I've fallen down the 'Well'

Hardcore is the punk-metal hybrid that has a hard time getting a mainstream following since punks and metalheads disagree more often than "tastes great" and "less filling." The other problem is the larynx-shredding vocals. Even those with a hardy musical appetite have a hard time getting used to the hyperintense barking. \nSlowly but surely, things are starting to change. Hatebreed counts their album sales in the hundreds of thousands, and now Poison the Well has put out one of the most ambitious hardcore records yet. While it might sound like putting an album out on a major label might be a sellout for about 99 percent of rock bands, this could be the best thing that ever happened to this Florida quintet. They focus more on developing their melodies and lengthening their song structures. The hard charging guitars actually take a breath once in awhile for the occasional psychedelic breakdown. They avoid any of that cliched post-apocalyptic imagery that has become so pervasive in rock. To make a truly great hardcore record, Poison the Well ought to stop singing about how miserable they are. Then again, misery often brings out great art. \nWill maturity make them a better band? Or will it make them less hardcore? Or both? I look forward to the next record to find out.