Full Album Stream: Phinehas - Till The End

So one of the new[er] sections I created was "Full Album Streams".  Not only did this gave folks something to listen to when they are cruising the site (being that the original intention of this site was to acts as a hub to explore), but also a chance for people to explore new artists, new genres, and new albums before deciding to purchase them (also from links on AFGM's site).

Full album streams seem to be a new fad that a lot of internet savvy people are jumping on.  It can be in the form of a Soundcloud widget, a YouTube playlist, or even a single YouTube video.  This often gives record labels a chance to promote new artists and for people to subscribe to their social media pages.  So hopefully this provides you access to some new music, bands, and/or artists.  Cheers!

PS - Feel free to send us an email if you have any albums you think you should be on this list or a new one coming out we missed.  We're always listening!


(Artwork by AFGM.  Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

Formed in 2001, Phinehas is a Christian (not that it makes a difference for sound anyway) metalcore four piece from La Mirada, California.  They have released three studio albums to date, and have amassed a large social media presence (55,000+ on Facebook, 6,000+ on Twitter, and 16,000+ on Instagram).  The group has gone through multiple lineup changes over the years, resulting in a long list of former members.  However, the signing to Artery Recordings has the lineup as follows:

Sean McCulloch – Vocals | Daniel Gailey – Guitar

Bryce Kelly – Bass | Lee Humerian – Drums/Vocals

I have to say without a doubt this is one of my favourite albums currently streaming at home.  The first track I listened to ("White Livered") gave me instant chills; also instantly having me turn the volume from a steady 3-4, straight to a 10.  While it was argued by a fellow musician of mine that the music seemed very compressed and digital, I counter argued that this was the very reason I was attached so quickly.  The precision may not entirely go to the band, but they've had a string of successful singles, including ones for their back catalog during their time with Red Cord Records.  With many whispers of these guys being 'the next As I Lay Dying', I can see the similarities, but also hope that they do not fall into that classification, rather than something originally on their own.

I believe the tone has kind of evolved over the years.  I would say that there’s been a couple of things that have stayed the same, as far as our mindset towards writing songs.  We’re not trying to do this proverbial topping other bands, having them top us and us trying to top other bands as far was what’s the heaviest thing you’ve ever heard in your life or anything like that.  Our main concern and main focus is just writing good songs and we want to be as creative as possible within that.  There’s been riffs in general… very guitar driven since the beginning and overall aggressive sound. -Sean McCulloch (via Metal Insider)

Their latest album, Till The End, was released on July 10th, 2015 via (newly inked partnership) Artery Recordings.  This is their third LP overall, and their first with Artery Recordings.

(Album artwork courtesy of Phinehas and Artery Recordings)

1. Dead Choir

2. White Livered* (feat. Dominic Dickinson of Affiance)

3. Truth Be Told

4. Non

5. Forever West

6. Tetelestai*

7. Coup de Grâce*

8. Omnis

9. Seven

10. Illiaster (More Than Skin)

11. Evening Grey and Morning Red

12. Moriar

13. Till the End

(* = AFGM Recommendations)

Till The End is a deft, dynamic, and definitive offering that fuses together truly blazing guitar work courtesy of Daniel and Sean's massive vocals. The melodies can soar at the right times on "Dead Choir," while rhythms and riffs jackhammer in tandem. Airy interludes like "non" heighten the exponential impact of "Forever West" and "Telestai." When you listen from top-to-bottom, hearing the inventiveness of the six-minute-plus "Seven" engages on a deeper level. Everything mounts into one final and focused fiery explosion during the title track. This is one of those game-changing albums for the scene, building a middle ground between Underøath's Define the Great Line and Killswitch Engage's The End of Heartache for a new era. -Artist Direct



Overall, the result is quite enjoyable during its run-time. “Tetelestai” is one of the better metalcore songs you’ll hear this year, and “Dead Choir” is gloriously retro. Of course, some songs blend together, and you won’t need to respin the album a million times to get what they’re doing, but Phinehas has written arguably the most competent metalcore record of 2015. They don’t elevate the game as much as they clearly have the talent to do, but it’s enjoyable nonetheless. -New Noise Magazine