Die Young “Through the Valleys in Between” CD

"Through the Valleys in Between", released by Italian label Still Life Records, collects several previously released EP's from Texas metallic hardcore outfit Die Young, for a total of 19 tracks in 34 minutes. Included in reverse chronological order are the "Loss" 7" (2008), split 7" with Invade (2007), "Survival Instinct" CD EP (2005), split 7" with 7 Generations (2005), and the 2002 demo (also re-released as the "Songs for the Converted" 7" in 2003). The bulk of the material is relatively straightforward metallic hardcore with vicious vocals (still possessing that Catharsis-esque edge, especially on the demo material) and socio-political leanings in short burst of less than two minutes apiece, not unlike what the band offered up on last year's "Graven Images" full-length. On occasion they'll spice things up with an unexpected lead break or some more creative guitar work that flirts with a hint of melody, though, and the "Loss" 7" actually takes a lot of these influences farther into a more creative direction that experiments with a lot of different textures and influences—thus making me quite curious to see where the band's going to be heading in the future. But there are other standouts, too: For example, "Asco Puro" (which is Spanish for "Pure Disgust") is a clever take on the old One Life Crew track, flipping the lyrical content to convey the opposing message of, "U.S. corporations you must get out! Don't use third world countries for slave labor!"; while covers of Trial's "For the Kids" and Gorilla Biscuits' "Degradation" are nice surprises as well. Despite variances in the recording quality everything sounds solid and plays through without issue, and the layout looks pretty damn slick as well, so this is another impressive release from a band that I missed out on for far too long. Very cool.

Die Young "Last Recourse"
Die Young "There is No Rest"
Die Young "The Tortured Role"

I gave my all and to no avail. A withered soul of so few years, a youth becoming stale. The weight of failure and disenchantment, the albatross around the neck. As I gaze into the abyss, it stares right back. Pacing, seething like a beast in captivity, scowling out from within the cage of this society. Clawing, gnawing until claw and tooth grind thin, trapped inside this culture fighting wars that I can't win. I confess: I dream of eternal rest. When all of this madness ceases to be, at last I'll be at peace...

Interpunk
RevHQ