Strengthen What Remains

The lines between metalcore and heavy, metal-tinged hardcore (not to be confused with heavy metal-tinged) are blurring increasingly. In the wake of Figure Four (a metalcore-leaning hardcore band), groups have been coming from the other direction and adding a hardcore influence to their metalcore, à la Gideon. Fellow Christians Strengthen What Remains aren't exactly sure what side they're on, or if they're picking one at all. This neutral act flip-flop between the two sounds, often on the same track. The result is akin to a watered-down Terror, which will appeal to kids on the fringes of hardcore, but likely no one who's been into it for more than 12 months. However, given this year's already released quality metal-tinged hardcore, you'd be wiser to turn a blind eye to Strengthen What Remains' diluted sound and focus on the better (metalcore-free) releases.