Not Even Death

Not Even Death, a hardcore band, were the oddball in terms of style. Their high energy set and screaming vocals definitely got a big reaction from their fans. They even brought their own additional lighting, giving a bit of a strobe effect to their set. If you’re into the hardcore sound, check them out. - Scott Martin

I’ve been reviewing way too many metalcore/hardcore bands lately for my own good, so I have decided to review something that is a lighter fare. That’s where Not Even Death’s The Truth comes in. Not Even Death is a female-fronted nu metal band out of Ottawa, Ontario. Not Even Death blends the brutality of Emery with the attitude of some of the first punk rock bands like the B-52’s and Sweet. They even sound at times to have a jazz-blues influence that takes this album to the next level.

The thing that sets this album apart from other female-fronted bands is that the lead singer, Danielle Poisson, screams like a hardcore singer would. That element brings a different dimension to the album. The way her vocals deliver the lyrics reminds me of a female glam-rock or new wave singer like Blondie’s Debbie Harry. What I found cool and unique on this album is how they use a synthy dance beat to keep the songs moving. Another interesting feature of this album is that sometimes they stop being like Emery and take on a harder Queens Club sound.

I hate trying to talk about the lyrics of an album when I don’t have the lyric booklet for the album. I also never feel comfortable about trying to decipher the lyrics because I could turn out to be wrong about them. But I will try my best to sum up the majority of the lyrical content. The lyrics are very in-your-face “Christian” lyrics. They range in meaning from getting closer to Jesus to standing up for what you believe.

This album snuck under my radar for months before I found out that it had come out. But boy was I glad that I did find out about this album. On The Truth Not Even Death creates a diverse and never boring musical venture. They were able to combine elements of metal with ‘70s and ‘80s glam rock, which made for a unique sound. I would also like to note that this album made my 2010 album of the year honorable mentions. The reasons why it didn’t make my top ten albums of 2010 was because there was a ton of other great albums and that the album was released at the end of the year.

9/10 Stars: This album is definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of ‘90s nu metal.
- Brian Morrissette

"Not Even Death has released their first album. And I think the only response after my socks disintegrated is: WOW.

Take every musical sound from Mozart to screamo, from opera to punk, from hard rock to pop, jazz to rockabilly, throw it all in a Blender while riding the craziest Rolller Coaster you have ever been on - in the middle of an Avalanche, while being kicked in the head by Mule, and then crank it to 11 x a billion, and you about get the gist of what this band sounds like. It reminds me of all the bands I listened to growing up - combined into one.

And fronted by a girl.

They're a potent Goulash with unexpected turns - you will never be bored with one of their songs. Crunchy guitars flow into melodic breaks and then back into a flood of sound. Then the songs change pace partway through and then flip, invert and revert, and convert from one thing to another. If you like your music punchy with a serious kick, and makes you feel virtually invincible, with a brush of hope - but not angry - though it is loud THIS is the band for you. A true original.

WARNING: Do not buy if you don't like heavy music. However, if you want an adventure with your music, you'd be hard pressed to find a better bang for your buck. Literally."
- Martin M - ihorace media

Okay lets get one thing straight: this record will knock you down, hard. The entire full length can easily be described as a masterpiece of tone. Every single member's qualities come shining through on the record, owing no doubt to drummer Mike Poisson's amazing skill behind the mixing board. Justin DeBoer's guitars light the record ablaze throughout, melding perfectly with Mike's powerful drumming while Mat Vezina (aka: mister tone wizard) grounds the band's sound with catchy and ear-pleasing bass riffs. However, even more amazing are lead singer Danielle Poisson's powerful and soulful vocals which rise above the mix. If Faith No More singer Mike Patton has been described by his bandmates as "a pair of lungs on legs", the same claim can be made of Dani Poisson, except make that two pairs of lungs. Add to that backup screams and vocals from the members of the rhythm section and you've got yourself quite the choir!


Not unlike Faith No More, Not Even Death prove that they do not need to stay grounded in a specific genre, if their earlier Avril Lavigne covers had not already convinced you of this. Songs such as Annihilation Of Ambition and Shrapnel can be called staples of the genre, yet they remain very accessible and creative in their composition. Meanwhile, songs like Hey Hey Whattaya Say and Burlesque Isn't Your Colour have a more rock-jazz feel to them at times. As a big pre-The Resistance Muse fan, I have to give the band props for the catchy synth intro on Stay A While. One thing that does bring the record down a bit is the band's tendency to overuse the 'other worldly piano/synth/clean guitar chords' break trick, it works well on some songs but could have been completely left out on others.


Nonetheless, this remains an extremely strong record and defenitely something that deserves to be listened by everyone at least once. If you're already into the hardcore/metalcore genre you will without a doubt enjoy this record. If you are new to this kind of music, remember the time you listened to a band that opened your eyes to a new genre? This is the kind of record that will do that.


Sounds like: Underoath, if Aaron Gillespie (oh wait...) and Spencer Chamberlain were girls with better voices. Plus backup screams and occasional gang vocals.


Pros:

*

NO FUCKING AUTOTUNE. These people can sing!
*

Catchy, original yet harsh guitar riffs and bass parts to back them up.
*

Excellent production.


Cons:

*

Aforementioned very liberal use of 'calm' breaks.
- Chase P