Dead Sinking Story

Not that it's easy to comprehend the lyrics by an English-speaking hardcore band either, but on A Dead Sinking Story, Japan's Envy proves that you can express fierce emotions no matter what language you're using. If you really wanted to dissect lyrics, however, just take the first blistering track, "Chain Wandering Deeply": "Tired of wandering aimlessly/Held by the truth I seek and lose/I've given up time after time till we understood." (Lyrics in the sleeve are in both Japanese and English.) Aside from the attention to being Japanese setting them apart, these fiery works last far past the typical lengths expected. Most are over six minutes, with quiet, sometimes extensive breakdowns. The eight-plus minutes of "Chain Wandering Deeply" and "Unrepairable Gentleness" are emotional hurricanes, filled with exasperation and strapping riffs. The 13-minute, astounding "A Will Remains in the Ashes" finishes this gripping hour of havoc, which is plenty more than you'll need for releasing any animosity. ~ Kenyon Hopkin