Between a rock and a hard place

Blacklisted - Heavier Than Heaven, Lonelier Than God
Posted by Laila Hanson on 07-Jul-08 @ 01:52 PM

[3.5/5]
Philadelphia's Blacklisted take another giant step toward properly attaining their hardcore saviors' crown, but they still manage to miss the mark--barely. But to gloss over the band's sophomore full-length, Heavier Than Heaven, Lonelier Than God, is to ignore an album as willfully weighty as its title implies. If Blacklisted aren't charging incredibly full throttle through a demonizing 45 seconds, it's because they're taking epic pauses disguised as transitions or exercising the blinking of the hurricane's eye; either way, it's through tortured soul-searching and painstakingly pessimistic refrains.

Still, where most other bands would fire up the crowd with intermittent chug riffs, Blacklisted force the listener to momentarily recollect their depressing thoughts and reflect in the same shallow pools. Like 2007's Peace On Earth, War On Stage EP, George Kirsch howls in a voice that often stresses syllables like a more melodic parody of his NYHC forebears. That and the sporadic metal lick ensures a bare sense of humor to the record, intentional or not, that lightens an otherwise suffering mood. At a shade under 20 minutes, Heaven blows by the inattentive like a supercharged hearse, but those who keep up with the record will appreciate a consistent swagger. (DEATHWISH, INC.) Brian Shultz

ROCKS LIKE:
Judge's Bringin' It Down
No Warning's Ill Blood
Buried Alive's Last Rites


Official Website: http://www.deathwishinc.com




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