Everything Went Black

Everything Went Black are self-proclaimed "blackened hardcore," an apt genre for a band whose name both contains "Black," as in black metal, and references a Black Flag album. They spend the duration of Cycles of Light fusing these two genres and the result falls somewhere between the Banner's Frailty and a less grind-influenced Trap Them. And while the lack of grindcore may cause them to fall short of their more established peers when heavy is the game, their more melodic and atmospheric moments set them apart. As tracks such as "XI," "Gods of Atlantis and "Kingdoms" prove, how you wield your hammer is just as important as how heavy it is. This album should easily satiate those waiting for the Banner to release their comeback record later this year, as well as convert others to this increasingly virulent strain of hardcore.