Dead By Wednesday :: The Killing Project

Generally categorized, this five-piece unit from Connecticut seems to fit the textbook description of another metalcore band: the dual vocals, socio-political anthems, fierce desperation in tone and tempo, all with a metallic touch. That however would only scratch the surface. Hard to classify into a singular genre, the y certainly go beyond just scream/sing/pummeling drum scenarios. Dead by Wednesday fires off a more dynamic repertoire overtly influenced by everything including old school thrash and punk (e.g. Slayer, DRI) and contemporary vibes of bands like Hatebreed and Slipknot, which ultimately abides by no established rules of engagement of either hardcore or metalcore. And hey, why not color outside the lines with the other kids’ crayons? If a band can pull it off -without forcing the combined sounds or losing their own originality in the process - the result is more interesting anyway. Again, the drive and voracity of hardcore power exists in full force, but the insertion of, dare it be said, melodic and harmonious heaviness gives more life on tracks like “Chosen” (rife with a Mudvayne/Godsmack tone) and “Declaration of Inhumanity,” – set apart by a classical guitar intro. No matter how a song’s composition begins, you can never be quite sure how things will dramatically change course at some point. ‘The Killing Project’ is notably rich in that sort of excitement. Other significant tracks to check out include the death metal/punk mix on “Araroba” and the closing track “Fractures,” which is a musical trip through virtually every metal era. All that taken in, one may still wonder if DBW just taps into other artist’s styles. Not the case really. This band simply demonstrates how to properly employ the “best” elements of past and present pioneers. And that makes an album worthy of multiple spins!

www.myspace.com/deadbywednesday