Artist of the Day: Stray From The Path

Sumerian Reccords is known for their eclectic roster of technical deathcore and blunt-force metalcore, but Long Island hardcore band Stray From The Path deviate from the norm. Even though their music has a stiff metallic luster to it, the band comes from a rich hardcore background that shines through in every song. Stray From The Path is a band worth exploring for many reasons and are one of the strongest blending metalcore with hardcore influences.

The four-piece play an aggressive style of punk sprinkled with start-stop tempo changes, breakdowns and hoarse voice yelps. This may sound typical for a heavy act, but the sound that Stray From The Path explore is more Rage Against The Machine than Have Heart. Guitars bounce an chug with a unique elasticity while drum sounds pump and blast with reverberating ferocity. Stray From The Path often get lumped in with metalcore acts like label mates Asking Alexandria, which is completely unfair. Vocalist Drew York expels a yell-scream that splits the seams between rap-style vocals and spoken word but with the emotion and harshness of a screamo band.

Despite being signed, the band doesn't forget their roots. The band's live show is impressive as guitarists bang their head and jump around feverishly. The band's lyrics focus on personal struggle, the current state of the music scene and the crippling aspects of the music industry. Nonfans often chastise Stray From The Path as "nu-metalcore" that capitalizes on current hardcore trends while also having a certain falseness imbued between their distorted guitars and throated vocals, but that couldn't be further from the truth. The band has an honest and true message that is channeled through a technical style of riotous hardcore, something that shouldn't be overlooked.

The band is set to release their new album in the near future, but until then you can check out their past records. Rising Sun, the band's last release, is easily their best. Check out "Mad Girl," "Bring It Back To The Streets" and "Prey" for the band's best material, and then hop over to earlier release Make Your Own History to listen to fan favorites "Damien" and "Negative and Violent." If you're digging it, you can dig deeper into their catalog and check out their 2006 release, Villains.

You can stream the band's three albums on Spotify here. Be sure to keep an eye out for their new album, and be sure to catch them on the All Stars Tour this summer.

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