Breach
Godbox

Breach made an undeniable mark on the hardcore/metal scene with their sophomore album, distributed by Relapse Records, in 2000, which showcased an original dark brooding noise-core melting pot of an album. They were, of course, lumped in the pile of bands such as Neurosis, Isis and the like, which is all anyone could do to try and draw similar artists as an analogy. Unfortunately, for Breach those comparisons, while humbling, are off the mark. Breach, adhere with a death-like grip on the mid-pace range, never daring to accelerate or get too dirge-like; they cruise along with poise and determination. Where Breach shine with blinding brilliance though, is their winding melodies that are as beautiful as they are eerie. Often the twin guitar interplay push and pulls the melody between each other; two separate parts that combine to create a great sense of composition. The increase of melody is definitely evident but it is a smooth, seamless addition that is merely magnified from their standard dose; it is a great improvement and not drastic. Of the five songs on Godbox, the first track "Kill the Sun" (an instrumental) begins with a strange sample of a woman screaming before the floodgate opens and the rest of the album is saturated with shadowy hardcore that isn't afraid to show texture. The rest of the tracks (in order) "Hardly Longer Reality," "Leave" and "Seconds Away" are solid, period. These guys have the patent on this style. No arguments, these Swedes are clearly the bastard children of indie-metal's one-nighter with hardcore darkness. The last song, "Arranged Heart," sees the sextet being a little more experimental with a dash of technology to lace the dense hardcore heaviness. So there you have it, an EP that shows the band performing at their apex, growing within their style and ultimately leaving you happy. -digital metal review