BANNER, THE „Each Breath Haunted”

Music: Dark Rock/Screamo/Hardcore
Country: USA
Website: http://www.thebannernj.com


Cool Songs: Devil Hawks, Mudweller, I am Legend, I’ll be Happy when you’re Fucking Dead

Signed to the ever-evolving Ferret Music label, I was expecting another bludgeoning hardcore/metalcore affair with this new one from New Jersey quintet ‘The Banner’. Yet, I must admit that prior to even hearing a note from this debut album, the cover art and overall packaging did hint of something a little different. Sure enough, ‘Each Breath Haunted’ proves to be anything but another generic exercise in frenetic hardcore and mosh pit break downs.

The Banner has been blasting their way around the local NJ scene since 2000. However it has only been in the last 18 months that we’ve seen any recorded material available. Previous releases include their first ep, “Posthumous”(2004) on Blackout! Records. The band further honed their sound on following recordings, including a split with Dead Wrong on War Machine Records (2004), and a full length on Blackout!, titled “Your Murder Mix Tape”(2004).

Touted as some sort of ‘Horror-Rock’ outfit, ‘The Banner’ plays a rather unique hybrid of modern Screamo/Hardcore meets Punk Rock meets Dark Metal. As a straight up comparison, think a brutal, heavier Danzig meets early period Neurosis. Their approach is centred on the jagged riffs of Garrett Defalco and Chris Leboeuf and the horror-themed lyrics from charismatic frontman Joey Southside. The pace is varied between mid to fast paced tempos and crushing rhythmic grooves whilst also ensuring the bands darker side is allowed to shine via some slower, predominately brooding moments. There is also a haunting melodic component that is deeply embedded in this disc. Sure, there’s nothing on this that you’d ever call ‘hook-laden’ but the sweeping guitar lines and Southside’s subtle vocal phrasings gives ‘The Banner’s song writing a more distinctive edge. Joey Southside’s movement between velvet smooth Glen Danzig tones to scathing Howard Jones screaming is a particular highlight. The Eric Rachel & Alan Douches production/mix accentuates the dark rock vibe even further.

‘Each Breath Haunted’ isn’t the album you might expect from the Ferret camp. Their approach isn't that far removed, but clearly ‘The Banner’ has a certain individual take on the screamo style that allows them to stand out from their peers. The darker aspects of their overall sound are very much the clincher here; and with a guy like Joey Southside providing the link, ‘Each Breathed…’ come across as a deeply intense and confronting listen. I’d be happy with a few more memorable moments next time but based on what we have been given here, there is plenty of room for that to develop. A most interesting album from a band looking to carve their own niche in a very crowded scene.

note: 7.5/10

Tracklist

1. Devil Hawks
2. Venom & Hope
3. I'll Be Happy When You're Fucking Dead
4. An Allergy To Sun
5. Black Hoods
6. An Allergy To Silver
7. Hell On A Horse
8. Muddweller
9. Coffinnails
10. Tragedy
11. I Am Legend