Reviewed by Shelby Foster

The epic introductory jingle "Initium", with its somewhat tongue-in-cheek nod towards black metal, announces that Falling Cycle do not intend to be lumped together with the hardcore masses. In fact, there are a number of moments, including low-end death metal grunting, high speed technical guitar riffing and complex time changes, that suggest the band are equally comfortable in metallic territory. The vocals are likewise nicely varied, with clean singing and the aforementioned grunting breaking up the longer spells of hardcore roaring. The harsh edge of the music is translated into the emotional morbidity of the lyrics, which detail the pain of fractured relationships and commitments. Hope seeps through in "Repair", with the simple confession and prayer, "So many promises I've made and let them slip away/This time I'm giving you all I have/Don't let me slip away." Despite its many plusses, however, this record leaves you lukewarm. It is fair example of its genre and little more. For the best, check out the latest releases by Facedown and Norma Jean. For something good, try this.

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