With all the variety of a big city but far less sonic schlock, Albuquerque’s heavy rock community really shouldn’t be taken for granted. Our outstanding metalcore scene is a great example. Engulfing the planet with frenetic aggression and emo-infused melodies, metalcore hits home with fans of punk, metal and everything between, and Albuquerque’s Caustic Lye and Sincerely are two contenders ready for larger recognition. Both groups have adeptly morphed in recent years to take up the metalcore flag with pride and volume, and displayed command and confidence at their recent locals-only Launchpad pairing. Sincerely, who began as Destined To Fall, has come a long way. Several years of stylistic maturation saw the departure of three-fifths of the original band, but founding members Chris Chapman (guitar) and Josh Trujillo (drums) have secured the missing pieces. Rounded out with guitarist Dave Phillips, singer Gino Noriega and new bassist Eric Gerey (ex-Left Unsaid), Sincerely is a tight and relentless mix of soaring melodies and high-speed frenzy that perfectly defines why metalcore is a great outlet for teen (or older) angst. Caustic Lye has undergone similar lineup changes and stylistic shifts, most notably the addition of drummer/singer/co-writer Jeremy Ferguson, who joined with the caveat that frontman Jespah Torres start utilizing his full vocal range. It was a wise move, as the pair’s pristine harmonies come off beautifully live, and offset the rawness of Caustic’s angular, driving riffs. All in all, a chance to see just one of these bands is worth showing up for, and a night with both demolishing the stage should damn well not be missed.
