Altars

A five-piece from Colorado Springs, Altars' debut EP is a grand entrance that will certainly make people take notice. The metallic hardcore group blend the two genres into a smooth, palatable paste. "Opposition" opens the six-song disc with growling announcement "We are the opposition!," as tight, punctuated drum beats control the tempo and feel with a brutal breakdown. "Severance" confirms that the short opener was no fluke; Mike Searle's deep, earthy voice pummels, while the rhythm section are an absolute wrecking machine relentlessly pounding the track into your head. For a debut, Altars sound like a veteran band ready to break through.