 |
| PRESS |
|
| FROM RHYTHM & NEWS MAGAZINE: MARCH 2001 by Ego Kneivel Painmask, the hardcore juggernaut based out of Kingston strips the world naked from its malevolent mask and tells it like it is with their intricate, old school, speed-metal style riffs and heavy hardcore breakdowns that provoke anger to the well-written, indignant lyrics which reflect on everyday internal and external strifes. Since the band formed in January 1998 by founding members Carl Carlew (bass) and Jason Avery (vocals), Painmask has achieved a prestigious status by headlining The Chance and warming up for such bands as Biohazard, Hatebreed, Madball and Candiria. When asked about the show at The Chance, Avery says, "It was all about hooking local bands and giving them an opportunity to get their foot in the door. The place filled up with 400 people and the aura within the establishment was key." Jason claims that their main goal is to unify the local Hudson Valley hardcore scene and to make it a thriving force. The band's debut CD, "Are You Prepared to Meet the Truth," was released in October 2000 on InnerStrength Records, an indie label based out of Pelham, NY, and has worldwide distribution through Revelation Records. This hard-driven, finely-produced CD, recorded at Nada Recording, has been getting rave reviews online and elsewhere. The band plans to launch a full-scale US tour before summer. Avery claims that he is excited about expanding the group's audience to a new level, and hopes to get back in the studio by the end of the year. Ego says, "Painmask's Jay and Carl are hardcore zealots, so help these guys reap what they sow and support the cause - cause it's a good one!" |
| Hanging Like A Hex #15 At first listen I was instantly reminded of Life of Agony and VOD, which I suppose I'm partial to only because I was young and impressionable, though I guess it's popular not to like that stuff now (admit it, you dug River Runs Red). But after the first couple tracks that thought escaped my mind completely and the straight-up metal kicked in. Lots of crazy drum fills and bellowing all around, yet still holding a New York hardcore frame of mind. That usually spells poison, but in this case they know what they're doing, and though I don't think I'd usually be into this I can say they're flawless musicians that can lay down the mosh and get the crowd pickin' up the change. |
| Stand Your Ground Webzine If they ever had a stamp for New York Hardcore like they do for Grade A beef, you'd definitely see one on this CD. This is straight up, to the point, New York Hardcore. Plain and simple. Painmask has been around for quite some time now and "Are You Prepared To Meet The Truth" shows exactly what they're all about. I have to really thank Painmask for being the first band to get me into hardcore music. Back in '98 I went to my first hardcore show up in Poughkeepsie, New York to see People Of The Sun, Exit 7, and who else but, Painmask. I went to the show with intentions of hearing some good music, and well, what I got was one of the best hardcore bands around. Painmask absolutely tore shit up at that show. From that minute on all I wanted to do was find me a Painmask CD. Well, in that task I found other hardcore CDs, and well now my collection is up to 436 hardcore CDs. If it wasn't for the vibe I got from Painmask that night I would probably be some little poser wannabe. But that's all besides the point. Back to the review. I must definitely say that with the help of guest vocals by Mike Score from All Out War and Cesar Bobadilla from Beneath The Remains, this CD is just proof that New York Hardcore is still well alive within some of us and it's only a matter of time before Painmask becomes one of the leading bands in today's hardcore scene. Between the monstrous vocals of Jason Avery to the thunderous riffs and pounding of Carl, Mike and Billy, this is a must-have for any true New York Hardcore kid. I'd like to point out a few tracks that stick out above the rest. "Struck A Nerve", "Corrupt From Within", "For Which It Stands", and "Forsaken" are by far the best songs on the CD. I really don't feel right saying that because all the songs kick ass and to say that sounds like I'm subjecting one from the other and when you come across a CD like this, where everything from the lyrics to the music, and even the vocals kick ass, it's wrong to say that. But to basically wrap up this review, I can't stress it enough that you should go out and get this CD. Go get it now! |
 |
 |