Earache records has been putting out uncompromisingly brutal records for many years now. They have been there since the beginning giving us the most extreme metal records that the industry has to offer. Not worrying about any boundaries, they seem to always be one step ahead of the game, bringing forth new and original releases that will please all metal fanatics all over the Globe.

So I'm pleased to have received this latest Earache release from Sacramento's With Passion. They formed in the summer of 2002, and have been crushing their way up to the top since then. With Passion are an extremely young band with seemingly years and years of practice in the music field. They are one of the most talented bands that I have heard to date. With a sound extremely close to Between the Buried and Me, tinged with a little more extreme metal, they will surely take this scene by storm. I guess you can label them a "metalcore" band, for they do have their share of breakdowns, but saying they are only that would be a fallacy. The songs on this album are epic in every sense. The length of each track is phenomenally longer than almost all releases that come out now. Everything on this album is Beautifully chaotic, intense screaming, super fast drumming, and the most amazing guitar work that I have heard in a long time. It feels like Jeff Morgan and John Abernathy have been playing for years and years, although extremely young. Their playing is all over the music spectrum, from grinding speed chords, to picture perfect solo's, all the way down to Spanish style riffs, these guys can do anything. Every second on this release is interesting to listen to, and will surely please any music fan.

So far, this year has already put out it's fair share of excellent releases, and this does not fall short of the best. I expect huge things from this band in the future, and look forward to seeing what they will do. I recommend picking this album up if you are into any style of more extreme music, for it will make any metal fan excited. If you think that Between the Buried and Me are good, buy this album and listen in awe at their musicianship.

*Listen or Die*