Half My Time - On Reflections
Rude Records - 2002
By Philip Whitehouse
Go to the Half My Time web site.
Half My Time have been really unfortunate. I got this album sent to me soon after I went out and bought Hatebreed's new album, Perseverance, and as you'll know if you've read my review of that particular disc, in my opinion Hatebreed haven't so much moved the metalcore goalposts as doused them in petrol, set them on fire and scattered the ashes over a cliff.
But I digress. Half My Time haild from Milano, Italy, and that's where the first problem lies to my mind - hardcore/metalcore lyrics are usually central to the song itself, commenting stongly on social, political, environmental or personal issues. Sadly, it seems that Half My Time's native language isn't English, and the lyrics, suffer because of it. Maybe it's only me that's bothered by that, who knows?
At least the music stands up for itself well. While not possessing the pure, head-snapping chug-a-thon quality of Hatebreed at their heaviest, Half My Time nevertheless manage to put across a pleasingly heavy yet still subtly melodic dose of hardcore goodness. 'True Romance' features some great riffs, and 'Slaves Of Maya' has a fantastic driving pace that no doubt sends the pit into a frenzy life.
Minor gripes though - the bass guitar could be louder in the mix to add to the pumping, rhythmic nature of the songs. Sorry for persisting with the Hatebreed comparisons, but on songs like that band's 'I Will Be Heard', the bass really adds an extra growling edge to the song. Second gripe - the vocalist could put a bit more effort in. He kind of bridges the gap between singing and screaming by sort of speaking everything loudly and drawing out the vowels. Maybe the odd throat-ripping scream wouldn't go amiss?
Overall though, this is a perfectly competent release - the songs are heavy and fast enough to retain interest, the band's spirit cannot be questioned, and the touch of melodicism found within is a pleasing alternative to the no-neck-centric riffing of their contemporaries. It's just nothing too special.
7/10
Rude Records - 2002
By Philip Whitehouse
Go to the Half My Time web site.
Half My Time have been really unfortunate. I got this album sent to me soon after I went out and bought Hatebreed's new album, Perseverance, and as you'll know if you've read my review of that particular disc, in my opinion Hatebreed haven't so much moved the metalcore goalposts as doused them in petrol, set them on fire and scattered the ashes over a cliff.
But I digress. Half My Time haild from Milano, Italy, and that's where the first problem lies to my mind - hardcore/metalcore lyrics are usually central to the song itself, commenting stongly on social, political, environmental or personal issues. Sadly, it seems that Half My Time's native language isn't English, and the lyrics, suffer because of it. Maybe it's only me that's bothered by that, who knows?
At least the music stands up for itself well. While not possessing the pure, head-snapping chug-a-thon quality of Hatebreed at their heaviest, Half My Time nevertheless manage to put across a pleasingly heavy yet still subtly melodic dose of hardcore goodness. 'True Romance' features some great riffs, and 'Slaves Of Maya' has a fantastic driving pace that no doubt sends the pit into a frenzy life.
Minor gripes though - the bass guitar could be louder in the mix to add to the pumping, rhythmic nature of the songs. Sorry for persisting with the Hatebreed comparisons, but on songs like that band's 'I Will Be Heard', the bass really adds an extra growling edge to the song. Second gripe - the vocalist could put a bit more effort in. He kind of bridges the gap between singing and screaming by sort of speaking everything loudly and drawing out the vowels. Maybe the odd throat-ripping scream wouldn't go amiss?
Overall though, this is a perfectly competent release - the songs are heavy and fast enough to retain interest, the band's spirit cannot be questioned, and the touch of melodicism found within is a pleasing alternative to the no-neck-centric riffing of their contemporaries. It's just nothing too special.
7/10
