Believe it or not, No Closer To Heaven is a great, half-cohesive record. The songwriting is very explosive here. Dan's writing is the same as it always been, if not added with more bitter imagery than before. The Wonder Years have been the leading band of the genre for the past five years, and this album will not sell them short on anything.

Ramming Speed is an excitement to the community of metal. While nowhere near being pioneers or revolutionizing the genre, they offer their best talents to a frantic genre with plenty of passion backed into it.

City of the Weak are here and give reason for you to blame why their new track 'The Blame Game' will not leave your head.

Peace Delusions is nothing short of odd. Described as "if In Utero was a hardcore record," the band has no problem shining in that light.

Jep Roadie has released a second single that offers a look into the mind of a man expecting the worst every day.

With Dogs On Acid, a young group of guys wrote ten catchy tunes with 90s premonitions but with modern power and honesty. The group showcases their knack of writing distinct hooks with plenty of instrumental features to garnish them with.

Make War (formerly known as Sad And French) has released their self-titled LP, a reimagining of older songs with more punk rock embedded within.

I've grown up listening to Defeater. The better part of my hardcore listening career has been spent walking the same streets that this World War II family has stepped through. The amount of hours I have analyzed lyrics and tried to piece the puzzle together has it's own reward because the music is urgent and exciting to listen too. Abandoned is the newest release that continues the lore and emotional story that the band has established.

The Anthropocene Extinction is upon us, what are you waiting for?

Stories is a refreshing breath of music to listen to. Normally, I don't trust much music like this, with many relying too much of repetitive chugs. Instead, The Youth To Become is an unexpected record that sets this band, and hopefully the rest of the scene, in a new light.

Sean caught up with Paul from the Alaskan band DIVIDES.

Harbor and Kinda Rad, Kinda Sad have teamed up with The Alternative to premiere their latest EP. 

For What It's Worth is an EP that wastes no seconds in trying to showcase the reflective anguish in searching within yourself.

North has always been an experience to listen too, with Through The Raven's Eyes adding to their existential catalogue.

The Alternative had a chance to chat with Scott Stackhouse, a local musician in Iowa who is full of extreme live experiences.