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F U L L . R E V I E W S
Genres of heavy metal have long been established to help metalheads everywhere determine what camp they fall into. It also leads to bickering between camps as to why theirs is better than any of the others out there. Sometimes you have bands that vault past the label of their genre and can reach all metal fans regardless of what type of metal they are passionate about. Heart of a Coward are one of those bands. Technically considered metalcore, HOAC deliver a brilliant sophomore release with Severance. From the outset, the boys of HOAC prove that they're out to conquer the world. The opening riff of "Monstro" immediately has me banging my head and throwing the horns. As the album progresses, one thing is clear, no matter the category this album is pure metal through and through. The bands first release was metalcore to a T--huge breakdowns, alternating clean and death vocals, anthemic choruses, and chunky, downtuned guitars. This album shows the bands evolution as songwriters and sees them focusing more on the song and less on the riffs. From beginning to end, this album delivers an amazing metal release. After the opener, "Prey" delights my years with its heavy riffs and catchy chorus. "Distance" is a slowed down melodically; heartfelt and emotive, the track is sure to be a fan favorite and live staple. The rest of the album follows suit, with well crafted songs full of catchy, head banging riffs, unforgettable choruses and songs that will have you pumping your fist with passion and vitriol warranted of a metal head. As a bonus for U.S. fans, the album features the band's entire set from this year's Download Festival. These 7 tracks highlight the bands love for performing live and delivers a solid experience of seeing the band short of being right in the mosh pit. Vocalist Jamie Graham is an emotional leader and a charismatic front man barking out to the crowd to throw up the horns or inciting them to mosh. The bands performance is simply electric and shows that this band clearly loves performing, whether it be in an English dive or at Download. The set comprises older material as well as a few songs off Severance. Heart of a Coward are poised to take the metal world by storm and they have delivered an album that is certain to be in my year end top 10 and an album that is a must have for all metal fans worldwide. Do yourself a favor bangers and go get this album immediately.  About this Writer:Greg Watson // Greg Watson has been hooked on the loud and heavy sounds since the summer of 1994 when he first heard the opening notes of "Operation: Mindcrime" by Queensryche. Since then his tastes have expanded and grown like the ever evolving heavy metal tree of genres. He has been an active member of Maximum Metal off and on for 10 years. In his spare time, Greg enjoys deciding the fate of his loyal subjects in the realm of Skyrim and secretly playing air keyboard to "Separate Ways" by Journey when no one is watching. He currently resides in Roanoke, VA with his wife and his metal wannabe beagle.
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