Constraints

A little while ago, I got an e-mail from a guy called Nat, who asked me to review his band’s new release. I must admit, I did not expect anything, as there’s always the possibility that they could be shocking, but… Constraints are GOOD man, they are actually ridiculously good. When I opened the press package, I was not expecting it, but I was thoroughly impressed by some good, solid, hardcore punk. The music is uplifting and energetic, the vocals are insanely good, the lyrics are cool, and it just… works. Constraints are definitely a band to watch out for. I bet that it won’t be long before they are as well known as many of today’s household hardcore names.

Constraints’ bio:

Constraints is a hardcore punk band from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. They play melodic hardcore, similar to Verse and American Nightmare, with some modern metallic hardcore influences. (I wouldn’t hesitate to say that fans of these bands, and bands such as Defeater and Continuance will enjoy them too). Our lyrical content largely deals with our own real life experiences, taking neither a positive nor a negative stance on life as many hardcore bands do. Constraints simply talks about real life struggles and how they deal with them. Constraints currently has two releases, “Get It or Get Out?” (2009, CDEP/free digital release), and “Consumed” (digital single), and are currently in the process of releasing their Finish What You Started Records debut, “Secret Destroyers” (this one).

They played a cross-Canada tour last summer and are currently planning European and Canadian tours with The Departed (Lockjaw Records, UK). This release, “Secret Destroyers”, was recorded at Getaway Studios in Boston (Bane, Cruel Hand, Title Fight, Have Heart), run by Jay Maas of Defeater (this would explain why the quality of the recordings are so good).

So, yeah, give them a listen and keep an eye out for them. They’re gonna be big. You can download “Secret Destroyers” for free here: - Risehxc.com

Who?

Constraints are an up-and-coming hardcore band from Ottawa, Ontario. Secret Destroyers is a three song demo, the follow-up to debut EP, Get It or Get Out. Released through indie hardcore label FWYS Records, Secret Destroyers is emotional and melodic, utilizing meaty guitar riffs and snarly screamed vocals.

How is it?

Pretty good. Though only about eight minutes in length, the demo feels like a complete work. The vocals are impressive throughout, alternating between an emotional hardcore style, evident in "Consumed", and a more typical bark, although higher in pitch than usually found in the genre, utilized in "Desperate Times". The musicality and instrumentation is pretty standard for the genre: punky riffs and hard-hitting drums. In this respect, Constraints aren't really a very unique band; they do, however, perform their style of music more than competently and with apparent ease. Yet Constraints has the talent to play more technically and creatively, proven by moments of intricacy on "Drawn Out" and especially on "Consumed", which almost has a screamo feel in places. If Constraints can push the boundaries of hardcore more (a mathier direction would be particularly refreshing), they'd be more than just a good band; they'd be a great one. But in the meantime, listeners have this solid demo to enjoy.

7.5/10 - Muzik Discovery

Constraints is a fairly new band from Ottawa, Canada and they’ve just released a new EP called ‘Secret Destroyers’.

Secret Destroyers contains three tracks of fast paced melodic hardcore. Constraints sound somewhat like modern bands such as Verse and Have Heart, but they have a rawer sound. Especially the high pitched vocals remind me more of Kickback than aforementioned bands. And to be honest this mix seems to work out pretty well.

Constraints brings you a decent EP, which should be interesting for anyone into melodic hardcore. - Asice.net hardcore e-zine

B+

HOW DOES ONE describe the band Constraints? It’s hard to say, really; does your daily routine include waking up to Lady Gaga on HOT 89.9 FM? Then chances are that you’ll hate them, but they won’t mind. This local band plays a violent and face-melting brew of hardcore punk, and nothing showcases their talent like their new three-song EP Secret Destroyers. From start to finish, the record will make you want to break shit with your forehead: it’s a hard-hitting eight minutes of screams, loud guitars, and pounding drums with the subject matter varying from alcoholism to the constraints of difficult lives. Albeit a mainly fast and loud album, the band remains somewhat melodic at times. If this sounds like your kind of band, check out their live show with Comeback Kid on April 1 at Mavericks (221 Rideau St.). - Ottawa University

3/5

As far as three track Ep’s go, this one is an onslaught on the ears. Constraints mix together traditional hardcore sound with a balls out thrash sound. Think if Trash Talk and Verse had a hardcore love child, the result would be Constraints. Despite this only being three tracks it makes you want to hear more. The harsh violent vocals perfectly compliment this mix of thrash and melodic hardcore, which somehow works really well. There are break downs, gang vocals and great guitar riffs throughout. From start to finish there is not a single thing that can be faulted by this EP. If this is how Constraints start out I cannot wait to hear a full length by these guys. - Just an Insight Zine

Secret Destroyers is the band’s third release but their first on Canadian
based independent label Finish What Your Started Records.

A three track EP that’s in and out within about 8 minutes, Secret Destroyers
mixes elements of hardcore and deathcore with more prevalent modern punk
overtones. At times I’m reminded of bands like Bring Me The Horizon (even if
in vocals alone) and in other moments, bands like Thursday come to mind.
Even with its aggressiveness, there is a certain amount of approachability
to it that might draw in a few more listeners than other ‘hardcore’ acts.

The EP is well put together and has a clean sound, which may or may not be a
good thing depending on your viewpoint. Personally, I like my music to be a
little rougher around the edges and have a little more bite.

That being said, Constraints show potential and I’ll be keeping my ears open
for future releases, their next one is in the works and will be recorded in
Getaway Studios in Boston – and we all know how important Boston is when it
comes to hardcore.

All in all, Secret Destroyers is a solid release that I’ve enjoyed but I
think the bigger story is yet to come with Constraints. - Dawn of the Deaf (UK)

8/10
Canada has an awesome hardcore scene that most Americans know nothing of. Sure, there are a few that really have made an impact in the states, but there are still so many that aren’t known in these parts (which is a damn shame). Constraints is one of those bands. Their new EP, Secret Destroyers, may only be three tracks, but it does a surprisingly good job in getting your attention right off the bat. Similar to Continuance or Take It Back, Constraints play quite fast and loud. Their vocalist takes this to heart as he screeches and bellows as quickly as he can. The first track, “Desperate Times”, is the most straight forward attack of the three. “Drawn Out” then introduces some deep growls to the mix, while “Consumed” shows off all the guns (including some nice gang vocals). As a whole, these tracks progress and add onto one another as you go from one, to two, to three. One can’t help but feel a little cheated that there isn’t more to experience, but that just adds to the anticipation of a future release. Constraints have proven with Secret Destroyers that they have a lot of energy and fury to throw out there, so let’s hope that they stick around long enough to put out some more releases like this. Word has it that the band is already preparing to re-enter the studio, this time with Jay Maas of Defeater… (Stream “Consumed”) – by Nathaniel Lay - Lexington Music Press