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Despite the band having released several EP's and a full-length prior, "Graven Images" is my first true exposure to the prolific Texas hardcore outfit Die Young (on Eulogy Recordings). And while I was fairly certain that I would enjoy the album - which crams an impressive 15 succinctly focused tracks into about 25 minutes - I had no idea that it would be as inspired and powerful as it is. You never know what to expect from a metal-tinged hardcore band whose frontman calls himself "The Rev. White Devil", but in this case all of the anger, frustration, and aggression is shockingly well-intentioned and directed. Hell, the booklet even intersperses the lyrics with a slew of insightful quotes from George Orwell, Jack Kerouac, Freud, and Shakespeare, among numerous others, so there's a hell of a lot to be said with this one.

Musically it's a fairly straightforward attack of heavy, energetic hardcore that keeps the metal influences very much under control in terms of tossing in some extra chunkiness and groove to the rhythms - only occasionally venturing beyond the standard chord formations and arrangements of this niche of the genre for more varied and creative explorations (some of which start to flirt with some melodic attributes). While there's a certain Catharsis-esque ferocity to the vocal performance, the core of the songwriting is definitely more rooted in traditional hardcore - granted this is very far from some "old school" throwback. Straight up, fast, three-chord hardcore does rear its head here and there, but overall it's more of a Ringworm meets Madball fusion in many respects. Though, given the lyrical angle, they definitely switch up that whole vibe, too. But the great thing about their handling of that aspect is that it's intelligent and artistic without a single ounce of the pomposity or self-righteous bullshit that so often accompanies such socio-politically driven content:

He sprayed his brains upon the wall - another masterpiece. May he rest in peace… Behind flimsy facades of safety, comfort and luxury, their hearts hearken the call of siren songs in their secret dreams to lust and squander all. When the last horizon is reached, the final challenge won, what then will fill the void of at last being content? Glut yourselves, there's no escape from the pain. How many lives have been betrayed by American Dreams? The obituary reads: Another wealthy man paints his masterpiece. Why is it that those who sleep on the streets would rather live to see another day? We need the struggle to survive.

The recording kicks ass, too: Nice and balanced with a killer bass tone and natural sounding percussion to boot. So, yeah… all that, plus a killer layout. And they close the booklet with the statement, "If you bought this album because Jesus is on the cover, the joke's on you!" Awesome. I'm sold.

This one's just hitting the streets today, and is quite clearly recommended from this end, so… show some support and fuckin' pick one up.

March 13, 2007

--www.aversionline.com


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Each year, like so many other music-obsessed individuals, I make a list of my most anticipated albums. In doing so, I am setting myself up for the possibility of total disappointment. Die Young (TX) was one of the bands on said list, but this album is not a disappointment. On the contrary, not only did Die Young (TX)'s - it still feel's weird putting in the "(TX)" - debut offering for Eulogy Recordings exceed my high expectations, Graven Images is an early contender for my top album of the year.

Die Young (TX) begins Graven Images with the set 'em up and take 'em down combo of "Making a Killing" and "The Story of Our Lives." The former is a less than thirty-second attack of blazing hardcore punk; the latter is a more aggressive metallic hardcore piece that has a slower section with a nice groove in its second half. Lyrically, the two tracks are connected by their commentary on our lopsided economy. "Fuck the Imperialists," a hardcore anthem filled with huge opportunities for sing-alongs, follows with an attack on the U.S. government's connection to white collar American and the true motivation for their decisions.

As Die Young (TX) makes its way through Graven Images, vocalist The Reverend White Devil continues to move from one topic to the next. "To Forget Civilization" questions the point of existence; no matter what we accomplish, we all end up as "dust." The title-track touches on the ironic evolution of Christianity and its role in society over the years. "Your Trusted Friends" attacks the world of advertising. All these songs are set to a soundtrack that perfectly melds the early years of hardcore punk with the 90's perfection of metallic hardcore.

"Desperate Hope," an instrumental interlude, provides a brief period of rest during which we can reflect on what has just been communicated to us. The recess doesn't last long as "Carried by Visions" jumps right back into things. The song starts out like many of the others on the album, but distinguishes itself by closing out with an epic sing-along ala Modern Life is War. "Ghost Towns" really slams it home; it's a heavier hardcore track that draws heavily from Seasons in the Size of Days-era Integrity.

