Search - Grade :: Headfirst Straight to Hell

Absoultely Epic

D. Keusch | MIchigan | 09/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Grade is a phenomenal band, and it is an absolute shame that they broke up. Their early stuff (seperate the magnets, et al) was good, but not fantastic. With Under the Radar they stepped it up, and delievered an amazing blend of pop and hardcore, they even had one of the singles on it (A year in the past forever in the future) played very briefly on MTV2, though no one still knew who they were. With Headfirst Straigh to Hell though, Grade has delievered a masterpiece. This is the single best album in the "screamo" genre, though it really doesn't deserve to be labeled as such, because it is so far superior to many of the offerings from bands that exist in this genre. The guitar work here is great it literally soars in places, and Bishop's vocals are amazing, he has a scream like no one else. But what really sets it apart are the lyrics; it is lyrically a masterpiece. It, from my view at least, is just an absolute hyperbole- the cd is about depression, and he uses fantastic metaphors to drive this message home, and as a result the cd is so HIGH, it uses amazing imagery "The temperature will drop/ as the astronauts/ are seduced by the twilights'/ motherly appeal/ and death's arms are outward bound/ as we strike upwards/ toward the stars/ into this god's trained hands" is just one fine example. This album is absolutely rocking, inspired music and should be picked up by any fan of rock (dont let the cover art scare you!). very highly recommended."

The best always have the habit of leaving too soon

vivian | NY, NY | 11/21/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had first heard Termite's Hollow on a sampler and was immediately blown away by Grade's unique sound. Well, a couple months passed until I randomly found their CD at a store and was freaked out by the cover. So a few more weeks passed, and I was just like scew it, I'm buying it. And wow. I'm so glad I did, because this band is incredible. The CD as a whole wasn't what I expected it to be; I thought that maybe Termite's Hollow was going to be one of the few good tracks on there, because that's how a lot of albums are. But for HSTH, every track is equally breath-taking. Kyle has an amazingly raw, inimitable sound, the guitar riffs are stellar, and the lyrics hit you right in the stomach. Even though the members of the band deliver a very hardcore/screamo resonance, they are still intricate enough to include very effective dynamic, mood and phrasing elements. The technicality is equally amazing. Guys, I'm really really impressed. I think it's safe to say that this is one of the best CD's I've ever listened to."