Review : EARLY GRAVES – “Goner”

Early Graves – Goner
Release Date: 2010Jun22 (US)
Label: Metal Blade
Rating: 3/5

This is the newest release from San Francisco’s Early Graves and a follow-up to their 2008 debut, We: The Guillotine. The press release mentions a similarity to Converge and Entombed. However, my overall impression is that there is a strong punk/death metal influence.

Lead track “Goner” is loud with thrashing drums, barely recognizable vocals and a time signature that is utter chaos. “Faith Is Shit” continues the same stance and unfortunately, it just sounds like noise to my ears. Being new to this style of music, I am not really sure what to think but from a punk perspective, it sounds similar to Nausea or D.R.I. Most songs have profanities and that leaves only three tracks that you could play on the air. “May Day” has a cleaner sound at first and then it dives into thrashing, pounding drums and rapid fire bass/guitar. It’s certainly easier to listen to. It slows down towards the end with a droning effect to close it off. “Wraiths” shows off the abilities of axemen Chris Brock and Tyler Jensen and manages to keep the drums of Daniel Sneddon in check. “Harm” is another strong track that has a balanced feel between drums and other instruments.

In conclusion, Goner is a cornucopia of anger, depression and despair conveyed through each song.  Unfortunately, vocalist Makh Daniels was killed in a van accident on August 2nd, 2010. My condolences go to all members and their families.

FCC: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9
Try: 5, 6, 10

01. Goner
02. Faith Is Shit
03. Old Bones
04. Rot
05. May Day
06. Wraiths
07. Trauma
08. Give Up
09. Bastard Tears
10. Harm