Reviewed by Andy Shaw

It is becoming increasingly difficult in the post-hardcore scene to find any new bands coming along that really stand out from what is a very saturated crowd. Bands tend to so often follow the set formula and not really attempt to break out of the mould. It is refreshing then to hear a band like Portland, Oregon's A Hope For Home who have spent time exploring and finding a sound of their own. After two albums on Strike First they have earned their promotion to Facedown Records and this album does not disappoint. 'Realis' is a concept album with the first half being a bleak, dark look at the possibility that God is dead before the second half shows a man building his beliefs up from nothing. Opener "Nightfall" sets the mood for the first half with a lone acoustic guitar before building to an explosive scream. The songs all flow perfectly into each other with the progression in the atmosphere and emotion of the songs working to get you caught up in the music. "No Light" is a particular highlight of the first half if not the whole album. Again starting with a sombre atmosphere the song gradually builds to a climax of screaming with all the instruments joining together to give a powerful finale. The album then begins the ascent from the depths of despair to a feeling of hope with the vocals soaring and the guitars swirling to give a much more positive vibe to the sound. The album closes in fine fashion with the excellent crescendoing "Ascension" and the catchy riff of "After". 'Realis' takes you on a journey and really makes you feel the emotion behind the music.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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