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Despite the fact that I was never a fan of hardcore favs Champion, I was still interesting in checking this out, mostly due to my enjoyment of Betrayed. This split could have easily been called Out With the Old, In With the New, as this features the last three Champion songs while giving hardcore fans another taste (they released a six song EP on Bridge 9 last year) of Betrayed.
I like these Champion songs more than their other material that I have heard, but with the exception of "What Will it Take?," I wasn't all that inspired. They play (ed) by the numbers youth crew hardcore that was fast and full of group vocals, but I just couldn't get into their music. I love the build up in "What Will it Take?," as it leads up to a great, although quick, melodic guitar part.
Now, Betrayed I really like. Their guitar lines are melodic and aggressive, full of angst and tension, and with wonderful leads. The speedy drums and group vocals are present, which I absolutely adore on here. These three songs are just a great mixture of old school and new school hardcore, complete with talking over music (in "Consequence") and positive lyrics. I think Betrayed, who recently signed to Equal Vision, may be the current hardcore band that people are still talking about ten years down the line.
Written by: RF