"In Limbo" is another instrumental interlude; this one is highlighted by electronic noise and samples of police sirens and helicopters. It made me think of the film Strange Days. "The Dying Atheist" is another fast-paced hardcore punk song with some excellent guitar work towards the end that gives it a very 90's feel. "Becoming the Change" hits just as hard, the open riffs partnered with The Reverend White Devil's horse vocal delivery are quite punishing. Graven Images concludes with "Reiteration," a re-recording of "The Message" from their self-titled release. Even though the song is a few years old, the song's music and message fit perfectly onto this album. It's a testament to the fact that even though Die Young (TX) have refined their sound as the years have passed, their older material is still relevant.

In addition to the lyrics in the insert, each song is accompanied by a different literary/philosophical/sociological quote. The quotes are quite varied in their origins: included among them are lines from George Orwell, William Shakespeare, Sigmund Freud, Jack Kerouac, St. Thomas More, and even Greg Gaffin. Talk about a motley crue; they rival The Usual Suspects.

Bottom-line, Graven Images proves itself to be the essential hardcore record of the year. Not only does Die Young (TX) deliver a full-length compiled of brilliant hardcore, they also fuse their music with thought-provoking lyrics that should inspire even the most politically and socially naïve hardcore/punk/metal kids into action.

9.0 / 10

By: Michael Phillips

--www.scenepointblank.com


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Review by Jordan A. Baker

For years, DIE YOUNG has been building its fan-base the old-fashioned way: providing a regular stream of new releases followed by insane worldwide touring schedules and top-notch networking. After spending time in record label limbo with the demise of Immigrant Sun Records, DIE YOUNG's perseverance paid off when landing a deal with the solidly built Eulogy Records.

When I read about the band signing to Eulogy, my immediate thought was that they'll finally get the kind of recording budget that will step-up their game. This couldn't be more accurate of a thought in assessing Graven Images. Bass-driven, and sharply recorded, but not shiny, Graven Images is a fifteen track bully of a hardcore disc. DIE YOUNG thrive in writing mostly two-minute jams that evoke Blood Sweat and No Tears-era SICK OF IT ALL mixed with the contemporary flair and rigidness of TERROR. While the band's songwriting style has been mostly consistent over their last few releases, Graven Images seems to streamline much of the percussion and infuses a wider berth into the guitar playing. DIE YOUNG simply sound bigger and less hurried in their playing, but no less intense. Lead shouter, The Rev. White Devil isn't exactly the most versatile of frontmen, but his huffing-and-puffing gets the the job while he extols the virtues of pent-up political and social frustration and excoriates those binded to stifling religious dogma and those responsible for the culture of crass-commercialism. By far, The Rev's lyrical stock is the most impressive thing about Graven Images, and the insert booklet provides supplemental quotes and explanations behind each song. The final track, an epic titled "Reiteration (The Message)" is matched with a quote from BAD RELIGION's Greg Graffin. Despite the musical differences between BAD RELIGION and DIE YOUNG (which truthfully are not so far apart as one might think), Graven Images does seemingly parallel the ethos and energies left by the former's most masterful works.

Graven Images is a big-time, breakthrough release from a band that's been under the weight of "having potential" for entirely too long. DIE YOUNG's endless, unfettered inspiration is contagious, even in the wake of so much to be angry about. The band puts it best towards the end of the disc: It's time to revive the idea. Rekindle the spirit that brought us here. To live in silence is to live in fear, so I'll speak my mind loud and clear. This voice could be the spark to ignite the (silent masses). Let us all behold each voice full of passion.

--www.pastepunk.com


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Scavenging the internet for new hardcore bands I stumbled upon a band called Die Young TX(Yeah, Texas). The track that was up on Myspace made me more interested but I never got a hold on their previous material for some reason. You can imagine I was excited when I found this promo in my mailbox.

