Alexisonfire

Formula for an alexisonfire song

1. Melodic, testosterone free intro, into "crushing verse"
2. Worst screamer in the world goes on for a few measures
3. Sing chorus, preferably with high pitched squeal vocals
4. Repeat
5. Outro

Pathetic.

You may say that the title of my review is a statement that takes huge shoes to fill (it's actually a reference to their website, www.theonlybandever.com), but I believe that Alexisonfire has large enough feet to fill those shoes.

Hailing from our northern neighbor, Canada, the likes of George, Dallas, Wade, Chris, and Jordan deliver some of the best, if not the best, post-hardcore ever heard by human ears. George's chaotic screams, along with Dallas' beautiful melodic contrast and Wade's frequent punk-like vocals make the best combination of vocals the overpopulated genre has to offer. All backed up by awesome, articulate hardcore instrumentals.

Now, on to the main subject of the review. Crisis is an excellent album. Excellent lyrics, vocals, instrumentals, everything. The opening track, Drunks, Lovers, Sinners, and Saints is a full blown metalcore assault at it's beginning, but turns into a more melodic, punk track later into the song. The album then goes to This Could Be Anywhere In the World (my personal favorite) which showcases Dallas Green's unbelievable talent. The album then follows suit with perfect order tracks Mailbox Arson and Boiled Frogs, followed by the great mosh worthy melodic hardcore piece, We Are the Sound. The album then suddenly changes tempo with Wade on vocals in the song You Burn First, which sounds a lot like a Trent Reznor produced track. However, the album brings the tempo back up to speed with We Are the End, which has an awesome break down, Crisis with an awesome sing-a-long worthy "1-9-7-7" chant, Keep It On Wax, an actually pretty mean song about the band's former drummer, To A Friend which ends with a harmonous acapella provided by Dallas, and finally Rough Hands, which I would consider Alexisonfire's ballad about lost love. This song features Dallas at his finest with George providing the contrasting, but rather soft, screams.

Basically this is the Canadian post-hardcore outfit at their finest. I have been a fan of this band for a while now, and have always loved the overall fresh sound they provide to the aging genre. I recently saw the band in concert and was equally amazed with the bands live show. I actually met Wade and Chris, and I do have to say that they are two genuine, awesome guys. Alexisonfire is anything, and everything a person could ask for in a post-hardcore band and I highly recommend Crisis. I also recommend the band's self-titled debut and Watch Out!. Both are excellent albums as well. But for people who have never heard Alexisonfire, I recommend Crisis as a great way to start. I have had the album for months and still listen to it frequently. A++

I would call myself a pretty avid rock music fan and this is, in my opinion, one of the better bands out there. I have never been so much into what I would call death metal, which is what I call it when the lead singer does nothing but yell nonsense into the microphone leaving everyone thinking to themselves...."what the hell is this guy saying??" Much like beer, I have acquired somewhat of a taste for the "lead" singer of this band (who does his fair share of yelling) although I do personally think the band would probably be better off without him. The unique thing about this band though is that they really have 3 singers. Dallas Green, who is vocalist/guitarist for the band, is really the back bone of this band. Without trying to sound cheesy, this guy radiates talent. On top of that he honestly is one of the best male vocalists I have ever heard. That in part makes the band unique because you have one guy singing/yelling like he is pissed off with the world and this other guy comes right behind him with this harmonizing voice almost like taking a sip of Red Bull and the chasing it with a sip of wine. If you feel you do not like the sound of Alexisonfire I would highly suggest you check out Dallas Green's solo project, City and Colour, if you are more into a raw acoustic guitar with great vocals. Ok, I have made this review entirely too long, but bottom line is if you are a rock fan I think you will enjoy this cd. For some it may take a few listens for it to catch on, but if you are anything like me it will and at this point it has not left my cd player since I bought it.

(im not relly a kid, i am 13 yrs old, so i am a teenager)

This album is great! I suggest it obviously to Alexisonfire fans, because this is definitely their best album, in my opinion. In sound quality, lyrics, I think the drumming is really good too. Every song on this record coul probably qualify for a single.

