NORA

NORA is celebrating its 10th anniversary and "Save Yourself" is the first album I've heard. It is not all that surprising though when you consider the sheer number of Trustkill-type hardcore/metalcore bands that have been saturating the scene for years now. However, on "Save Yourself" (and presumably albums like 2003's "Dreamers and Deadmen") NORA proves that they are no run-of-the-mill metalcore band. "Save Yourself" offers the discerning listener more than your basic 'core album, even though hardcore's purity of rage and relentless aggression is heard on every one of these 10 strong tracks.

Who says metalcore has to be generic and lifeless, recycling the same old riffs and rhythms? Everything from the flawless dueling and dynamic chords of guitarists Matthew Hay (Portland) and Stephen Chladnicek to the loud, proud, and convincing vocals of Carl Severson to the taut and colorful rhythm section of bassist Mike Olender and drummer Christopher Ross is performed with passion and determination. The short of it is that "Save Yourself" consists of a darn good collection of songs that gets the blood pumping and never gets boring, thanks to a smart songwriting approach that injects the compositions with verve and variety. It starts and ends with those guitars though; the unit owns quite an arsenal of major and minor chords, mixing and matching to grand effect. You'll hear it on the hard charging "Somebody Call Somebody" with its excellent two-part riff punch, one marginally dissonant, the other tough as nails. The band keeps delivering on "Famous Last Words", switching from lethal speedster to crushing stomper, all the while incorporating those slightly askew licks, while stop-start riffing joins stone cold grooves on "Have You Ever Had a Really Bad Day". Changing pace nicely, the title track goes for a slow-burn attack and "The Moment, The Sound, The Fury" features a southern tinge to its six-string fire and slower tempo, not to mention its big Bonzo-esque drum thudding.

Yes indeed, "Save Yourself" is an album sorely needed in a scene that becomes more vanilla every day. This is not about saving hardcore; it is about a band called NORA that knows a thing or two about blending intelligent songwriting with ass-kicking 'core aesthetics.