dravenvalentine
09/24/09, 01:52 PM
Kill Hannah - Wake Up the Sleepers
Record Label: Original Signal
Release Date: September 29, 2009
Kill Hannah are not, despite what Kerrang! Award nominations claim, a new band. The Chicago band formed in 1993, but despite their dedication, it’s only now that they’ve started to make an impact on a worldwide stage. Their 2006 release Until There’s Nothing Left of Us caught the attention of international audiences, but it’s their sixth full length album Wake Up The Sleepers that is going to propel Kill Hannah to the status they deserve.
Album opener “Radio” is a heady mix of drums, synth and guitar. The song is uplifting and optimistic, with defiant lyrics and more swagger than a club full of posers. “Radio” finds singer Mat Devine displaying a wider vocal range than ever before, lifting the track to a stadium rock level.
Second track “Snowblinded” couldn’t be more different. The lyrics might sound cheesy coming from anyone but Devine, who somehow makes them sound sincere. Good Charlotte guitarist Benji Madden performs some backup vocals on the chorus, giving the track an extra dimension, his lower range offering a bit of weight.
“New York City Speed” was the first track from the CD to make its way online. The up-tempo, synth-heavy dance track is a reminder of what electronica should sound like - bands like Brokencyde and Blood on the Dancefloor should take note, and hang their heads in shame. The ode to hedonism is simple, but effective, the synths weaving easily around the guitars and drums without sounding forced or out of place.
“Living in Misery” is a poignant track featuring the Chicago Children’s Choir, with Devine singing over an acoustic guitar. “Strobe Lights” recaptures the energy of previous tracks. Greg Corner’s bass provides a strong, seductive rhythm, while Elias Malin shows his ability to adapt his drumming to the demands of each track. Devine again delivers a strong vocal performance before Tom Schleiter from Powerspace steps in deliver a guitar solo that can only be described as amazing. Devine singing his own call to arms, “wake up the sleepers!” at the top of his lungs is enough to provoke shivers.
Guitarist Dan Wiese is given the chance to shine during “Tokyo (Dance in the Dust)”. This track is incredibly addictive and finds Devine slipping into an impressive falsetto.
“Mouth to Mouth” has an epic piano-synth opening that wouldn’t sound out of place on one of Linkin Park’s albums. Wiese’s guitar work is sharp and dark, providing a perfect solo. Chibi from The Birthday Massacre performs on this song, and her vocals are flawless. Unlike other bands, Kill Hannah clearly know exactly where and when to feature guest artists, so the album isn’t overwhelmed by an extensive guest list -- I’m looking at you, Fall Out Boy.
The album doesn’t lose steam as it goes on. “Escape Artistry” is fast paced and frantic, with Devine’s desperate vocals really working. While the track has a great beat to dance to, the lyrics lose none of their strength or meaning in the pursuit for a hook.
Closing track “Promise Me” is stripped down to its bare bones. The song is so honest and desolate, without losing any of its beauty. It truly is haunting, showing how versatile Kill Hannah are.
Kill Hannah have always been a band with incredible potential. Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins once called them the “future of Chicago rock”, and Mikey Way of My Chemical Romance has been singing their praises for years. Wake Up The Sleepers is an album of epic scope, displaying each member’s talent to the fullest. Lyrical weight isn’t traded for a fluffy dance beat, ensuring the album is versatile, but brilliantly balanced. By Kill Hannah’s standards, Wake Up The Sleepers is an incredible album, but when you compare it to the work of their peers, it’s nothing short of breathtaking.
Blaqk Audio; HIM; 30 Seconds to Mars
http://myspace.com/killhannah
Record Label: Original Signal
Release Date: September 29, 2009
Kill Hannah are not, despite what Kerrang! Award nominations claim, a new band. The Chicago band formed in 1993, but despite their dedication, it’s only now that they’ve started to make an impact on a worldwide stage. Their 2006 release Until There’s Nothing Left of Us caught the attention of international audiences, but it’s their sixth full length album Wake Up The Sleepers that is going to propel Kill Hannah to the status they deserve.
Album opener “Radio” is a heady mix of drums, synth and guitar. The song is uplifting and optimistic, with defiant lyrics and more swagger than a club full of posers. “Radio” finds singer Mat Devine displaying a wider vocal range than ever before, lifting the track to a stadium rock level.
Second track “Snowblinded” couldn’t be more different. The lyrics might sound cheesy coming from anyone but Devine, who somehow makes them sound sincere. Good Charlotte guitarist Benji Madden performs some backup vocals on the chorus, giving the track an extra dimension, his lower range offering a bit of weight.
“New York City Speed” was the first track from the CD to make its way online. The up-tempo, synth-heavy dance track is a reminder of what electronica should sound like - bands like Brokencyde and Blood on the Dancefloor should take note, and hang their heads in shame. The ode to hedonism is simple, but effective, the synths weaving easily around the guitars and drums without sounding forced or out of place.
“Living in Misery” is a poignant track featuring the Chicago Children’s Choir, with Devine singing over an acoustic guitar. “Strobe Lights” recaptures the energy of previous tracks. Greg Corner’s bass provides a strong, seductive rhythm, while Elias Malin shows his ability to adapt his drumming to the demands of each track. Devine again delivers a strong vocal performance before Tom Schleiter from Powerspace steps in deliver a guitar solo that can only be described as amazing. Devine singing his own call to arms, “wake up the sleepers!” at the top of his lungs is enough to provoke shivers.
Guitarist Dan Wiese is given the chance to shine during “Tokyo (Dance in the Dust)”. This track is incredibly addictive and finds Devine slipping into an impressive falsetto.
“Mouth to Mouth” has an epic piano-synth opening that wouldn’t sound out of place on one of Linkin Park’s albums. Wiese’s guitar work is sharp and dark, providing a perfect solo. Chibi from The Birthday Massacre performs on this song, and her vocals are flawless. Unlike other bands, Kill Hannah clearly know exactly where and when to feature guest artists, so the album isn’t overwhelmed by an extensive guest list -- I’m looking at you, Fall Out Boy.
The album doesn’t lose steam as it goes on. “Escape Artistry” is fast paced and frantic, with Devine’s desperate vocals really working. While the track has a great beat to dance to, the lyrics lose none of their strength or meaning in the pursuit for a hook.
Closing track “Promise Me” is stripped down to its bare bones. The song is so honest and desolate, without losing any of its beauty. It truly is haunting, showing how versatile Kill Hannah are.
Kill Hannah have always been a band with incredible potential. Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins once called them the “future of Chicago rock”, and Mikey Way of My Chemical Romance has been singing their praises for years. Wake Up The Sleepers is an album of epic scope, displaying each member’s talent to the fullest. Lyrical weight isn’t traded for a fluffy dance beat, ensuring the album is versatile, but brilliantly balanced. By Kill Hannah’s standards, Wake Up The Sleepers is an incredible album, but when you compare it to the work of their peers, it’s nothing short of breathtaking.
Blaqk Audio; HIM; 30 Seconds to Mars
http://myspace.com/killhannah