1. Drunks, Lovers, Sinners, And Saints (9.5/10) Great to start off with. Kinda scared me when I first turned the thing on. Very energetic, and slows the mood a little in the chorus. The screaming just goes too well not only with this song, but with every song.

2. This Could Be Anywhere In The World (13/10) Omg I love this song. I first heard it on countdown on much and I just loved it. It caught my attention cuz I heard screaming. It was great. Not just great to listen to, but really well done. Like the guitar, drums, vocals, screams were top notch. I love the video. It's dark and spooky, like the song's mood. Great Job, Alexisonfire!

3. Mailbox Arson (7.9/10) Weird song about mail. Best part is chorus, when George just screams "YOUR MAIL'S NOT SAFE IN THIS TOWN!" Sounds pretty cool.

4. Boiled Frogs (10/10) Love the title. Nice poppy song, I like the beginning riff. The verses are kinda upbeat, and then tempo kinda slows in the chorus. Nice controlled song. I think this could be the second single.

5. We Are The Sound (10/10) Cool song. It's great. Slows down alot in the chorus, kinda similar to Helena (MCR) or Girl's Not Grey (AFI).

6. You Burn First (9.4/10) Complete change in tempo, and moods. It's slow, and pretty sad. Drumming is excellent on this song. Love it. It's short, but effective.

7. We Are The End (8.1/10) Nothing too special about this song. Reminds me of 37mm (AFI) It's a cool song, just not very likable.

8. Crisis (10/10) Now here's a really cool song. The beginning riff sounds so awesome, even though it's so simple. It's upbeat, and very exciting. It just basically describes the cover art. It's sick when they sing ONE! and then wait like 8 sec and then it says NINE! I just count in my head one to nine. Sick song.

9. Keep It On Wax (11/10) Great! It's not that popular, but I really like it. I read somewhere the song was about one of the band members leaving and like spreading bad rumors or something, but screw that, I didn't pay attention to the lyrics. The song is just great. I like the chorus.

10. To A Friend (11/10) Doesn't start off that great, but believe me it gets alot better. Kind of a slower song in the album, still one of my favorites. I love it when Dallas sings "It's nobody's battle but your own"
Sweet!

11. Rough Hands (12/10) I love this song. Good way to end and album like this. It's slow, and kinda sad. Kind of a weird chorus, but the verses make up for it. George is really good with his screaming. He makes it sound so soft, even though it is screaming. GREAT love the ending too. This could actually be another single.

Best album from Alexisonfire. It's great, buy it. I'd rate it probably 89.8/100. All I can say is...It's a great album.

Okay, so generally I hate screaming bands, but after I heard "This Could Be Anywhere in the World", I was immediately excited for more, so I bought Crisis, Canadian band Alexisonfire's third studio album. I definitely consider it a worthy purchase, even if some of it was weak. The first song, "Drunks, Lovers, Sinners, And Saints" rips right through you immediately, with a passionate fast paced confidence that really got me excited for the rest of the record. Wade McNeil, Dallas Green and George Petit really compliment eachother's sounds in this song, and on the entire record, despite the contrast in vocal styles. You see, Alexisonfire really has three singers, and without eachother this band would be much lesser. Not a lot of these kinds of bands are doing this these days, and it's nice to see a band that incorporates elements from different genres, leaving them opened up to a larger audience than there'd be if it were simply Petit screaming each song.

From here, the album goes at a strong, fast pace. It doesn't let up until "You Burn First", a track that feels way out of place on this album. Wade McNeil has a good voice, but I found the song just a bit out of place here. But the album quickly picks itself up and dusts itself off with "Crisis", the title track.

Of course, all of this just leads up to the absolute best song on Crisis, "Rough Hands", which showcases Dallas Greens' vocal prowess. It also incorporates a lot of piano and drum. "Rough Hands" has the most melody out of any of the tracks on Crisis, and an Epic Factor that supersedes even "This Could Be Anywhere in the World".

The album shot to #1 in Canada at release, thanks in part to the strength of the first single. Let's hope Alexisonfire continues to hone this style into something possibly even revolutionary. Until then, I'll be waiting patiently.

i was a little upset to see that this was a promo copy, but at least it is a copy.

this band captures all the asspects of hard flowing guitars melodic singing intertwined with screaming volcals that get your heart pumping... i love this c.d. it is among many that i own and its one of my absolute favs.

