If Hope Dies - Life in Ruin Review

If Hope Dies - Life in Ruin

Rating

RIYL

Caliban
As I Lay Dying
Demiricous
August Burns Red

Release Date

03/07/2006

Label

Metal Blade

Tracklist

1. Burned Out
2. Anthem For The Unemployable
3. Dead Reckoning
4. Time Is Not On Our Side
5. Fear Will Keep Them In Line
6. Water Into Wine Cooler
7. The Ultimate Nullifier
8. Marked For Death
9. Some Skynyrd
10. Nuked From Orbit
11. Life In Ruin

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Rick Gebhardt

“Roll with the punches,” is an old boxing reference that means to physically step to the side or backward to avoid the brunt of a blow so that the boxer can then land a solid punch on his opponent. With Life in Ruin, that’s exactly what If Hope Dies has done. They've "rolled with the punches", avoided the usual pitfalls of metalcore hits, and returned with a brutalizing uppercut of metal fury.

This reviewer actually had the opportunity to evaluate IHD’s last album, The Ground is Rushing Up to Meet Us, a couple of years ago. Looking back, I gave it a four out of five, which I’d probably still give today even after having listened to the album numerous times, but I digress.

The new material is somewhat of a departure from The Ground is Rushing Up to Meet Us. First impressions will draw comparisons to the lastest records from As I Lay Dying and Caliban. Overall, though, they have a more metal sound which makes for tighter cohesion between all members and also a larger presence, much like that of Unearth.

As previously mentioned, the metal influences on this record are much more apparent than on If Hope Dies’ previous works. Guitarists Brian and Thad work is decidedly more dynamic. Alan’s vocals are exceedingly brutal and fierce.

All in all, Life in Ruin is one hell of a step up for these New York natives. It’s every bit as heavy as Ground is Rushing Up to Meet Us and then some. Production and cohesiveness are markedly improved. This kind of progression is deserving of a just reward. If this record is any indication, If Hope Dies should have no worries about their career dying any time soon.

--Jared Mehle

Author

jared

Last updated: 09/29/2009 08:54PM

Comments

Spartan E7

03/14/2006

03:55AM

Age: 25

Location
Infinitely Inwards

I have, since yesterday, listened to the entire album; and I have to say that it is quite an adrenaline booster.(If you like metalcore,that is)The production value is very professional, they are more cohesive musicians this time around, and their sound is equivilent to that of a jackhammer on concrete. I love this stuff. BTW...Great review.

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Crippled Black Phoenix - (Mankind)The Crafty Ape

Rick Gebhardt

03/14/2006

05:25AM

Age: 31

Location
Minnesota

This cd is what Unearth's The Oncoming Storm was for me in 2004--the cd I turn to when I want something HEAVY.

Find me EVERYWHERE:

jared

03/14/2006

01:26PM

Age: 30

Location
Minneapolis, MN

rmgebhardt

This cd is what Unearth's The Oncoming Storm was for me in 2004--the cd I turn to when I want something HEAVY.

Wow, I never thought you'd give up on The Agony Scene or As I Lay Dying.

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Rick Gebhardt

03/14/2006

03:44PM

Age: 31

Location
Minnesota

jared

Wow, I never thought you'd give up on The Agony Scene or As I Lay Dying.

I'm not. Those were my 2005 go-to heavy discs. I need at least one each year :)

Find me EVERYWHERE:

Spartan E7

03/15/2006

03:50AM

Age: 25

Location
Infinitely Inwards

Right. The Darkest Red was definately one of my "go-to heavy discs" of 2005; I actually caught myself wanting to scream "Burn Me Alive!" at awkward moments during my Calculus classes. Now that I have listened to that CD about 1000 times, I either turn to August Burns Red or If Hope Dies. Even though ABR is much more than just a "Let's Fuck Shit Up" Band, Both of these bands are very intense and abrasive and sometimes I can't get enough of it. Hoo-Fucking-ray for the well played breakdown.

lpshinobi

03/18/2006

03:51PM

Age: 23

Location
VT

August Burns Red and BTBAM were pretty heavy for me.

My Top Songs of '09
The Appleseed Cast//as the little things go
Caspian//sycamore
Sunwrae//Chinook Winds
Dredg//down to the seller
If These Trees Could Talk//the sun is in the north
From Monument to Masses//an ounce of prevention
Straylight Run//i'm through with the past

LpShinobi's Post-Rock and Shoegazing Recommendation, via YouTube

Lpshinobi's Post-Rock Band, New Song Posted

Spartan E7

03/19/2006

10:29AM

Age: 25

Location
Infinitely Inwards

lpshinobi

August Burns Red and BTBAM were pretty heavy for me.

Indeed they were. This is one of the reasons I would consider quitting my job just to attend one of their concerts. Not many awesome bands come through this part of the south...Although, I did make an appearance at two shows by Maylene and the Sons of Disaster. It rocked, hard. :D

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