Seven years. Seven years can do a lot to people.
It can create changes like no other. Seven years ago
five men formed up to create one of Victory Records’
most successful bands. That band is Nodes Of Ranvier.
Starting out, Nodes Of Ranvier was on Facedown Records.
The band released several albums and demos for the
label and really began to make a name for itself within
the first two years of existence. After those two
years, Victory Records signed these guys and for the
last five years, the band has made one of the HEAVIEST
impressions on the label. Now the newest release,
“Defined By Struggle”, makes that impression
heavier.
“Defined By Struggle” starts out with
the minute long track “Sermon” and does
nothing but get better. The entire album is loaded
with salvos like “Endless Faith”, “Wrathbearer”,
and “Sergeant Sorrow”. Each track has
a more than satisfying blend of metal rhythms and
hardcore breakdowns and stays true to the bands values
along with the hardcore/metal genre.
Overall, “Defined By Struggle” is nothing
short of awesome. Each track keeps you in tune with
something heavy to offer. This album has to be Nodes
Of Ranvier’s best hands down. For about an hour,
this album will keep your horns up whether you’re
just a hardcore guy or just a metal guy. This album
blends both genres so well it’s fucking amazing
especially if you are a Victory Records fan, give
this album a good, hard listen because there’s
plenty here to get your metal and hardcore fix.
Key Tracks: The whole album is nothing short of amazing.
Reviewed by Patrick Stevens |