To start off.. I just love how people who don't exactly know their facts are writing reviews... mind you, i'm not exactly an ecocopidea regarding AOF and anything to do with them... but at least i try to get my facts straight...

Alexis is a band formed from my hometown (St.Catharines Ontario, CANADA) and to tell you the honest truth i'm personally not to fond of the genre that Alexis is labeled under... but to support the local talant, i gave them a chance... their debute is much more raw, uncut, and more unigue... I guess you could say, their follow up is heading them to the mainstream (sadly enough)... "Watch out" is much more clean, melodic, and more easy on the ears...

Listening to their first album, then listening to this... its almost like an all new band, but of course it still has that AOF flare... Dallas does ALOT more singing on this cd (which isn't a bad thing at all, i bet dallas on this cd has widened their fan base) and as for Georges screaming, its much more polished and easier to listen too...

Now depending on who you are, and what type of music you perfer... "Watch out" can be a masterpiece, or a distasterpiece... Now if your a type of person that likes radio friendly, melodic, easy on the ears, sing along kind of music, with bursts of occasional rawness (if thats a word) that you can head bang to, then "Watch out" is indeed the cd for you... BUT... if your one of those indipendent band lovers, who likes it raw, and hates when bands go mainstream, or step into the lights of stardom... then this isn't exactly the cd for you.. but don't get me wrong... Alexis has something for both types of people... Their self titled is more raw, Watch out is more polished...

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not an expert... so people may disagree with the majority, if not all of what i said... but that is only my opinion...

This was definitely one of those discs where each song grew on me progressively, one by one and I found myself becoming one of their biggest fans and cheerleaders, letting as many people as possible hear this and allow it to have the same effect on them. The vocals display passion and emotion which is actually pretty rare in todays canned musical ventures. And some of the guitar riffs are just catchy as hell.

If you're a fan of the genre or you've heard good things about the band, you owe it to yourself to check this out and give it a fair shot. I'd be surprised if you were disappointed.

This is one of those albums that comes around every so often and makes you really take notice. The first album from Alexisonfire was good, but this is inspired.
The music is a combination of hardcore and emo done in a good way. So many bands today are trying to fit square pegs into round holes in this genre. I love hardcore music and this cd touches on the heaviness of others greats in the field while exploring melody that is actually good. The performances are top notch. The screaming is good, the clean vocals from Dallas are amazing. Musicianship oozes out of this release. This is a must have in your collection.

The Overview: Alexisonfire (2003) is the full length debut from the canadian screamo band by the same name. The album combines high end screaming with progressive instrumentals and the occasional sung vocals. It produced three singles and has been certified gold in canada.

The Hits: "44. Caliber Love Letter", "Counterparts and Number Them", "Water Wings" and "Archery" are all solid listens.

The Misses: "Polaroids and Polarbears" and "Aderella" are both skippable. Each are over five minutes in length and weight the album down with drawn out intros and interludes.

The Verdict: I'd be lying if I said I wasn't impressed with Alexisonfire (album and band) when I first got a listen, but to be entirely honest, this is not an essential album by any means. The production is piss-poor by anyone's standards, and the screaming at times verges on unintelligable. Alexisonfire (2003) is a world away from Watch Out! (2004) and Crisis (2006), but it's still a worthwile listen for fans of AoF.

Okay only heard some of this CD. If your looking for a similar sound...THEY SOUND LIKE FEAR BEFORE THE MARCH OF FLAMES on the ODD HOW PEOPLE SHAKE album.

the first song i heard from alexisonfire was "accidents", it was catchy and very diverse. what i loved about the song was the screaming and the guitars. thought that song was from the album "watch out!" i heard their self titled first...and i was pleased. every song on here is excellent. my favorite song on this album is "polariods of polar bears". that song is very unique..thats what i love about this band. they are very diverse. they can do a metal song with a screamo sound and then do a slow ambient ballad. very talented band. the only problem with this album is the production..it isn't bad..but it could be better. i would recommend this album to any rock fan.