Graven Images is one of those albums that seems to keep growing and growing. Every spin it sounds better and I have to adjust my opinion. Die Young TX sounds as a mix between bands like Terror, Ringworm, Catharsis and Madball. It sounds angry, furious and mean at the same time. Unlike most metallic hardcore bands nowadays they don't try to fit themselves a tough guy image. Vocalist Daniel aka 'The Rev. White Devil' sings mainly about socio-political issues not unlike a band like Trial or Catharsis. Even the vocal sound remind me of Catharsis. It's a damn shame that this promo doesn't contain the lyrics, damn I hate these cardboard cd boxes, the lyrical content is a huge part of what Die Young is about. The lyrics, the fast pace and the "melody" is what differentiates them from most metallic hardcore bands. For a change this is not what I would file under the regular label "metalcore", I guess metallic old school would fit better. The track "Distant Memories" is one of my favorite tracks on this album.

Bottom line: Solid album, 15 tracks of metallic old school with socio-political lyrics.

Rating: 4.5 / 5

--www.asice.net


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Hardcore just got a little heavier, a little more intense, a little more energetic and a whole load better…

There's a danger when you've been a part of a scene for a long time (around twenty years or so), that one day you'll end up thinking that you've seen and heard it all before, that there's nothing new out there and everyone, every band and every band is just rehashing and re-using old ideas. The omni-present danger that you'll become jaded, old and cynical and dismiss everything out of hand without giving it a chance, and lately, I've found myself wandering down that very path, found myself muttering, "Jeez, this band sound exactly like blah, blah, blah, why can't they come up with their own ideas…" Die Young however stopped me dead in my tracks. They knocked me flat on his arse, and it was one knock-out blow that I was happy as hell to take…

Intensity isn't just some trendy by-word for these guys, they live it, eat it and breathe it, and it flows out of every pore of 'Graven Images'. Brutal, high energy metal-core that fuses the best of both genre's to create a bruising monster. They sound like the howling offspring of the Clevo scene (Ringworm, Integrity etc.) raised solely on a diet of Terror, Rykers, Hatebreed and Turmoil, whilst locked in basement, chained to the wall. These guys take everything to the next level, and if you think you've heard it all before, forget it. Die Young are here to take you to school and show you just how Hardcore should and can be done in the twenty first century….

Rating: 4.5 / 5

By Tim Mass Movement

--www.subba-cultcha.com


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From the outset, its clear that Die Young TX aren't merely another bunch of hardcore thugs raising their fists ins defiance of imaginary enemies; this is anger focused and precise, cutting through a much maligned and introspective scene and tackling weighty issues with dexterity.

Playing out with a host of socio-political rants, Graven Images not just chuggy run of the mill hardcore, there is a solid punk (in the old school Black Flag way) foundation in there too. The Rev. White Devil's (yes, they have a sense of humour) vocals are filled with raspy rage as he spits furious condemnation of society as it stands, and demands change.

Hailing from Texas, they are perhaps as diametrically opposed to their primary statesman as one could hope to be, and as if we were in any doubt; Fuck The Imperialists hammers the point home with bludgeoning force though I doubt it will be playing in the oval office speakers any time soon.

Title track Graven Images is the both the most visionary and scathing track on the album, as the vocals scream; 'Fair Christian, I too await the day on earth when the meek shall reign. But for now, as we serve the snakes, who will deliver the justice you crave?'.

Taking a more than slightly unsympathetic view of western Christianity's ignorance to the principles of its' own saviour, the gang vocal chant of; 'Your Saviour died for nothing, didn't he?!' begs to be blasted down every Wal Mart aisle in the Bible belt, leaving TV preachers and Jesus salesmen quaking in their patent leather shoes.

Desperate Hope and In Limbo verge on the truly experimental for a hardcore band, two minute of breaks of instrumental feedback and melody; like a brief tribute to Isis. The subsequent Lonely at the Top is a four to the floor start/stop mosh anthem and The Dying Atheist is an upbeat call for solidarity among idealistic youth worldwide.

If you are seeking the easy acessability of Hatebreed, the raspy vocals and ultra short songs might put you off somewhat, this is true hardcore; fast, furious and much more punk than metal. However, if you're desperate for music that will fir you up while challenging your outlook no matter your spiritual, ethical or political views, then this is probably the best album you'll buy for months.

