Every Time I Die

Nearly a year after the Summer of Screamo, there still isn't a good term for bands like Every Time I Die -- "post-hardcore" and "melodic hardcore" don't say enough, and most of them are about half metal. "Ferretcore" might be good; the group's Jersey-based label, Ferret Music, has plenty of the better acts, including Every Time I Die. Generally recognized as the cream of the crop, it has risen accordingly.

Before spending the summer on Ozzfest's second stage, the Buffalo band is warming up in one more small-venue trek. Much like original hardcore virtuosos Black Flag, Every Time I Die riffs at unsafe speeds, plays in fractured keys, and skips beats whenever possible. The "Ebolarama" video, as seen on Headbanger's Ball, takes place in a roller rink and features a cast of extras in well-worn denim. It's a small-scale re-creation of their helter-skelter live shows, where fans swarm freely from the crowd to stage and back. Not only do the kids love 'em; both Alternative Press and Spin listed the band among the acts to watch in 2004. Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, tourmates/labelmates Scarlet careen through harsh angularities, adding electro-industrial beats. And that's pretty good too.