Album Details

• Artist: Hot Cross
• Album: Risk Revival
• Label: Equal Vision Records
• Year of Release: 2007
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: solitaryman on 2007-08-21

With the recent news of Hot Cross`s breaking-up after 7 years, it felt prudent to review this, their last album, Risk Revival. After spending so much time knocking on fame's door, it seemed like they'd finally reached a platform to jump into the limelight when they signed with Revelation Records and put this solid, yet generally unspectacular release out.

   Hot Cross plays a hybrid hardcore/screamo style that will sound instantly familiar to fans of either genre. While the hardcore influences are always evident (especially in the rock-solid rhythm section), what grabs you is the riffs, mostly tasteful and with sharpened hook. It's obvious all those years together fused the group into a singular entity, with tracks like " Turcoat Revolution, "Kill The Name" and the barnburner "Existence" offering ample proof. 

   Solid and unspectacular really does sum this one up. You'll know you've heard most/all of this before, and this style of music is starting to become stagnant in my opinion. Regardless, if you're a fan of post-hardcore or screamo, you'll find plenty to love about Risk Revival. Just don't expect to see any trails blazed. 

User Reviews and Comments

Review:

on 2007-07-31 blackxdan Said:

Wow, really a good band with a good head on their shoulders. They do remind me of The Fall of Troy quite a bit, so if you are a fan of The Fall Of Troy, then check out Hot Cross. Like with The Fall of Troy, you might have to listen carefully, or even read the lyrics a bit to actually understand the songs, and what they are singing about. But once you do that, you'll find yourself loving another band. Equal Vision Records did a great job snagging these guys up, and if they hadn't broken up recently, they could have been something huge.
Not Rated