Carrying The Fire - 2010 Demo

Carrying The Fire is a new Maryland hardcore band, featuring Justin and Kevin D of xLooking Forwardx on vocals and bass, Matt B formerly of xLFx and Arcacia on guitar, Auggie of Saravain also on guitar, and Dan, who owns a Pop Tarts shirt, on drums. The band was originally known as Let It Ride and intended on playing fast melodic hardcore punk until some lineup and attitude changes led them to allow influences such as Downset, Biohazard, Helmet, Orange 9mm, and a multitude of others creep in. They perfected their sound over the course of a year or so and in 2010 hit the basement studio of Jeff P, who also played with Matt in the thrash metal cover project Manthrax. The resulting demo is vicious and nothing but great in my opinion, wearing their influences on their sleeve while also sounding unique. While nothing much will prevent Justin’s trademark vocals from sounding similar to xLooking Forwardx, CTF thankfully expand away from the basic old school hardcore sound of xLFx to sound like their own beast. The lyrics range from mistrust of politicians of any and all sides and long term self growth, and the music borders on dark and volatile with plenty of creative riffs to keep things interesting. A solid band who is hopefully on the rise in 2010, and good friends all around

Download their 2010 demo