Through their latest release, ‘There is a Hell…’, Bring Me The Horizon have drawn a new hand of royal cards in an attempt to further redefine the traits that define them. Carrying the torch of mainstream alternative music, if this band represents the qualities of modern metal then listeners can look forward to a future of electro-synth gimmicks, atmospheric chorus-like riffs and lengthened chord progressions. And whilst the melodic aspect - comprising a huge part of their new direction - is probably the most refreshing element of this album, for the latter part much of this release seems like a non-developed extension of their previous release; recycled, reused and monotonous. ‘There is a Hell…’ may be BMTH’s most musically matured release to date, but to live up to their status in pioneering modern metal, what’s needed is more consistency in innovation and less reprocessing of generic material.

This band has improved out of sight since the release of their demo last year, and their 7” that was released earlier this year is certain to be one of my favourite records of 2010. The songs on this release already sound great, and if they are any indication of what the band’s album will sound like, they are going to produce something special. These songs are a free download from the Run For Cover bandcamp, so you would be dumb not to check this out.

While the four tracks that make up Blkout’s No Justice No Peace 7” are definitely cast from the same mould as the material we heard on their 2009 release Total Depravity, it would be folly to assume that these songs could be slotted in amongst the LP tracks unnoticed. Rather, this record is everything that the album provided and more - a remarkable improvement on an already esteemed style of hardcore.

When proceedings have filtered through to the listener, ‘Theory of Endless Sacrifice’ will offer some solid moments but ultimately still fall into the growing pile of contemporary metal releases that inevitably blend in to one another.

"Theme Songs For A Bluffington Basement Show” is evidence that Borderland have what it takes to be one of the better bands in the genre at this very moment. If the band can follow up this EP with an album of similar quality, exciting things will happen for this band.

 Befitting to their hometown, Brother Ghost blend an electric mix of atmospheric rock and downtrodden indie rock to form a brilliant sound spectrum.

If you are a fan of bands playing this style of pop punk, then I strongly encourage you to check out this release. This EP has only been out for a month now, but I am already stinging to hear what this band will come up with next. If this band doesn’t become one of the next big bands in pop punk after this release, I don’t know what to believe in anymore.

‘In Loving Memory’ will offer some thrills but will not have much more of a lasting impact. Something tells me this album and its songs will go down a treat in a live setting – metalheads will have plenty of opportunity to get the pit moving with the abundance of breakdowns present throughout. However, we cannot capture this charm and intensity through merely listening to the album on the stereo.

Let’s face it, doing things yourself get’s boring after a while, and in an unmistakably positive move, both Balance and Composure and Tigers Jaw’s decision to create something together has resulted in one of Pennsylvania’s finest and most refreshing releases to date. Whilst delivering four tracks that demonstrate a maturing sound, all that Tigers Jaw lacks in this split is made up for and exceeded by the honest efforts of Balance and Composure; demonstrating their true potential to be a definitive icon of this style.

Third studio album ‘Fever’ follows a similar script. Promise is tempered by monotony; enjoyment is matched by apathy, and so forth. ‘Fever’ has its moments and the music is of a high standard but contemporary metal has a plethora of other bands that deserve more acclaim than BFMV garner.