Are they Tool prog-heads or hardcore he-men? This is a fitting question bestowed upon the 2007 debut by
Till We Die,
Pressing On. A Massachusetts-based band that has been together since 2004, the quartet -- whose line-up includes singer Matt Ingham, guitarist Joe Demarco, bassist Mike Larouche, and drummer Dave Stewart -- already had opened shows for quite a few renowned "nu metal" bands (
Sevendust,
Drowning Pool,
Powerman 5000, etc.) prior to the release of its debut. And judging from their tough yet radio-ready sound throughout
Pressing On, they should have no problem gaining entry into the potentially lucrative "nu metal sweepstakes." Some of the tracks focus mainly on the group's Tool fixation (such as the album-opening "Ride" and "Lies") and others reflect their hardcore side ("Slave" and "UPS"), while some manage to combine both polar opposite musical worlds ("Do It Again"). Despite the plethora of Tool-influenced bands and hardcore acts out there, few have managed to combine the two styles together, and that's what could potentially make
Till We Die stick out from an already overcrowded playing field. ~ Greg Prato