Attention Hardcore fans: Too Pure To Die is back with a heavy-as-hell new record! Ok, so maybe this won't be available until early 2009, but you can still read about it early, no? TPTD's hometown, Iowa has seen the rise of some massive bands such as Mushroomhead and obviously, Slipknot. Well now, they can also boast some damn amazing Hardcore as TPTD has dropped a bombshell of a new album! With a style similar to that of traditional Hatebreed, this band does bring a more “real life” than said band's music, creating a unique sentiment to be heard via their tunes. When listening to the new record, Confess, you can really hear the change and evolution of each the band's members. The disc has a more “mature” feel to it, incorporating more elements that were not present on previous work. Maturity and growth aside, TPTD do retain what they are known for (as with he genre in general); breakdowns! They may tend to abuse them, but they do so extremely well. One of the tracks that struck a nerve of curiosity for me was “Gotham City”. As soon as I read the title I said: “Fuck man. I’m going to like this album just because of that track name.” I was right. The tune is quite catchy and was stuck in my head for ages after I finished listening to the album for just the first time. I had to quickly listen to it again just to satisfy the need! Another notable jam is “Omerta”, a memorable track which like Lamb of God’s “Omerta”, is about a code of honour used by the Italian Mafia, ‘Ndrangheta, and the Camorra. It’s great how these two bands are trying to renew honour that was prevalent during the 16th century. And it really helps that this song is heavy and aggressive. Kind of sounds like: “give me honour or give me death!” 2009 will see the rise of TPTD and Hardcore thanks to a powerful offering in Confess; a great start to a sickening new year if I may say. I’m sure 2009 will bring us plenty of new music, but thankfully 2009 came early for me.

Iowa may have spawned another act that is not connected to Slipknot but is still making some noise of their own. Too Pure To Die have all of the elements of modern metal - even amounts of raw and melodic vocals and plenty of memorable, chunky guitar riffs. But unlike most aggrometal out there, Too Pure To Die isn't entirely a wall of riffs and does sneak in some harmonies. Their sound has the heaviness of Pantera and Machine Head, with the melodic parts of Sevendust and Black Label Society. While they aren't exactly the most groundbreaking band soundwise, they make up for that with their energy. These guys show promise and could be something to look out for in the coming years.

Trustkill Records There is absolutely a benefit in the music industry to creating a DIY fan base the way that Des Monies, Iowa's Too Pure To Die has been able to amongst the hardcore underground scene. With their fan base standing strongly behind them they were approached by hardcore label extraordinaire, Trustkill Records, signed a deal with them and are set to release "Confess," their debut album with their new label. By having co-producers Zeuss (Throwdown, Shadows Fall, etc..) and Jamey Jasta, front man of hardcore pioneers Hatebreed in the studio with them, Too Pure To Die has been able to hone in on their sound, crank it up a notch, and offer their fans a truly amazing album. While hardcore isn't necessarily a scene I dive into often, there is no denying that this is a band that stands alone with the sound they have created. The vocals aren't just flat out screaming like so many bands in this genre, but rather stay in your face and understandable adding a very unique element to this album thus making this an easier one to listen to then most. But for you hardcore fans that like the heavier sounds, never fear, those exist here as well. They pull together their metal and hardcore influences perfectly as the guitars assault you more often then not, and the rhythm section pounds right through you. It is so nice to have an album that offers the heavy driven sound that combines energy and anger, but also includes great vocals. This is easily going to be the next big album from Trustkill, and I suspect Too Pure To Die is going to proudly satisfy hardcore and metal fans alike with "Confess."

Hatebreed's Jamey Jasta co-produced this debut album along with legendary hardcore giants Zeuss (Throwdown and Shadows Fall) that will finally be unleashed officially in the beginning of 2009. Sounding very similar to the debut of Hatebreed, "Confess" has over-distorted guitars that wail in the darkness of the lyrics and dankness of the screamed vocals. Furious drumming and heavy metal guitars combine for a sound that is more metalcore than late '90's hardcore metal. Too Pure to Die is a sultan of hardcore onslaught with a fashionable song structure and lyrics that employ real-time exploits to a 't'.

Originating from the same streets as Slipknot, this band are good enough to get themselves on the Iowa map. I actually favour the sections where the singing is more melodic in approach (often appearing through backing sections in the chorus). It really punches through the music when this happens. The vocals do echo that of early Slipknot in places and Too Pure To Die have written a very promising album in ‘Confess’. Track 3 ‘Gotham City’ is the perfect track to prove how tight and consistent this band is. The stop-starts are perfectly timed and all members produce a stunning performance on this track, giving a real edgy, sharp delivery. I can tell why this band have the loyal fan base they do in their local town, they have put in all the groundwork necessary to become a big success. If I don’t see this band appearing at festivals around the world in the near future, I will be surprised. Track 8 ‘Rock Bottom’ is another stand out track and has a Black Label Society feel about it. A real fists in the air, no frills rock out. Again, the vocals are on fire and the guitaring and drumming mirror each other throughout, driving the track onwards. A great effort by ‘Too Pure To Die’, I would be interested in seeing this bands next release, because clearly they are mastering a formula which works.