‘Proper’ is Weiss’ first “real” full length release and the time and work that the songwriter has taken to get to it have really paid off. There is plenty of diversity between the tracks to keep things interesting and enough moments that will get stuck in your head begging for repeated listens.

There don’t seem to have been many solid local hardcore releases so far this year, something which “Hell Split Wide Open” remedies well. Despite the fact that more time to fill has meant that this album lacks the punchiness of its predecessor, sharper production and just enough progression means that this impressive first release is everything it should be. If “Hell Split” is anything to go by, Iron Mind are well on their way to being the next big thing in Australian hardcore.

There is absolutely no in-between here. Love it or leave it seems to be the most fitting and prevailing assumption. However, 'Ruining it for Everybody' will present some solid, interesting and perhaps even mesmerising moments if you can set aside any prejudices about how a traditional metal band should conduct themselves.

There will no doubt be plenty of Incubus fans who hate this record based purely on the fact that it is their softest release to date. Hopefully most people will look past that and acknowledge that the band member's song writing talents have matured making this record a logical step at this point in their careers. If you can appreciate that, you will really enjoy this record and know that Incubus have released another amazing album.

The split is a great way to end in Into It. Over It.’s Twelve Towns series, offering two great tracks from Weiss, and shows once again why Such Gold are beginning to become a force to be reckoned with worldwide. Both of these acts will be releasing new full-lengths at some stage this year, and if the material on this split is any indication, they will be ones to look out for.

Able to create some dark and evil music whilst not taking themselves too seriously, I Exist have proved themselves to be one of Australia’s most innovative and exciting bands. “The Broken Passage” sees them move away from a punchier hardcore sound and lean even further towards their sludge metal influences, which will alienate some listeners. Nonetheless, this album is guaranteed to be one of the best Aussie releases this year. In 2011, I Exist will teach hardcore kids how to headbang.

In Flames will go down as one of the all-time contemporary greats. They have done a lot more than many other similar outfits can claim. It just looks like we may have to wait a little bit longer to see a more consistent and focused release (hopefully). 'Sounds of a Playground Fading' is polished and by no means lazy, it just feels a little lacklustre when fully pieced together. 

The record runs at almost forty minutes but, if I’m being frank, I think a handful of the later tracks are simply making up numbers, which is a shame. I See Stars could have easily trimmed these dead-weight tracks to craft a brilliantly catchy pop-punk EP, but instead we’re left with a slightly above average full-length that wears out its welcome too soon.