As of late the post hardcore/emo scene has become a cluster of monotonous sounding bands. Well thats all about to change with Fightstar's debut "Grand Unification." With great song writing, powerful crushing guitars and catchy melodic hooks, this band will not jump on the emo band wagon and not just fade away after one album. Following an ambient piano intro, the album bursts into huge riffs with slow ambient breakdowns. With the contrast of Charlie Simpson's (Vocals, Guitar) raspy vocals and Alex Westaway's (Vocals, Guitars) Radiohead-like vocals that add very melodic harmonies to their already urgent sound. The subtle screaming is very well mixed and fits right into the melodies to add power not just for the sake of screaming. The tight rhythm of the group is consisted by Dan Haigh (Bass) and Omar Abidi (drums) that add a new feel to their Deftone's style "White Pony" production by. Grand Unification is a must buy for any emo, metal, or just plain rock fans. This London based 4-piece stands out among the rest in its genre.

The post hardcore/ screamo scene has become somewhat glutted with mediocre bands, which makes it a prime moment for Fightstar's refreshing debut- available in their native England for a year now- to arrive in US stores. Contrasting chunky, Helmet-esque riffing with ultra melodic choruses, the four piece write fist in the air anthems that deliver a powerful emotional punch. Following a delicate intro, "Grand Unification Pt. 1" explodes into life and sets the standard for what follows. Without breaking conventions, they cover alot of ground and they do it in style. "Build an army" is a brooding beast that conceals a soaring chorus, whilst "Open your eyes" is a smile inducing number. A highly textured record, they punctuate the quieter passages with glacial guitar tones, imbuing their songs with a lush ethereality reminiscent of Explosions in the Sky. The epic "Mono" Best demonstratesthis with fragile, atmospheric verses building to a glorious crescendo. Throughout , the throaty vocals of Charlie Simpson intertwine with the high range of Al Westway, although lyrically they sometimes verge on cliched, their conviction coupled with merciless hooks sees them power through. With luck, this might be the record that helps breathe life back into the flagging scene.

Now this band is one that needs no introduction for me. Even though Fightstar are from across the pond in the UK, they have made a huge splash over in the US. "Grand Unification" was released to the world in 2006 but Trustkill has seen the promising glow that Fightstar has to offer and choose to bring it to the states. I was able to check out the album awhile back when I bought the Import and ever since it has reaffirmed my love for the UK music scene. Fightstar has toured with some of the greats as of late, sold amazing amounts of albums for their status, and is getting huge publicity from some major outlets. Quick! Let’s get in before everyone finds out about this 4 piece from London. Tracing back to Deep Elm Records and their releasing of Fightstar's debut EP, I was in to the thrilling atmosphere they created that almost felt like a raging Funeral For A Friend, but with more seamless maturation. A voice with a rustic feel guides the streamlined guitars that ring with such a liberating tone. Fightstar also likes to mix in some breakdowns that may seem unconventional to some who hear them, but to me they seem to go together like jelly and ladies :) A contemplating musical structure with a calm and building production seems ever present and holds the soothing and energizing sound in its own skin. Furious screams sneak about and seem so cleansing as they team with the melodic guitar symphonies. "Grand Unification" just seems so playful and mature that it could only come from some of the best creative minds. And the conversation between the soft and kind nature of certain songs and the furious atmospheres of the breakdown filled songs is so translucent and smooth. The inclusion of Colin Richardson (Bullet for My Valentine, Funeral For A Friend, Chimaira) as a producer has basically just set the stage for Fightstar to show off their artistic talents with flawless production. I would normally purpose some songs to listen to, that you may like on the album, but with the wide range of brilliant songs and the fact that they are in every single song, it's hard to recommend just a few. "Here Again (Last Conversation)" and "Paint Your Target" have rushing guitars that play acrobatics tricks on your mind and weave a heavenly sonata of riffs. While "Lost Like Tears In Rain" and "Mono" are examples of the lost art of great methodical and melodic hardcore. Every song does its part and holds this amazing album together. Everything from the outstanding artwork that is literally poured into the album art, to the months of precise hard work that helped form this album, have made this album a force of nature. If you love Funeral For A Friend or great melodic hardcore with soothing interludes then this album is a must, plain and simple. For every one else, you must check it out too because of how artistically brilliant and creative it is. Spreading this over the pond to the US was a stroke of genius and knowing this band, I will be looking for many more great albums to filter into my ears in years to come. Fightstar is in a league of their own and "Grand Unification" is one the most anticipated albums of the year.

