Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Nora - Theneverendingyouline (1999)

Taking a short break before continuing my ultimate Pit test, I decided to test out another Revolution release of early mathcore. Hardcore fans know Nora from their split EP with mathcore legends The Dillinger Escape Plan. I thought I would be impressed with this EP as much as I am with TDEP...but I was wrong. Sure there's that full-on metal/mathcore going on, but the vocals are horribly painful to listen to. To put it simply, there isn't any of the powerful emotion of bands like Shai Hulud.

The opening title track is the one track I can stand. The metal riffing and bass crashes in and kicks you hard in the neck. The mix of metal and hardcore punk works well with the tempo. However, the vocals are too harshly twisted and predictable, like the guy's voice is heavily strained.

It's hard for me to explain what I feel about this. It's a short 5-track EP that would've been OK for the killer heavy instrumentation, but the screaming kind of turns it all into a joke. If an instrumental version of the EP, play that version in a speedy highway drive....

Favorites (only one I can stand): "Theneverendingyouline"