The Skyliner

Issue date: 2/27/08 Section: Entertainment & Features

Tommy Lee
Staff Writer


Advent breathed a puff of fresh air into hardcore on Feb. 12 with their debut album "Remove the Earth."

The group formed after Beloved, a successful group on the label Solid State Records, called it quits in 2005. Three ex-Beloved members, vocalist Joe Musten, guitarist Matt Harrison and bassist Johnny Smrdel, joined guitarist Mich Rich and drummer Chris Ankelein to complete the 5-man group.

Advent is a positive departure from the melodic hardcore days of Beloved.

Each of the album's tracks is distinct and carries a message.

In one of the heaviest albums as of late - more so than The Acacia, Strain or Emmure - the words of the songs speak about change in society and God, sometimes to the point of worship.

In an age when hardcore vocalists are striving to reach extreme highs or lows, Musten calls back to the days of old-style hardcore and focuses on passion with his voice. That is not to say his tone is lacking. The voice he uses is a powerful roar that complements the rest of the band and separates them from the copycats that plague the hardcore scene.
The guitars and bass are furious. The breakdowns are crushing but never overplayed. The drums hammer and keep things exciting throughout the album without polluting the music with double bass.

Overall, the music changes and stays fresh.

Remove the Earth has new material and rerecording of a few older demos, which were fan favorites.

The rerecording includes "Hanging the Giants" and the hidden track of the album, "One Crushing Blow." The top songs of the album include "Blackout," "Hanging the Giants," "Reflection," and "Three Seasons."

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