Hailing from Dallas, TX and being the first band signed to the record label of Paul Bassman, the man who managed Damageplan and still manages Drowning Pool, should indicate some sense of pedigree. This guy has an ear for a certain sound and Jacknife are not too far out of that realm. Musically speaking, there’s a lot to be excited about here. The rhythm guitars crunch and shred, the leads are adequate, the drums pound and thunder, and the bass is certainly capable when audible.

However, I would argue that Jacknife lacks a particular something in the vocal department. A typical Hardcore bark predominates this facet of the band and is coupled with vocal effects and some screams/bellows once in a while but nothing special can be said about the lead throat. Aside from the primarily Hardcore style that dominates, some of these songs simply sound like they’re borrowed or adapted from Killswitch Engage.

All in all this is a promising debut full length record from a young band. I could see them literally tearing it up live and am sure they do. “We don’t have any gimmicks, we just get up there and play,” says vocalist Joe Ortiz. Fair enough but I’m sorry to suggest that you might be the weakest link, Joe. Overall I would recommend some additional originality the next time around. In a word: competent.

written by Tony Belcher

Playing time: 36.45