--www.calihardcore.com


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Rating: 8.5/10 Reviewer: Andrew Haak Reviewed: 5/13/2007

Considering Die Young (TX) has spent several years releasing records, enduring a legal issue surrounding their band name, and touring some relatively exotic parts of the globe -- in addition to the States -- it's surprising that Graven Images is my first exposure to the hardcore act. While I'm a bit disappointed that no one ever slapped me and demanded I listen to the band -- after all, this is my kind of stuff -- in the past, it's better late than never. Way better. Die Young couldn't have picked a stronger vehicle for their thought-provoking messages than bitter, unforgiving hardcore. Forgoing metallic breakdowns and done-before two-step parts, the band uses a bulky bass presence, super-energetic chord progressions and blazing drumming to create a largely unmatched feeling of energy and urgency. Put simply, the band commands attention. Hell, singer The Rev. White Devil could be screaming and shouting about the most trivial of topics, but it would still sound important and make listeners want to pay attention. Graven Images is dense and chunky like a Sick of It All record, dark and enraged like a Ringworm effort, and loaded with Die Young's own personality. From the unforgettable sing-alongs -- which, by the way, don't sound at all artificial -- to the subtle melodies and mid-paced breaks, the record incorporates a bunch of devices to distinguish itself. Even the thick, gritty production helps bring things to life. Just as Graven Images is sonically urgent and unforgiving, so too are the record's lyrics. The Rev. White Devil deals blow after blow -- in a smart, poignant fashion, mind you -- to corruption, whether it stems from corporate mindsets, government or organized religion, our current administration's imperialist nature, and the cold, far-reaching effects of lives spent focused on the American dreams of wealth and progress. While most everything The Rev. White Devil says is socio-political at heart, he brings a personal connection, vibrant imagery and persuasive points to the mix, making the songs more chilling and affecting than the typical "fuck you" anthem. Even in the straightforward "To Forget Civilization," his deeply personal touch raises goosebumps: How I long to be at peace, To be absolved through eternal sleep When I die, set me free from the lies Of this culture you call civilized Entire lives spent longing for escape As we grind ourselves into early graves For precious progress we lay this world to waste Day by day, the violence is ingrained There are, of course, moments of encouragement; "Carried by Visions" explains why Die Young carries on (We find no peace at home so we shave our heads and take to the road. Carried by four wheels and visions of a better life outside the walls. Beyond the fucking lies Of this dead-end life ."). "Become the Change" is a denial of the forces that push people into lines and normalcy, and the last song, "Reiteration (The Message)," is a spirited, uplifting call to the band's audience ("It's time to revive the idea, rekindle the spirit that brought us here. To live in silence is to live in fear, so I'll speak my mind loud and clear. This voice could be the spark to ignite the (silent masses). Let us all behold each voice full of passion."). Accompanying each of their songs with a brief quotation from a respected author, philosopher or thinker of some sort, it's clear that, on every level, Die Young has a deep passion for their craft. That's the sort of spirit that's made for good, effective hardcore, metal and punk rock since each genre's early beginnings, and I'm damn pleased that Die Young is carrying it well into the 2000s.

--www.geekburger.com

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Jeff Karbow

This Houston, TX hardcore outfit has had its shares of ups and downs. They have encountered problems that have plagued many hardcore acts; being forced to change their name (although in true defiance they managed to keep the name with just the addition of the TX), many lineup changes and all that other good shit. The band has already built itself a solid fan base by unrelenting touring that has taken them the world over all and by releasing a good deal of records; splits with Invade and 7 Generations, two EP's which are called "Survival Instinct" and "Confessions of A Petty Thief", "Songs For The Converted" (Demo 7") and a full length comprised of songs from the aforementioned 7 inches.

There are 15-tracks of scathing metallic hardcore that blends together effortlessly everything that was good about the 90's. Imagine throwing Integrity, Catharsis, Trial, Tragedy, Noam Chomsky and Nietzsche into a blender and you'll have a good idea of what these guys are about. I meaneverything you could ask for is here, fast paced verses, floor moving breakdowns, sing-alongs, well used melody, and even a well used instrumental.

The gruff vocals remind me of Catharsis and though this may be out of left field, the vocalist of the now defunct Redline.

The songs are varied in their lengths, the opening track is a 30 second shot of adrenaline yet the 3 minute "Carried By Visions" is a stomp happy metallic track that has arguably the catchiest chorus of the album.

