T O H C COMP, Vol. 3 review

T O H C Comp, Vol. 3 is a comprehensive snapshot of Toronto’s “metallic hardcore” community. The Greater Toronto Area is big enough to have at least four distinct flavours of hardcore, and this one is probably the biggest. The fact that there are 20 active bands on this comp demonstrates just that. This scene has glimpses of outside support, but most of the momentum is being carried on the backs of the TOHC faithful. Locals-only shows do well. When local bands open for touring acts, people show up early and go off. These bands are doing it right – hitting the road and building support from all corners of the GTA. As a result, it’s not rare to see someone sporting TOHC merch when you’re out on the town.

With that in mind, I’m afraid an earnest review of this comp might get my head split.

Most of T O H C Vol 3 is basically the same song idea, played with varying degrees of competency. You could have told me ten of these songs were by the same artist and I would have believed you. In fairness, a scene is supposed to be cohesive. Homies are gonna share records and go to the same shows. A lot of these songs sound like they were produced in the same spot. My question is, would this comp sound different if you had made it in any other North American city (besides New York)? I don’t think so.

A lot of these bands aren’t doing their own thing. Most fall into what could loosely be classified as Midwest hardcore. It’s very Expire-ish – mid-tempo, tuned down a step or two, full of breakdowns and sprinkled with the odd panic chord. By about song 14, I was thinking “I’m going to jump out my window if I have to hear another one of these two-step parts.” The sameness is a big knock against the comp, but it’s to be expected. It would be impossible to have a 20-band local comp with every band being a genre pioneer. Still, I would encourage whoever’s making T O H C Vol. 4 to reach out beyond the homies, to other avenues of what the city has to offer.

With that being said, the bands who stand out on this comp are worth mentioning. These bands are pulling from the same well, but do the formula a little spicier:

• Powerbomb – totally by the book metallic hardcore, but with strong musicianship and structure.
• Die Hexe – incorporate some Deadguy/atmospheric metal type noodling for a rather dynamic song.
• Perfect Limbs – the only band with clean singing. They have a Rise-core/Ghost Inside type thing going on. They’re not reinventing the wheel, but they do that style well. I would listen to a full EP from them.
• Jock – from what I can tell, they have the only female vocalist on the comp. They have a nu-metal/Rage Against the Machine vibe and possibly the worst (but most charming) recording.
• Mourn – These guys are veterans compared to most of the other bands. They mix in a modern NYHC flavour a la Bitter End. While they don’t stick out like a sore thumb, you can tell they’re digging a bit deeper.
• Writhe – part of the last quarter of the comp, which has flourishes of death metal/powerviolence influence. Interesting vocal effects create a jarring juxtaposition over their fast parts. They’re probably the fastest band on the comp.
• Damage Control – have far and away the most flavourful song. It has a punk energy, but shows the band’s metallic hardcore roots in a tasteful way. Best vocals on the comp.

Despite my objections, I’d call this comp a “must listen” for any Toronto-based hardcore fan. There’s a good chance you’ll discover a couple tracks to spin and some cool bands to support. The music on T O H C Comp, Vol. 3 isn’t objectionable. It’s just not as creative as we may have hoped.