In 1999, Death By Stereo released what may very well be the most influential album in my life, "If Looks Could Kill I'd Watch You Die". The band's take on hardcore punk with a metallic edge was so refreshing to my ears, and I couldn't help but dig frontman Efrem Schulz's weird ass voice. The band's following two albums, "Day Of The Death" and "Into The Valley Of Death", made sure my attraction to DBS stayed intact. A fairly distinct metalcore influence began to creep into the band's sound by 2004 and while their newer albums were still definitely "Death By Stereo", I longed for their hardcore punk past.
Luckily, Death By Stereo got the message and pumped out 2012's "Black Sheep Of The American Dream". There are no ballads or metalcore-ish jams to be found on the new material. The return of bassist/recording engineer Paul Miner has had significant impact on the band's return to form. Along with signing to Fletcher Dragge of Pennywise's label Viking Funeral, all signs are pointing to a bright future.
Album opener "WTF Is Going On Around Here?" bursts out of the gate with some sweet lead guitar from longtime member Dan Palmer. Efrem Schulz's distinct vocals again dominate the album, ranging from rough screams to his signature "weird" melodic wails. New drummer Mike Cambra offers up all the uptempo skin beating you could want (have fun with that one).
All in all, those looking to embrace the early days of Orange County hardcore punk need to look no further. And by no means does this band take themselves seriously (I'm looking at you Eighteen Visions). "Black Sheep Of The American Dream" is a most welcome return to form for Death By Stereo. As a long time fan with an honest dislike for most of their newer material, I definitely recommend checking it out.
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