Chapter 1: Between The Bridges

The debut release from upstate New York alternative metal quartet To This Day is a brooding effort, deeply rooted in the band's straight-edge lifestyle. Chapter 1: Between the Bridges is a solid first album from a group that's only been together for two years. The release is relentless and uncompromising, a full-on aural assault from start to finish. In true hardcore fashion, the vocals are completely unintelligible, though well-delivered -- think something similar to the dark lord's growl, but occasionally more melodious. The provocative, often hostile lyrics are printed in the album's liner notes, giving them somewhat of a spotlight -- like 'Spelunking' when singer DJ's vicious vocals serve as a release of angst: 'I want to rip out your heart and replace with mine/so you know how I feel/maybe then you'll know that this feeling isn't something you fake/this is real.' The band's harsh sound is driven by ruthless drums and unremitting double bass chops. Unfortunately, the songs hardly differ from one to the next -- but constant breakdowns keep things interesting. One of the standouts on Chapter 1: Between the Bridges is 'Legend.' Starting out with bass, drums and a ringing guitar, To This Day's musicianship is at its best. -All Music Guide