Killing the Dream "Fractures"

For Killing the Dream, some substantial lineup changes weren't necessarily a bad thing. While holding onto their core source of identity and rage -- singer Elijah Horner, of course -- the band's two new guitarists have introduced some flavors and spices that make Fractures a progression from 2005's In Place, Apart, and a smooth one at that. You need look no further than the title track for ample proof, as medium-paced drumming and pulsing bass lines back up swooping, melodic chord progressions and strings of shimmering guitar notes. It's powerful, atmospheric and different, even going so far as to throw in some clean backing vocals.

These sorts of expansive, breezy post-rock tendencies creep into many of Fractures' songs but, for the most part, Killing the Dream churns out the abrasive and unforgiving breed of melodic hardcore they've come to represent. Horner's harsh, desperate screams tend to take center stage -- deservedly so, considering he's so able to deliver just about any lyric with emotional, throat-shredding intensity. The barreling drumming keeps the tempos fast and the momentum going, but the band's got enough songwriting tact and sense to incorporate some climactic, explosive peaks and tasteful breakdowns. The final buildup and subsequent explosion in "Thirty Four Seconds" will raise goosebumps on your arms, and "Everything But Everything" closes with a supremely juicy breakdown. The last song, "Resolution," is the longest song (at 4:23) with the biggest climax, and serves as a memorable and reflective way to end the record.

There's a lot of variety and texture to Fractures. While it doesn't quite match the chaotic intensity of the band's early material, it's certainly better arranged and more carefully detailed -- two qualities that help make it the band's most intriguing, memorable and re-playable album yet. Good stuff.

Killing the Dream - Thirty Four Seconds

Grab this full length at the Deathwish Inc. store.