Beloved - The Running (2001)

Genre: Post-Hardcore/Melodic Hardcore
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/beloved

Beloved (now defunct) were an awesome melodic hardcore/post-hardcore band that pretty much owned face. They played their music with such passion and emotion, giving this EP a definite sense of desperation, linking in with the whole title of 'The Running' - evidently they're running away from something. Beloved were a Christian band and embraced their beliefs with open arms, which is mirrored in their music and lyrical content. Well, probably. But yeah, this is a pretty great release and almost as good as the only full length album they ended up releasing, Failure On. It really sucks that they split, definitely a band that could've gone somewhere. So give it a try. Or don't. I mean, it doesn't really affect me if you try it or not. Pretty sure you'd enjoy this all the same.

I mean, probably.

Beloved - Failure On (2003)

Genre: Melodic Hardcore
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/beloved

Beloved combined a melodic hardcore sound with a few elements of metal to create the little slice of awesome that is Failure On. The vocals are great, with a nice mix of hardcore screams and pretty singing too and great musicianship from the bassist and drummer to boot, but what really makes it for me is the stunning interplay between the three guitarists - I'm a sucker for melodic guitarwork. Unfortunately these guys split after releasing just one album and an EP, which sucks because I think these guys could've got really big. Oh well, give this a try and enjoy.

Nice.