Poison The Well

Poison The Well initially sounds like any number of metal bands flying the hardcore flag, but it doesn't take long to find the nuances that PTW inject into their music to give themselves both distance and distinction from the rest of the pack. True, ferocious metal riffs are omnipresent, as are the break-down riffs and the occasional speed/death part, but PTW also combine some acoustic segments, clean vocals, emotionally charged riffs and passages to broaden their musical scope. A recipe that produces its best results on "A Wish For Wings That Work" and "Slice Paper Wrists." While the potential is definitely there for something more, The Opposite of December... is a sufficiently brutal offering of '90s hardcore with just enough beauty thrown in for contrast. Excellent artwork and lyrics only enhance this release.