The Banner - Each Breath Haunted

Although it's been out in stores and on I-tunes since August 6th, 2005, The Banner's Each Breath Haunted has not received much recognition, possibly because of its incorrect categorization as 'Pop' music on I-tunes. It is the New Jersey hardcore band's second CD, not counting their original EP (entitled Posthumous), and also their most professional to date.

Vocalist Joey Southside has somewhat improved his screaming technique, making it easier on the ears, and the driving guitars of Kevin Manion and Garrett Defalco provide enough melody to maintain a sense of "listenability" that was sometimes absent from Your Murder Mixtape, The Banner's 2003 release.

The majority of the lyrics on Each Breath Haunted are surprisingly clever, recounting the stories of horror movies, distraught werewolves, and vampires, although on other tracks (I'll Be Happy When You're Fucking Dead is one unfortunate example), the band seems to abandon the subtlety that makes this record so enjoyable.

Musically, the highlights of Each Breath Haunted include An Allergy To the Sun, a good example of the melodic hardcore which takes up a good portion of this album. However, The Banner also tries their hand at some choppier, start-stop songs, as well as utilizing the thumping, almost catchy bass lines of bass player Chris Fingers to great effect in Devilhawks, another good cut from the CD.

For fans of hardcore and the horror influence of The Misfits who do not mind an album almost entirely devoid of joy, Each Breath Haunted is a worthwhile purchase. It is nice to see The Banner improving and becoming more professional, and they have created an album that deserves more than just a little attention.