Lyrically, there won't be many albums that will top this for 2007. But Christian kids and politicians beware because what Daniel "The White Devil" has to say, will in all eventuality have you pissing your pants as you fill your handkerchief with tears and snot. Everything from the hypocrisies of religion and corruption of our government to the point of even existing are tackled by wordsmith Daniel. He may not have attended an Ivy League school but that doesn't mean his tongue is any less sharp than those who have paid an arm and leg for spoon fed insight.

From the band's previous material I have heard in the past, this is definitely a step up in the recording. The bass tone has a bit much treble if you ask me, but hey it works. The guitar tone is full and brings all the necessary tones when necessary. The drums are on point and I'm really liking the kick. The vocals have optimal placement, and the slight effects used on them here and there work well. The incorporation of the electronic samples of sirens and helicopters were well done too.

It seems to be a great vocalist these days you have to write amazing lyrics, have a good throat and to be good with graphic design. Not only has the man known as "The White Devil" helped craft one of the years best albums musically and lyrically but visually as well. When folded out the front cover has a statue of god standing in what appears to be the dome of the United States Capitol building which was given a blue marble ceiling with the quote "Who Will Deliver The Justice You Crave?" in the left hand corner. I can't stress how well done this layout is. The booklet is six pages but it feels like eight or ten because of the heavy gloss paper used. On every left hand page there is a picture that correlates to the lyrical content in one way or another. On the right hand side there is the lyrics to three or four tracks that are printed over a stone background. For each song there is a corresponding quote from everyone from humanist St. Thomas More to Bad Religion's Greg Graffin. The dual page picture of a Jesus statue with the quote "Your Savior Died For Nothing, Didn't He?" is definitely going to get Christian kids running the other way. Nice touch in my opinion. I'm sure if conservatives saw the tray art which shows the pentagon with a scope on it they would cry themselves to sleep.

Rating: 4.7/5

Songs Worthy of Replay: The Story of Our Lives, Graven Images and Carried By Visions

Synopsis: This album will undoubtedly will be in my top ten. This is HIGHLY recommended to anyone with a rational head on their shoulders, and to those who are seeking a bit more intelligence in their hardcore.Also while adding this to your collection, be sure to pick up their split with Invade.

--www.siczine.com

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Rating: 8/10

There is a certain desensitization that comes along with a constant exposure to hardcore. Even when well-executed, the staples of a solid hardcore record can fail to spark interest in those who have heard just about every combination of riffs, gang vocals and breakdowns imaginable. Yet all the desensitization in the world won't be enough to hinder the impact of Die Young's Graven Images, a record dripping in hardcore intensity, metallic riffs and a sense of punk urgency. If you have somehow managed to miss the boat on this one (I am guilty of this as well), get your act together. This is without a doubt one of the best hardcore records of 2007.

Graven Images begins with the 30 second track, "Making A Killing," a song built upon a foundation of hardcore punk riffs and driving drumming. The strong political tones of the record are immediately apparent as the vocalist (going by the name of "The Reverend White Devil") delivers lines like, "We are mere playthings of corrupt industries. Our health is pawned into private sectors by the pharaohs of our time." In a current scene where it is often difficult to determine the sincerity of bands, it is great to hear groups like Die Young advertising a complete disdain for modern society that is immediately reminiscent of the politically charged hardcore of the 1990s.

Graven Images also has brevity on its side, with its fifteen tracks adding up to little more than 25 minutes. The result is track after track of vicious hardcore, ranging from the merger of New York hardcore with a touch of crust heard in the disc's title track to the more groove-laden "The Dying Atheist." In addition, calm, melodic interludes like "Desperate Hope" and "In Limbo" are successful in serving both as short breathers for the listeners and welcome shifts to better accentuate the record's overall intensity.

This is simply a well-crafted record that combines a wide range of punk, hardcore and crust influences to stand out among that of Die Young's hardcore peers. Its political messages are nothing short of passionate and should appeal to all those in search of hardcore with a strong lyrical background. In fact, it is the small note inside the disc's layout that says it best:

"PS: If you bought this album because Jesus is on the cover, the joke's on you!"

Bottom Line: Even those who have had an overexposure to all things hardcore should be impressed with the politically charged Graven Images. Die Young has certainly proven that modern hardcore can still be refreshing as long as it is built upon a strong foundation of credible influences and sincerity. Definitely check this out if you missed it.

Favorite Track: Graven Images
Review Date: 12/26/07
Reviewer: Nick

--www.lambgoat.com