This compilation is a collaboration between the American 1340 Records and the Norwegian Sarepta. It contains music from 13 bands from the United Kingdom, two from Germany, one from Ireland and two from the USA. This is also the first of a trilogy of compilations. The only two bands I had heard before were NSC and Wooden Cross. The cover depicts three kids with piercings, chains and tattoos suggesting a heavy alternative/hardcore album. This is not the case though. There's even some mellow stuff like Debby Barnes' pop. Quite soporific. Most of this stuff fits into the broad spectrum of alternative music though the hard music is rare. Best attempts are Wooden Cross's punk and the metal influenced music of Xegesis. This does not mean that the softer rest isn't worth checking out. There's some fine playing to be found on this disc. I just think it could be harder edged. But please don't judge the book, uh, CD by its cover.
