Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
Heart of a Coward
Title
Severance
Type
LP/EP
Company
Century Media
YOR
2013
Style
Metalcore/Hardcore
12/18/2013 - Review by: Greg Watson

Heart of a Coward
Severance

Company: Century Media
Release: 2013
Genre: Metalcore
Reviewer: ChaosLord

  • Brilliant sophomore release



  • Genres of heavy metal have long been established to help metalheads everywhere determine what camp they fall into. It also leads to bickering between camps as to why theirs is better than any of the others out there. Sometimes you have bands that vault past the label of their genre and can reach all metal fans regardless of what type of metal they are passionate about. Heart of a Coward are one of those bands.

    Technically considered metalcore, HOAC deliver a brilliant sophomore release with Severance. From the outset, the boys of HOAC prove that they're out to conquer the world. The opening riff of "Monstro" immediately has me banging my head and throwing the horns. As the album progresses, one thing is clear, no matter the category this album is pure metal through and through. The bands first release was metalcore to a T--huge breakdowns, alternating clean and death vocals, anthemic choruses, and chunky, downtuned guitars. This album shows the bands evolution as songwriters and sees them focusing more on the song and less on the riffs.

    From beginning to end, this album delivers an amazing metal release. After the opener, "Prey" delights my years with its heavy riffs and catchy chorus. "Distance" is a slowed down melodically; heartfelt and emotive, the track is sure to be a fan favorite and live staple. The rest of the album follows suit, with well crafted songs full of catchy, head banging riffs, unforgettable choruses and songs that will have you pumping your fist with passion and vitriol warranted of a metal head.

    As a bonus for U.S. fans, the album features the band's entire set from this year's Download Festival. These 7 tracks highlight the bands love for performing live and delivers a solid experience of seeing the band short of being right in the mosh pit. Vocalist Jamie Graham is an emotional leader and a charismatic front man barking out to the crowd to throw up the horns or inciting them to mosh. The bands performance is simply electric and shows that this band clearly loves performing, whether it be in an English dive or at Download. The set comprises older material as well as a few songs off Severance.

    Heart of a Coward are poised to take the metal world by storm and they have delivered an album that is certain to be in my year end top 10 and an album that is a must have for all metal fans worldwide. Do yourself a favor bangers and go get this album immediately.


    • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
      5 :AVE RATING

    ALL REVIEWS FOR: HEART OF A COWARD
    TITLE
    DOR
    COMPANY
    REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
    Severance
    2013
    Century Media
    Greg Watson12/18/2013
    5

    ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: HEART OF A COWARD
    INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE


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