Reviews list for Snapcase - Progression Through Unlearning (1997)

Exploring different releases in your favorite metal genres is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get. Some might be bad, some might be OK, some might be so awesome that you're kicking yourself for not discovering them sooner. That 3rd outcome is certainly the case for me with this early metalcore/hardcore gem!

In the 90s, hardcore and early metalcore weren't always "that emo-fueled genre with breakdowns". Snapcase was formed in 1989 and released their debut Lookinglasself (what's that, an elf character in one of those Alice stories?) in 1993. Their hardcore sound would eventually make its true form in one of the best albums of the genre, Progression Through Unlearning. Straight-on hardcore/metalcore before their switch to post-hardcore/alt-metal in subsequent albums.

"Caboose" is the perfect anthem to start the album. Vocalist Darryl Taberski unleashes his screaming power with full intensity. I appreciate the work the band has put in their songs. The lyrics are clear and empowering, without any incohesive rambling. That's what makes this album the energetic masterpiece it is! That along with the furious "Guilt By Ignorance". It is followed by another great track, "Harrison Bergeron". Then we have another priceless classic in "Priceless". That's what metalcore sounds like before the dance-trancecore of Enter Shikari, the pop-ish melody of A Day to Remember, the heaviness of Fit for a King, and the djent of Periphery.

"Zombie Prescription" is amazing in the vocals, guitars, and drums, along with a well-placed uncommon breakdown. "Killing Yourself To Live" really kicks a**! It greatly exemplifies this early metalcore era. "She Suffocates" punches through frantic riffing and time signature changes, accomplishing a lot in under 3 minutes.

"Weak Tyrant" isn't the strongest track of the album but it still rules and maintains the perfect 5-star rating. The more hardcore listeners would know "Vent" quite well, which can easily get the live crowd rolling. "Breaking and Reaching" is a grand 4-minute standout, with some of the most superb music and lyrics in the album. The "Outro" seems like a nice way out. Apparently, the audio sample is from Pee-Wee Herman. RIP Paul Reubens...

I would probably ask for a little more diversity, but there's practically nothing to change about Progression Through Unlearning. Hardcore's energetic spirit is something that has rarely been replicated in today's scene. Snapcase would drop their earlier roots for subsequent albums. Still if you want true energy entering your mind, listen and learn!

Favorites: "Caboose", "Priceless", "Killing Yourself To Live", "She Suffocates", "Breaking and Reaching"

This album is a stepping stone of sorts from the old style of pure punky Metalcore into the newer wave of late 90’s-2000’s Alt/Groove Metally Metalcore. Despite its dissonant pessimism and anger, it’s got a bouncy energy to it, and a few catchy guitar leads. Riffs are pretty standard chugs most of the time, but the rhythm section is great – the drumming is the best part of this release.

All of those things said, I must confess I don’t see how this is one of the greatest Metalcore albums of all time. It’s a big improvement over their debut for sure, but this sounds very similar to most of the Metalcore of the time. It’s not very catchy or memorable, just played competently with above-average musicianship. Production is good too. It’s a strong album, but there’s nothing here that could grip me enough to want to return in the future.

And ending your album with a Pee-Wee Herman sample is a pretty goofy thing to do...