Point Break Volume 1 combines some of the biggest names in hardcore and metalcore in an 18 song compilation released by Side Cho Records. Some of the bands include Ensign, Thrice, Zao, Living Sacrifice, Converge, American Nothing (formerly American Nightmare...oops am I going to have a lawsuit on my hands now?), Meshuggah and Stretch Arm Strong.
As the hardcore scene seems to be making a comeback, metalcore is still strong and just getting bigger and it is certainly the case on this album. Out of the 18 songs there are only three hardcore bands(Ensign, Stretch Arm Strong and Ensign) and all the rest are metal-core. I am not the biggest fan of metalcore but there are a few bands that I do enjoy and there are a few metal-core songs on here that I enjoy as well. The Soilwork, Zao, God Forbid, and Meshuggah songs were good and I enjoyed the Drowningman song, they are great live.
I didn't love this comp because of the fact that it claimed to combine hardcore and metalcore but how can that be done without blending the equal proportions. By the end of the album I was so sick of the screaming and metal riffs that I started to dream of joining Gwar.
If you are a huge fan of metal and metalcore I would highly recommend this album but if you are just into hardcore, I would advise you to stay away. It's hit or miss for the rest. It's a low priced cd...$7 so it's not a huge investment for 18 songs. I just felt like it was an average comp...no unreleased songs and nothing amazing.
C
