Search - The Banner :: Frailty

Basically with this record, I cut all the bulls**t, all the negative inputs of the band, and just took over and did what I wanted to do. The record s tuning is heavier; It s our loudest record, our fastest record and by far our darkest record. Vibe wise we definitely expanded on the more metal influences of Each Breath Haunted. All of this from vocalist Joey Southside, who with this statement returns New Jersey based The Banner to their rightful throne in the dark underworld of metal.

The band has spent the last month recording at the Machine Shop with Will Putney (Jerk City, Slaughterhouse Five), working on what will be their sophomore release for Ferret, entitled Frailty. The album is about failure, tells Joey, It s about looking back and realizing you failed at everything you thought and wanted to do when you were younger. It s about coming to terms with the fact that the world you thought existed didnt, and everything you thought you were better than, you weren t. The Banner, known for horror imagery and dark lyrics and themes, are continuing what they begun on their debut Each Breath Haunted, details Joey. The songs are all a lot more focused while I hope being more progressive for us musically. Joey promises a heavier tone musically as well, saying We really expanded on the writing as far as influences, Pollution (drummer), is really powerful and the drums are very heavy on the punk stuff, which is how it always should ve been. He s a genius. From the first track Welcome F**kers , Frailty immediately lets the listener know that while this is a record unlike any from the band before, its simply because the band is finally firing on all cylinders." Lyrically the record is also taking things to new highs or lows as it were. Suicide, regret, failure and loss are hammered into the listener unrelentingly with each track barely allowing a breath of air.

The band s unique take on metal and punk was praised upon the release of Each Breath Haunted, which received coverage in Alternative Press, Decibel, and Hit Parader. PunkNews.org praised the album, saying A terrific debut from one of Ferret's newer signings, and it serves as a prelude for some great things to come. An album that depends just as much on atmosphere as it does on brutality, Each Breath Haunted impresses in just about every possible area. Lambgoat.com was a big fan of the album as well, saying that The record looks and sounds absolutely incredible. It's just dirty enough to avoid being bogged down in its grime while staying suitably dark.

Frailty is all these things and more than lives up to the expectations of fans and critics alike, it blows them away.