Die Young (TX) Graven Images

Editor's note: Yes, we know this album came out in March. We don't care. There is a certain desensitization that comes along with a constant exposure to hardcore. Even when well-executed, the staples of a solid hardcore record can fail to spark interest in those who have heard just about every combination of riffs, gang vocals and breakdowns imaginable. Yet all the desensitization in the world won't be enough to hinder the impact of Die Young's Graven Images, a record dripping in hardcore intensity, metallic riffs and a sense of punk urgency. If you have somehow managed to miss the boat on this one (I am guilty of this as well), get your act together. This is without a doubt one of the best hardcore records of 2007. Graven Images begins with the 30 second track, "Making A Killing," a song built upon a foundation of hardcore punk riffs and driving drumming. The strong political tones of the record are immediately apparent as the vocalist (going by the name of "The Reverend White Devil") delivers lines like, "We are mere playthings of corrupt industries.Our health is pawned into private sectors by the pharaohs of our time." In a current scene where it is often difficult to determine the sincerity of bands, it is great to hear groups like Die Young advertising a complete disdain for modern society that is immediately reminiscent of the politically charged hardcore of the 1990s. Graven Images also has brevity on its side, with its fifteen tracks adding up to little more than 25 minutes. The result is track after track of vicious hardcore, ranging from the merger of New York hardcore with a touch of crust heard in the disc's title track to the more groove-laden "The Dying Atheist." In addition, calm, melodic interludes like "Desperate Hope" and "In Limbo" are successful in serving both as short breathers for the listeners and welcome shifts to better accentuate the record's overall intensity. This is simply a well-crafted record that combines a wide range of punk, hardcore and crust influences to stand out among that of Die Young's hardcore peers. Its political messages are nothing short of passionate and should appeal to all those in search of hardcore with a strong lyrical background. In fact, it is the small note inside the disc's layout that says it best: "PS: If you bought this album because Jesus is on the cover, the joke's on you!" Bottom Line: Even those who have had an overexposure to all things hardcore should be impressed with the politically charged Graven Images. Die Young has certainly proven that modern hardcore can still be refreshing as long as it is built upon a strong foundation of credible influences and sincerity. Definitely check this out if you missed it.