Reviewed by Peter John Willoughby

Strike First Records is the label that Facedown uses to give new bands an opportunity to prove themselves. Ace Augustine are from Pennsylvania and play technical metalcore with hardcore influences thrown in. They are a young band brimming with enthusiasm. They open with typical metalcore with some clunking hardcore breakdowns, but really take off in "2013 Looks Promising". There are time changes, monumental drum outbursts and a melodic mid-section followed by technical riffing. More of that can be found in "Negotiations" with "Set your sites, set your sites on north/And show the world what you're made of. . . what you're made of/Make your move, make your mark on the world/And show them what you're made of. . . what you're made of /Make your move, make your mark this time/There's no second chance, this is not a test, this is your life". At this point I had started to realise that the screamed vocals were starting to grate as there isn't much variation, but having said that, there are some clear sections and gang vocals in "Delorian". In "The Debt That All Men Pay" their approach is not unlike a fire and brimstone preacher with "Repent oh wicked one, false encounters don't fool me/Repent oh wicked one". Whilst they haven't developed their own distinctive sound, it doesn't detract from their raw energy.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.