Reviews

PIn my opinion the bi-yearly Victory Record's compilation have gone from sucky to better. The highlights of the compilation include a good amount of unreleased material (which I always like to hear), and also tracks from rookies on the Victory roster such as Student Rick, Taking Back Sunday, The Voo Doo Glow Skulls, and more.

Highlights:

Atreyu "A Song For The Optimist" Finger tapping cadences blended with metalcore and impressive vocal harmonies making "A Song For The Optimist" a great opening track for this comp. This song caught my attention because even though I may not be a metalcore fan at heart, this track is the type of metalcore one can get into easily.

Taking Back Sunday "The Ballad of Sal Villanueva" As soon as the song started I knew I was in for a treat. I've heard comparisons to Thursday and Saves The Day when someone tells me about Taking Back Sunday, but what I think what makes them so special is their unique very own sound. What makes "The Ballad" a highlight is the unpolished sound compared to the sound you can hear on "Tell All Your Friends".

Grade "Ziggy Stardust" The pretty boys of punk rock are back in a pretty way with a a cover of David Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust". Enough said.

Thursday "Cross Out The Eyes" Thursday's last contribution to Victory Records before moving to Island Records. Thursday have created a sound like no other, and this song displays it all. From the album "Full Collapse" which has been sold to thousands, these guys are only beginning to reach their peak.

Student Rick "Anyway You Want It" Another exciting addition to the Victory Records roster this past year is Student Rick. I've heard both good and bad feedback about their debut Victory album "Soundtrack For A Generation", but even if you aren't a fan of that album they do one hell of a job covering Journey.

Blood For Blood "Mother Dear" Hold on let me go get my wife beater on. What the hell can you say about these guys. The kings of beer drinking-do what you want-fuck off hardcore go out in style with "Mother Dear" taken from "Outlaw Anthems". If you don't have the album, get it since it's the last release ever. At least that's what they say!

Voo Doo Glow Skulls "Cold Shoulder" Victory Records newest addition, and what an important signing it is. This unreleased track is the powerful and punchy horns we are all used to and is a track that won't be on their new album. The new Voo Doo Glow Skulls album "Steady As She Goes" is the heaviest and hardest yet.

Reach The Sky "Homesick Confession" This has become one of my favorite Reach The Sky songs, and is off their limited edition ep "The Transient Hearts" which can be picked up at shows. It shows the band's more punk rock/pop side and is a must hear for any Reach The Sky fan.

Lowlights:
SnowDogs "Are You With Missy" This is the worst band I have ever heard and don't know how in the world they managed to get signed to Victory. From the castrated sounding vocals to the whining, this band should be fed to the dogs! If anyone is interested in their album "Animal Farm" lose all interest in it right now, for the love of good music.