Blacklisted "Heavier Than Heaven, Lonelier Than God"

Like so many hardcore bands, Blacklisted burst into the scene with a justifiably loud buzz -- due in part to their killer Our Youth Is Wasted EP -- and quickly fizzled out after one subsequent release and an untimely breakup in 2006.

But unlike so many hardcore bands, Blacklisted reformed shortly after calling it quits. And they clearly didn't get back together to do more of the same; they kept Blacklisted going to make something a little different, and even stronger.

Heavier Than Heaven, Lonelier Than God is Blacklisted's return to the full-length realm, and it's proof (along with the preceding Peace on Earth, War on Stage 7") that the band hadn't reached their potential before throwing in the towel. While it's got the manic, crunchy intensity and hard-as-rock grooves that the band kept front-and-center on their previous releases, Blacklisted incorporates much more diverse and eclectic influences this time around. From the middle of the first song, "Stations," through the end of the record, you'll notice a dingy, bluesy note to some of the guitar parts and even front man George Hirsch's singing. You'll be surprised by sudden, acoustic guitar plucking that somehow fits. You'll hear sludgy riffs and lumbering, melodic songs in "Circuit Breaker" and "Wish." There's a lot more going on and, still, the 11 songs last a short, but tasteful 20 minutes; there's nary an indulgent, unnecessary moment on Heavier Than Heaven.

I'm more than thankful that Blacklisted's breakup was as short-lived and temporary as it was. The band has tapped a bank of ideas and inspiration that might have otherwise gone untouched, and swiftly delivered what will be one of 2008's best hardcore records.

Blacklisted - Touch Test

$10 will net you this gem at the Deathwish Inc. store.