Outline In Color - Masks

Holy crap these Tulsans know how to rock a fucking joint. Think In Flames with a poppier edge.I don't know how many metalcore bands you can name from Tulsa, Oklahoma, but if you're in the market for that you've got to check out Outline In Color, and their latest LP, Masks. Sounding a bit like a poppier In Flames of sorts, this talented sextet of twenty-somethings knows how to lay down a seriously heavy beat with a melodic grace that stands out from the crowd.

"Genghis, this isn't a unique band by any means." Okay, disembodied nay-sayer, but I'm telling you, once the first track Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea kicks off you get an immediate sense of energy that I don't find in most modern metalcore. This isn't just the typical cathartic screamo sessions that most of the subgenre seem to sound like. Animal Masks' clean tone break (1:16) lets the listener breathe before the mosh break (2:01) in a way that belies a deeper understanding of the power of dynamics. And the end transitions perfectly into Beautiful Secrets and that simple, but perfect pre-chorus riff. This band is firing on all cylinders and then some.

The Bottom Line: With a knack for compelling riffage that sounds mature beyond their years, Outline In Color seems poised to rock the shit out of all before them. If they keep this up, we may all one day worship them or fall at their feet.

- Genghis can hardly imagine what a killer live band these guys make...