Smash Corps-No Peace Until Tomorrow

Post #128
Smash Corps are an independent thrash/hardcore metal band from the Chicago area. No Peace Until Tomorrow is their 2nd full-length album, and 3rd release overall. If you're a fan of Disturbed, Pantera, or classic-80's thrash metal, then this band is worth checking out. Now for a closer look at No Peace Until Tomorrow...


This album starts off with 'Darkside of Truth', a good, heavy song with lyrics that show some social commentary on cynicism. The album just gets better from here on! Smash Corps tear into some heavy grooves that truely remind me of one of my all-time favorite bands: PANTERA. They are more about 'heavy' than 'speed' in their formula. They also know when to change things up a bit, as most songs feature good guitar solos and melodic break-downs.

No Peace Until Tomorrow offers you plenty of fist-pumping, headbanging, hardcore/thrash songs. Their influence from bands like Black Sabbath to Metallica, Pantera to Iron Maiden is clearly evident throughout. Vocalist Tim Smith has a voice that reminds me of Tool's Maynard James Keenan, but the delivery is more strict in the thrash/hardcore/groove-metal genre. Their strongest talent is probably their ability to deliver heavy-yet-melodic, infectiouos riffs.

Here are my annotated, personal recommendations from No Peace Until Tomorrow:
-Darkside of Truth (a slow, grinding thrasher, lyrics with a bit of social criticism, good guitar solos)
-Otherside (More of a straight-up groove-metal number. Headbanging required!)
-Face Your Demons (Another heavy tune, built upon infectious riffs. Cuts to an elegant, melodic breakdown at about two & a half minutes in, with a great melodic guitar solo... perhaps my top pick!)
-New Soul/Just Wait (Another slow-grinder, also with breakdown segment and talented soloing.)
-Left in a Ditch (One of the faster tracks on the album. More great riffage!)
-No Peace Until Tomorrow (On the title track, you find more heavy riffs galore, yet the song retains a strong sense of melody, while still keeping it heavy.)

Check out these songs and more at Smash Corps' myspace page below!
http://www.myspace.com/smashcorps

Second Annual Myspace-Bands Poll

Post #107
In the world of online music and streaming mp3's websites like myspce.com have become more than simply a way to get your music heard; they've become the standard for much of the music industry. Not only will you find your buddy's garage band from around the block with their own myspace-page, but every major recording artist now has at least a couple songs available for free sampling at myspace.com.

To celebrate the spirit of independent music, the Happy Headbanger's blog is once again featuring seven of these up-and-coming bands in a reader's poll. To allow you faithful readers sufficient time to hear a little of each of these bands, and decide on a favorite, this poll will have an extended voting window! Typically I utilize a 30-day polling window, but for this one you'll get no less than 45 days. Use them wisely!

Now here are your contestants
DEADMANSWAKE
Female-fronted metal with lots of balls!
Check out the song "Amy"
http://www.myspace.com/deadmanswakechicago

SMASH CORPS
Great heavy-metal with a thrash-hardcore vibe!
Check out "The Machine"
http://www.myspace.com/smashcorps

THIRD LAW OF MOTION
"For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction."
Post-grunge inspired alternative rock, with mainstream-friendly hooks.
Check out "Golden Age"
http://www.myspace.com/thirdlawofmotion

KILLCODE
A great New York-based band blending a classic-metal sound with a bit of southern rock.
Check out "Truce"
http://www.myspace.com/killcode

SKANK
A little melody, a bunch of hard-core riffs, and of course a little sleazy. These guys rock!
Check out "No Love Lost"
http://www.myspace.com/skankmusic

INN CINEMA
These guys can be intense with a furious metalcore edge, then lighten up to show a melodic side.
Check out "Save Me"
http://www.myspace.com/inncinema

SUTURED PSYCHE
"Music for Bastards!"
Melodic hard rock, mixed with a bit of alternative metal, and catchy grooves in every song!
Check out "The Leap"
http://www.myspace.com/suturedpsyche

Keep in mind, the winner of this poll will get a full-length review within a few weeks of when the poll closes. Not to mention more exposure to the online community, and circulation of their myspace page!

Enjoy!