Evergreen Terrace

While often criticised as the epitome of all that is wrong with modern metalcore, there is no denying the level of passion and enjoyment the members of Evergreen Terrace display for their craft. So much so that, in fact, the live performances are not this release's selling point; it's the offstage banter, the band's peculiar on the road acquaintances (including a homeless man who believes that band's moniker refers to marijuana) and the group's tendency to spend most of their on-screen time at least half-naked that make this a must-own for anyone more than just a casual listener. That being said, those who stand by this review's opening statement are, predictably enough, advised to steer clear. (Eulogy, www.eulogyrecordings.com)