It seems that a number of people hear this album for the first time and struggle with the screaming. It also seems that a lot of people confuse not liking the music personally with the music being bad.

Since the first time I heard this album years ago I've thought that this was one of the most unique, artful albums I'd ever heard. Me, I like screaming, and I think the layering is wonderfully done. Others have described the album as "chaotic", where I would call it "melodic". The transitions are dramatic, dynamic, and emotive. Tension is created over seemingly mellower portions so that it can be broken at a lyrical focal point. This album is one that gets your blood pumping, provides cathartic release, and leaves you feeling like you spent the last fifty minutes of your life experiencing something, not just merely listening to some music.

If you listen to it and don't like it, maybe you're missing something; maybe this just isn't your genre, but that doesn't make it terrible. I don't listen to mariachi music, but that doesn't mean it is all awful. This is not an album for fans of Yanni.

I gotta say it took me a couple listens spread across a year or so, and a whicked performance at a Warped Tour to fully appreciate this band. I couldn't get past the screaming (growling?) of the lead singer to actually LISTEN to what was going on. The music behind this guy is what this band is all about: insanely talented, original and catchy songwriting. Beautifully layered, intricate guitar work and a heavy emotional style makes this album a gem that should not be overlooked by any fan of heavy music. I can't decide which of their two albums is the better. Hopefully their 3rd will be the best. Go out and get this album.

I heard all 3 of the singles that are on this album.. I liked all of them (and the videos too), and i have to say that this band impresses me...these guys are now my favourite Canadian band! I loved the intro on Polaroids Of Polar Bears, and that is probably my most fave intro ever!!

seriously i wasnt into screamo etc... at first i though george's screams were ruining that awesome album but after some listenning
i realized that it was totally included in the music as a whole(like ying yang stuff) : it couldnt be dumped...
great album overall and probably the best pick for a screamo's newbie
buy it u wont regret it

Alexisonfire is great. I first heard them a long time ago when they came out with there first single counter parts and number them. Alexis is a talented young band. I listen to this album every day it is one of the best things alive. Good job alexis. cant wait for there next cd.

I was never one to favor any scream-o bands until I heard alexisonfire. George is screaming out the lyrics "found on the website" But you cant figure out what Dalles quite says until you here it...Well if any one knows any Dallas lyrics to add in you should really post it :D..

Best songs I love on CD are "Little girls pointing and Laughing" and "Adella"

This is garbage its talentless garbage. anyone can scream into mic about nothing i have zero respect for these guys.they write about the stupidest stuff. my friend bought the cd and i was reading the lyrics its just horrible save your money and buy something worth it. i would give it zero stars but i cant.

Alexisonfire and Moneen have been friends since they did a great tour of Canada awhile back. They decided to do a split EP where they each cover two songs. Alexisonfire redid The Passing Of America and Tonight, I'm Gone off of Moneen's Theory Of Harmonial Value CD. Passing Out In America starts the CD off, and Alexisonfire does an incredible job of making the song with their own sound. George screams most verses and Dallas takes on the slower choruses and the outro. They even break out into a rad A'cappella version of the bridge. It's a very fun song and Alexisonfire put forth a lot more energy than the original version. Moneen is up next with their cover of Accidents from Alexis' Watch Out! CD. Moneen has been known to slow down songs to make them more dramatic and it shows how well they work in this song. It's a nice change to hear this song without George's screaming. Kenny sings really well in this. I was thrilled to hear how well this sounded the first time I took a listen. Moneen and Alexisonfire both did videos for the songs I just listed. The videos were shot in the same room at the same time, just facing different walls. You can see the other video in the background and characters will walk between interact with both videos. Really cool concept.

Tonight I'm Going To Wash The Hippy is a cover of Tonight, I'm Gone. Alexisonfire really ripped this song a new one. This is probably my favorite song on the EP. Dallas takes Hippy's singing role, and overall, it has more of an Alexisonfire song than a moneen cover. The drums are so good on this song. Moneen is next with Sharks In Danger. This song is kind of a flop. It sounds way too similar to the original and Moneen didn't really take on a lot of new things for it.

