Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
The Acacia Strain
Title
Gravebloom
Type
LP/EP
Company
Rise Records
YOR
2017
Style
Metalcore/Hardcore
8/8/2017 - Review by: Eric Compton
Massachusetts five-piece still stomp-grooving and growling their way through it
'Gravebloom' sees the hardcore-influenced band with new bassist Griffin Landa and rhythm guitarist Tom Smith Jr. Not much has changed other than personnel, with the Massachusetts five-piece still stomp-grooving and growling their way through it. They wear their riffs like chainmail which should appeal to the diehards. For me, it's abrasive, overpowering and leaves me snuggling for more melodic warmth near the fire. Could be a 3 or 3.5 depending on mood and prior experience with their other seven records.
Recommended for fans of: August Burns Red
PERSONAL BREAKDOWN:

ENJOYMENT
3
MUSIC
2.5
VOCALS
3
PRODUCTION
3
ARTWORK
3
LYRICS
3


  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
    3 :AVE RATING

ALL REVIEWS FOR: THE ACACIA STRAIN
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
Gravebloom
2017
Rise Records
Eric Compton8/8/2017
3

ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: THE ACACIA STRAIN
INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE


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