Punk rock is a rough sport. It will take your voice and trash it, especially if we're talking hardcore. Every Man's Hero is a presumptuous name (if you take out the spiritual implications) to be sure, but I think these guys might live up to it. Taking an old school approach a la the start/stop approach of The Crucified, it's fun to follow along what bassist Caleb Ralph, guitarist Dillon McKnight, and drummer Mike Heck are laying down. Caleb's the one who sacrifices his throat, though, and you wonder if he's going to make it to a second album! His shrieks and scratches are abrasive, which is appropriate when the subject matter is "...you're nothing but a power hungry jerk," or "...condemning means nothing, I know you're corrupt ... you're like a blind man insulting my face." ("Badlife") They don't seem as appropriate in happy songs, like "Forever True," which states, "Jesus, You save me ... I'm in love with You." The brittle vocals are reminiscent of Stretch Armstrong's blood curdling screams. If you're going to go see this band and stand in the front, wear goggles!
I really like the way they keep the energy going on this album, always finding a way to slide the bass here or lock into a groove there and keep your attention. When you consider hardcore punk the music of the common man, this band can sort of live up to their name. If they keep this kind of power and songwriting up, you won't be able to ignore them any longer. Pay attention now.