The last two songs are both original songs. Bleed And Blister (Version Two) was so good the first time I heard it. Since then Moneen has released Version Three on The Red Tree. V3 is a lot faster and it sounds tighter, but V2 is still great. Charlie Sheen Vs. Henry Rollins is an instant classic. This is one of my favorite Alexis songs. It has so much energy and a good sound.

This CD is great if you are just getting into Alexisonfire or Moneen. If you're already a Alexis fan, this album is incredible. But if you were already a Moneen fan, this CD is a little disappointing. Moneen didn't kill it like Alexis did. I still love Moneen though.

Alexisonfire perfects the songs that werent theirs, moneen slaughters alexisonfire's perfect songs. It was painful to listen to aof's songs being played by a band lacking the talent to deliver justice. Aof on the other hand stepped up. You decide if it's worth it to spend some dollars and to hit the skip button a few times to pick up 3 good AOF songs.

i wasn't ever a fan of alexisonfire, but i am a semi fan of moneen and their creativity in songs. This cd does make me respect alexisonfire's versions of their own 2 songs more.. probably because moneen's versions of them are better. hell moneen made accidents sound like it could of been a successful single. Yet alexisonfire basically disgraced the passing of america and made it unbearable..
4 stars for moneens efforts
2 for alexisonfire's
_
3 star

This is a great spilt. I wasnt really into Moneen, but they did great covers of Alexis and their new song is pretty dang good. Alexis delivers as normal. some of the best stuff of their genre, I really think they have one of the best sounds out right now. Check this out.

Now I am not a fan of covering other bands songs. But this is not a true cover. They play the same sound as the original then the lyrics are all changed up. Moneen and Alexisonfire both put new songs on this that will be on there new cd which is great. They are both solid. If Alexisonfire sounds anything like there new song does on the new cd it was be big for sure. Give it a listen it is a good cd and for the money you arent going to beat it.

Alexisonfire and Moneen have been friends since they did a great tour of Canada awhile back. They decided to do a split EP where they each cover two songs. Alexisonfire redid The Passing Of America and Tonight, I'm Gone off of Moneen's Theory Of Harmonial Value CD. Passing Out In America starts the CD off, and Alexisonfire does an incredible job of making the song with their own sound. George screams most verses and Dallas takes on the slower choruses and the outro. They even break out into a rad A'cappella version of the bridge. It's a very fun song and Alexisonfire put forth a lot more energy than the original version. Moneen is up next with their cover of Accidents from Alexis' Watch Out! CD. Moneen has been known to slow down songs to make them more dramatic and it shows how well they work in this song. It's a nice change to hear this song without George's screaming. Kenny sings really well in this. I was thrilled to hear how well this sounded the first time I took a listen. Moneen and Alexisonfire both did videos for the songs I just listed. The videos were shot in the same room at the same time, just facing different walls. You can see the other video in the background and characters will walk between interact with both videos. Really cool concept.

Tonight I'm Going To Wash The Hippy is a cover of Tonight, I'm Gone. Alexisonfire really ripped this song a new one. This is probably my favorite song on the EP. Dallas takes Hippy's singing role, and overall, it has more of an Alexisonfire song than a moneen cover. The drums are so good on this song. Moneen is next with Sharks In Danger. This song is kind of a flop. It sounds way too similar to the original and Moneen didn't really take on a lot of new things for it.

The last two songs are both original songs. Bleed And Blister (Version Two) was so good the first time I heard it. Since then Moneen has released Version Three on The Red Tree. V3 is a lot faster and it sounds tighter, but V2 is still great. Charlie Sheen Vs. Henry Rollins is an instant classic. This is one of my favorite Alexis songs. It has so much energy and a good sound.

This CD is great if you are just getting into Alexisonfire or Moneen. If you're already a Alexis fan, this album is incredible. But if you were already a Moneen fan, this CD is a little disappointing. Moneen didn't kill it like Alexis did. I still love Moneen though.

