall
Why didn't I get this CD when it came out? Seriously, this is by far one of
the best emotional hardcore bands to come out for quite a while. I don't
want to compare these guys to anybody, but as far as the hardcore part of
Hopesfall, they're similar to Strongarm. Hopesfall delivers transition so
well that I wonder why more hardcore/emo bands haven't picked it up. The
opening track, "Shines Through," is a perfect example this. The song begins
with riff that makes you want to tense your muscles as Doug releases you as
he leads into a prominent bass-line and then the guitars get thick.
Background screams give way to even more great riffage and then the greatest
transition of all time. Poppy rhythms and BGV's lead into a crying plea:
"Wash it from my eyes, all the sad goodbyes, make me feel again." The Doug
screams the lyrics and we have a 3-parter going. Amazing. "Endeavor" is the
epitamy of somberness beginning with weeping guitars only to lead to
distorted madness. The lyrics are very poetic (which is NOT something you
see in hardcore) with lines like "I've exchanged the wisdom of God for
selfish pride... thus my down fall. My appreciation is laced with apologies,
for not becoming your plan" (from "A New Day"). And the conclusion of the
CD... "The Broken Heart of a Traitor." This song is usually played last when
Hopesfall is in concert and rightly so. It's an 8 minute plea to God for
grace. "Will the waves of time wash away the pain in my heart? Can I bury
the knife that has pierced my soul, or will I continue to turn it to remind
me of my own blindness?" Chaotic bliss fills your heart when Doug screams,
"And the question that plagues my mind... is grace enough?" If you think
this band is emotionally intense on CD, wait until you see them live.
-- Lars
Lars-O-Meter: 8.7 out of 10
Favorite Song: "Shines Through" and "A Winter's Rose"
Record Label: DTS Records