Death
before Dishonor is one of the most hard working hardcore bands in the U.S.
today. They've shared the stage with heavyweights such as Sick of it All,
Madball, The Get Up Kids just to name a few. Their 2009 release, "Better
ways to Die" remains true to their original Boston sound, while not being
afraid to delve into different, previously untapped dimensions. If you've never
listened to them before, they are straight out of Boston with a lot of
"Blood for Blood" influence, with enough two step, catchy lyrics, and
breakdown to keep you interested, but not so jam packed with it that it might
lead you astray. They portray a sound of ingenuity and aggression, not the easy
to spot misdirected cookie cutter rage you see in a lot of recently
signed contemporary hardcore bands.
When I first heard this CD, I was taken aback by the first track "Peace and Quiet", mainly to the simplicity of its style. It's primarily a punk driven song, with a brief two step before it concludes. It reminded me of all their original demos with a light garnish of the Dropkick Murphys/Rancid influence underlying. There is a lot of that Bay Area Metal/Hardcore feel to a lot of these tracks (think Blood for Blood with a slight bit more social grace and positive vibes in the lyric sheet). I've talked to some fans of DBD and some are taken aback by the extra added punk element to this new record. I personally think this is a mature step in the right direction for a band that is known for its relentless touring schedule and fearless live shows. This album quantifies that hard work and dedication by merely pressing play.
As the album progressed, I found myself immersed in its flawless production value, as well as it's concise and precise method of attack. Again, many diehards I spoke to found the recording of the vocals and guitars to be a little more cleaned up than they were used to, but nonetheless, in time it grew on them. Songs like "So far from Home" and "Remember" take on some more melodic progressions than their past albums, while still maintaining a gritty tone and demeanor in the final product and lyric sheet. Anyone who played and performed in a band can relate to the track "So far from home" from a lyrical angle, singing of the trials and tribulations of the road, and learning to find a new home through music and the scene. If you’re looking for that good, old classic Death Before Dishonor sound you will find solace in songs like "Coffin Nail", Bloodlust and "Better ways to die". Some guest vocalists towards the end of the album definitely help to keep things exciting, most notably on my favorite track "Glory Days". Being an aging member of the hardcore movement, the words "Looking back on my glory days, learn my lessons from mistakes, every day's a glory day when you stick to your values and refuse to fade away," could be one of the most revealing and honest lines I've ever heard in any songs, hardcore or not. If you like honest music with strong values this album is for you.
When I first heard this CD, I was taken aback by the first track "Peace and Quiet", mainly to the simplicity of its style. It's primarily a punk driven song, with a brief two step before it concludes. It reminded me of all their original demos with a light garnish of the Dropkick Murphys/Rancid influence underlying. There is a lot of that Bay Area Metal/Hardcore feel to a lot of these tracks (think Blood for Blood with a slight bit more social grace and positive vibes in the lyric sheet). I've talked to some fans of DBD and some are taken aback by the extra added punk element to this new record. I personally think this is a mature step in the right direction for a band that is known for its relentless touring schedule and fearless live shows. This album quantifies that hard work and dedication by merely pressing play.
As the album progressed, I found myself immersed in its flawless production value, as well as it's concise and precise method of attack. Again, many diehards I spoke to found the recording of the vocals and guitars to be a little more cleaned up than they were used to, but nonetheless, in time it grew on them. Songs like "So far from Home" and "Remember" take on some more melodic progressions than their past albums, while still maintaining a gritty tone and demeanor in the final product and lyric sheet. Anyone who played and performed in a band can relate to the track "So far from home" from a lyrical angle, singing of the trials and tribulations of the road, and learning to find a new home through music and the scene. If you’re looking for that good, old classic Death Before Dishonor sound you will find solace in songs like "Coffin Nail", Bloodlust and "Better ways to die". Some guest vocalists towards the end of the album definitely help to keep things exciting, most notably on my favorite track "Glory Days". Being an aging member of the hardcore movement, the words "Looking back on my glory days, learn my lessons from mistakes, every day's a glory day when you stick to your values and refuse to fade away," could be one of the most revealing and honest lines I've ever heard in any songs, hardcore or not. If you like honest music with strong values this album is for you.
Track list
1. Peace And Quiet
2. Remember
3. Coffin Nail
4. Fuck This Year
5. Boys In Blue
6. Better Ways To Die
7. So Far From Home
8. Black Cloud
9. No More Lies
10. Bloodlust
11. Our Glory Days