I first heard Fightstar about a year and a half ago, from the great folks over at Deep Elm Records. They were 100% on board with this band when pretty much no one in the US had any idea who they were or what they sounded like. So respect to them for that, but Fightstar has moved on to a label much more suited for them with Trustkill Records. After touring with Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Funeral for a Friend, Taking Back Sunday and more, as well as selling over 50,000 units in the UK, there’s no denying that Fightstar has what it takes to make it globally if given the correct push, which I believe they’re getting from Trustkill. With their second nationally distributed release in the states, Fightstar has honed their sound and refined song writing to a science, and they’ve been given the chance to step up onto the biggest stages and show off their talents. Grand Unification is an album that has something that pretty much anyone can love. The record starts off with a really standard introduction track, you know, the instrumental song, mostly guitars, sometimes some drums, they don’t really vary that much. I think they would have been better served kicking straight into “Grand Unifcation, pt. 1”. You have to catch listeners these days immediately upon inserting a record, as they lose interest quickly. We’ve become a nation full of ADHD kids, and they sooner bands realize that, I think it will reflect in their record sales. Once you get started on the album itself, it has familiar qualities, while still standing on its own. If you were ever a fan of the band Beloved (Us), you will enjoy a lot of this record. If you separated the rock sections of Beloved (Us) out from the hardcore, it would show a lot of similarities to the new album from Fightstar. But to keep their own style, Fightstar also mixes in influences from Taking Back Sunday, mid/late 90’s alternative rock, and more. I think a touring pair comprised of Fightstar and their labelmates Hopesfall would be well suited, hell, I’d pay to go see that tour. Back to the album, it bounces around the rock realm without venturing too far outside of it. Some of their songs remind me of Alexisonfire (Paint Your Target), some remind me of The Deftones (Build Your Army), and some of Beloved (Us) (Grand Unification pt 1). For those who need screaming and heavier riffs to legitimize an album, first off, you’re foolish, but secondly, they’ll have you covered with several of the tracks on this album, I believe there’s even a pseudo breakdown in “Here Again”. But the real difference between Fightstar and other bands of this genre is they don’t sound like they are trying to crowbar the heavier parts into the songs, they all fit seamlessly. As musicians, Fightstar is hands down better than 90% of the rock bands you’ll hear today. Across the board, drums, guitar, bass, everything, you can hear their hard work pouring across the skins & strings. What’s not to love about that? When you’re looking into this album (whether it be online or in a record store), really give it attention. Listen to the intricacy in the construction, listen to the structure, listen to the progression and development; don’t discount any aspect of this album, as it will surely come back to haunt you. This Fightstar album is fucking good, bottom line.

So, are you ready to let the past be the past? You'd better be. Perhaps there's plenty for Charlie Simpson to apologize for, but his forays into pop surely just proved that here was a guy with a talent for spotting a tune. In that sense, he hasn't changed a bit, and this is a shockingly impressive debut that makes the naysayers look utterly foolish. With its apocalyptic artwork and epic sounds, and Colin RIchardson (FFAF, Slipknot) as producer, 'Grand Unification'is Fightstar going all out. It's packed with soaring choruses that blend into searing riffs- silverchair and the Deftones are splattered all over the canvas, which resembles Funeral terrritory without being too derivative. That's the key- Fightstar literally wear their influences on their sleeves and yet this slams their standard down in fresh ground. After a delicate, Mogwai-tinged start, the album thrusts to life, unveiling anthem after anthem- 'Waste a Moment' and 'Build an Army' are feindish and addictive, while 'Sleep Well Tonight' is an immediate classic. The CD spins on. Soon you realise that there isn't going to be a dip in quality, and that's that: the past is rendered irrelevant and stupid, and Charlie's a bloody hero.

The first rule of the emo club is that you don't talk about Fightstar. Frontman, Charlie Simpson used to be in a pop band y'see. Score zero scene points, go directly to the bargain bin and do not pass go. The fact that Simpson has been very vocal about hating have to hang with Cat Deeley on 'CD:UK', selling out Wimbley Arena and having teenage girls get moist in their millions at the very mention of his name (no pleasing some people, is there?) is seemingly lost on a lot of people. And that's something of a shame as Fightstar make one hell of an almighty racket and this, their debut album, is a haymaker to the jaw to all those who've already dismissed them. Let's get one thing clear; 'Grand Unification' positively seethes with blacken malcontent. It's as far away from a pop record as you can get without being in Dimmu Borgir. The avalanche of stabbing guitars that twist and chum through 'Paint Your Target' would give your average tennybopper lifelong nightmares. Make no mistake that Simpson and co are very serious about this. 'Build an Army' lurches and rolls on enormous, sweeping riffs that the Deftones would be proud of. 'Here Again (Last Conversation)' spins, splits, and stabs and wouldn't sound out of place on a Glassjaw album. The gargantuan sprawl of six-minute epic 'Mono' showcases an awesome display of tunesmithery as it breathes and shifts from crescendo to crescendo. It really is difficult to find fault the Fightstar's music on any level. Unless, of course, your hell-bent on hating them for their frontman's former job. A lot's been said about Fightstar having had it easy, that they've got a lot more attention than similar bands in their position due to Simpson's past. The fact of the matter, though, is that Fightstar are simply a great band who write great songs. As the final chord of rousing closer 'Wake Up' fades only the most bitter and scornful would be left thinking anything other than they'd just heard an amazing record. What's been lost in all of this is that the quartet are a young British band making a hell of an impressive racket and getting like-minded people off their arses and into clubs watching rock shows. Which would you prefer- millions being influenced by tripe like Busted or a few thousand banging their heads to a fucking great rock band? the defence rests.