Topshelf, 2010

Lancaster, PA’s We Were Skeletons keep hardcore alive with their 2010 Topshelf release, the self-titled We Were Skeletons. Recorded with Will Killingsworth of late 90s heavy hitters Orchid, We Were Skeletons rewards fans of the hardcore/screamo genre with an updated take on the sound in tracks like the genius — spoiler alert — “Bruce Willis Is Dead The Whole Time,” and “Exposure To Heavy Metal Causes Whatever.”

Top shelf, 2010

Old Pride impressively combines the furious cacophony of screamo with the sweeping guitars of post-rock. The unrestrained screams of the vocals ensure the raw and bloody heart of the band is always on display, an impulsive urgency matched by the restless instrumentation, with the dreamier melodies often dropped right into the centre of the chaos.

Equal Vision, 2009

Another valiant effort to recapture the brilliant insanity of Doppelganger. It has moments of greatness, like the opener, but overall the words ‘hit and miss’ come to mind. Screamo will never do this band justice, but it’s the closest peg to hang them on.

Hope Division, 2007

The three year wait was worth it: Risk Revival explodes with the frantic passion we’ve come to expect from the Philadelphians. A noisy clash between punk brashness and the angular complexities of post-hardcore. Better vocals and production, too.