Alexisonfire perfects the songs that werent theirs, moneen slaughters alexisonfire's perfect songs. It was painful to listen to aof's songs being played by a band lacking the talent to deliver justice. Aof on the other hand stepped up. You decide if it's worth it to spend some dollars and to hit the skip button a few times to pick up 3 good AOF songs.

i wasn't ever a fan of alexisonfire, but i am a semi fan of moneen and their creativity in songs. This cd does make me respect alexisonfire's versions of their own 2 songs more.. probably because moneen's versions of them are better. hell moneen made accidents sound like it could of been a successful single. Yet alexisonfire basically disgraced the passing of america and made it unbearable..
4 stars for moneens efforts
2 for alexisonfire's
_
3 star

This is a great spilt. I wasnt really into Moneen, but they did great covers of Alexis and their new song is pretty dang good. Alexis delivers as normal. some of the best stuff of their genre, I really think they have one of the best sounds out right now. Check this out.

Now I am not a fan of covering other bands songs. But this is not a true cover. They play the same sound as the original then the lyrics are all changed up. Moneen and Alexisonfire both put new songs on this that will be on there new cd which is great. They are both solid. If Alexisonfire sounds anything like there new song does on the new cd it was be big for sure. Give it a listen it is a good cd and for the money you arent going to beat it.

A bit pricey, but well worth it for any fan - The live section is as you'd expect, unbelievable - Japanese crowds, singing in English! Then the bonus short, a montage about 2-3 minutes long of them just dicking about in the streets of Tokyo.

Includes Videos for No Transitory, Accidents, Waterwings (and other poolside fashion faux paus) Counterparts & Number them and finally Pulmonary Archery

It is hard to believe that the same country that produced Celine Dion, Sum41 and Avril Lavigne had anything to do with this band. Excellent sound; all driving drums, washed out bass and amped guitars. While they are one of the bands that could be on the fringe of "screamo" they certainly don't sound like anyone else.

I have to admit that the time I bought this CD it had been stored away collecting dust for about 2 weeks, because I had shied away from the scream-o music. But once I started listening to the music, I had become so addicted. This album is softer and has more singing than screaming compared to their first great album. Each song is uniquely put together, music matching lyrics and voices matching the music. The best part? They have songs on real life issues and not just about a girl that dumped them for some fat ,ugly guy. They are a very awesome band and I would recommend this CD to EVERYONE....including my parents!! So, if you have not bought this cd...you should!

Ok, I am a big alexisonfire fan. Before I could find their first CD at any music store I had already downloaded all the tracks and burned it to a CD-R. Then when it came to the music store I bought it and listened to it all the time. Then I heard that they were putting out a new album, so I went to the same store and bought it the day it came out. It is one of the best Cds I have ever heard. I drive a delivery truck sometimes eight hours a day and most days 'Watch Out!' is the only CD I will listen to for upto eight hours! That's how good it is. Fans of hardcore/screamo styles of music should definately pick this one up. It is also much cheaper than most CDs at about 12.99 to 14.99 Canadian.

I recently saw alexisonfire at edgefest. Honestly, before i saw them then, I hated these guys. But their fast paced energy and powerful presence made for an awesome show. After their amazing show and them telling us about their new record (watch out) i listened to a couple tracks. I bought the cd a couple days ago and have been so impressed by it and have actually become proud of some canadian music for a change. This cd is amazing. Unlike their previous record, George's screams have become more powerful and audible. Rather then his vocals from the last record "whaaa whaa" which i didnt like. Dallas and Wade's vocals are heard alot more which provide some clean vocals that make this cd more melodic hardcore. Now dont get me wrong, this record still has that crazy alexisonfire energy its just finetuned into the perfect combo of screams and clear vocals. This cd is both powerful musically and lyrically. If you like alexisonfire one bit, or like hardcore music at all...BUY THIS. If your a fan of atreyu, from autumn to ashes, silverstien, avenged sevenfold...all that stuff..you NEED this cd. Lets keep the good music coming canada. alexisonfire rules!!!

This cd is different from there first one, not so much in the music itself but more in the vocals. There is more Wade and Dallas and less George. Even with less screaming Alexisonfire still keep the raw energy that was all over the self titled. All the songs are really good but if you are were expecting this to be just like there first cd then you might be a little disappointed. But if you want kick ass music from a kick ass band then this cd is for you.