Review: Diecast, "Tearing Down Your Blue Skies"

I've been aware of Diecast for quite a few years, but I've never really given them much of a listen. With their latest album, they've got my full attention.

God Forbid's "Gone Forever" may have the lock on the best metalcore album of 2004, but "Tearing Down Your Blue Skies" runs a close second.

The album has a much more melodic approach than the past music I'd heard from Diecast, and the group really seems to shine on numbers like "Savior" and "Medieval," which get stuck in your head after a few listens. They even cross into a sound reminiscent of Sevendust's debut album on "These Days."

Of course, they've retained a lot of the hardcore edge, pummelling the listener with screamers like "Traitor" and "Seize the Day."

Finding the right balance between melodic and brutal is one of the biggest problems most metalcore bands have, but Diecast gets it right. The heavy riffs are tailor-made for the mosh pit, and the slower parts are perfect for the sing-along.

Get "Tearing Down Your Blue Skies."