JACKNIFE - Moment Of Reckoning

Zero Sum Recordings

Posted: 8/28/05

Reviewed by: Dirt

Category: Metalcore

Released: 9/6/05

Label URL: www.zerosumrec.com

Artist URL: www.jacknife.net

Although some would disagree, I'm not as angry as I used to be.  Maybe my general upbeat disposition prevents me from getting into all the anger and hatred spewing forth from the mouths of today's new metal bands.  I just don't get into the Ozz-fest bands, nor can I stomach the crap on MTV2's Headbanger's Ball.  Does every metal vocalist have to scream in the most brutal manner possible?  It's old already!!

From Dallas, Texas, we have Jacknife, another band that has joined the overcrowded metalcore scene.  Think a mix of Hatebreed, Killswitch Engage, Shadows Fall, and almost any other band getting airplay on Headbanger's Ball, and then you'll know the Jacknife sound.  If you like that stuff, then you'll like them.

Jacknife's musicianship is competent.  They have come up with some cool guitar riffs and the drumming is slamming.  Unfortunately, the vocals of Joe Ortiz are the same ol' brutal vocals that every other band employs today, and I'm just not a fan of the 'slit your throat with a razor and try to sing' style.

The Bloody Truth:  This really is more of the same, and is exactly why I don't like the metal scene in 2005.  The band is musically competent and if you like the metalcore genre, then up the axes and grab this.  If you're a happy person and want to stay that way or simply like something with an actual singer, avoid this one.