A Wilhem Scream – Ruiner

One year ago, everyone was blown away by one CD. That CD was Mute Print by A Wilhelm Scream. It was in countless top ten lists (including my own) and everyone was hyping the hell out of the CD. So when they announced that they were ready to record a new album, it immediately re-created the buzz around the band. As they left the Blasting Room with Bill Stevenson and Jason Livermore, everyone was wondering: “Will this CD be as good as Mute Print?” Well, the answer is a straight and solid “yes”.

In all honesty, it’s hard to put into words exactly what makes Ruiner so good. After all, it really is difficult to pin-point the exact thing that makes it good since everything on this album is good. It’s what punk would’ve sounded like if it wasn’t bought out by MTV and Hot Topic. Its hard, quick, melodic hardcore punk that was made famous in the early 90s. Although there isn’t a track on here like William Blake Overdrive or The Rip that brought Mute Print to the forefront of everyone’s year end lists, they have made a more sound record overall. They’ve picked up on everything they did well last time and capitalized on it, making it even better. Nuno Pereira’s vocals are still strong and harsh as he blasts through the songs seemlessly and harmoniously. But of course, the best part are when Trevor Reilly and Jonathan Teves come in and help with background dueling vocals in the choruses. All the vocals seem to have perfect pitch and work together perfectly as they rip through thoughtful, emotional and intelligent lyrics by Reilly.

Looking past the amazing vocals to the music and you will be greeted with powerful, technical, stuff. There’s some distinctive metal in the guitars, heavy rock and some indie elements, and not to mention the straight forward punk sound. There’s the ever technical Cancer Dream, the angry and aggressiveMr Vs. Morrissey In The Pretentiousness Contest (The Ladder Match) and the quick and catchyCongratulations. But they are also able to slow things down with the much more mellow In Vino Veritas II in which Pereira lets Reilly take over full vocal duties.

I can’t give this album justice, and I doubt many reviewers could. It is a solid melodic punk album topped off with amazing artwork. This is an album that you need to have. Not a burnt copy or MP3s, you need the real thing. You need to have the booklet and sing along and it will be one of your favorite albums of the entire year.