Reversal of Man - Reversal of Man | Screamo Hall of Fame Class of 1996 Nominee

Release Information:

1996
Valrico Records
Tampa, FL
Runtime: 7:15
Tracks: 4

Band Members:

Matt Coplon (Vocals)
Christopher Norris (Guitar)
Joe Camacho (Guitar)
Jason Crittenden (Bass)
John Wiley (Drums)

Genres, Influences and Characteristics:

Screamo, Emoviolence, Ominous, Frantic, Intense, Dynamic

Musical Analysis:

On this 1996 s/t, Reversal of Man crafted three different ideas to switch between dynamically: slow, sinister and clean guitar melodies with light accompaniment, crushing, dissonant, mid-tempo Screamo that bares its fangs, and blistering, extreme, turbulent Emoviolence. Does this formula simplify the actual music found on here? Yes, but putting this together with a keen sense of songwriting, harrowing high-pitched screams and endless passion transforms this from formulaic to trailblazing.

Historical Analysis:

Reversal of Man pushed forth with their blistering take on Screamo, emerging as one of the early trendsetters of the Emoviolence movement, even before it had a name. Taking spastic elements of Powerviolence and combining them with the emerging and dynamic force of Screamo was quite novel, even if several bands around the US were also pushing similar boundaries.

Lyrical Analysis:

*Note that because this is an old, DIY and relatively minor release in the grand scheme of Emo and Screamo history, I cannot locate lyrics for any of these songs. If lyrics can be dug out, I will reevaluate the lyrical analysis.*

Sleeping Body - Awaken | The Shape of Screamo to Come

Release Information:

1992
Vermin Scum Records
Fort Worth, TX
Runtime: 11:33
Tracks: 4

Band Members:

Chad Percy (Vocals)
Carl Hollowell (Drums, Vocals)
Justin Wood (Guitar, Vocals)
Jeff Leeper (Guitar)
Jeff Hunt (Bass)

Genres, Influences and Characteristics:

Proto-Screamo, Noise Rock, Emocore, Lofi, Dissonant, Ominous

Musical Analysis:

The band’s name is exemplified in a quiet bass-led intro and the album’s title is embodied by the abrasive and gritty music that pops up after about 15 seconds. The noise rock influence, coupled with low-level production, gives the instruments, particularly the interplay between the guitars and drums, a clamorous quality that only experienced ears can fully suss out. What can be heard resembles a further melding of the dynamic interplay of Emocore with the heaviness of Hardcore music. In fact, even the screamed vocals are at a higher register than your typical Hardcore of this time, indicative of the future vocal stylings of this genre.

Historical Analysis:

Sleeping Body was among the first bands outside of the coasts to take influence from the emerging Post-Hardcore scenes on the East Coast and early Gravity Records bands like Heroin. To exist in Texas as a Leftist in the Hardcore scene is to exist in protest, and Sleeping Body’s brief but prolific career included playing a protest show across the street from the RNC. Though their existence didn’t singlehandedly change the trajectory of Screamo, nor did it transform the once-bustling Hardcore scene into a Screamo stronghold, this seminal early release has been a cathartic record for underground fans for decades now. In more recent times, younger Millennials and Gen Zers have unearthed some incredible obscure Emo, including this record.

Lyrical Analysis:

*Note that because this is an old, DIY and relatively minor release in the grand scheme of Emo and Hardcore history, I can’t actually locate any lyrics for the songs proper. As such, my lyrical analysis will be me pontificating on the band’s philosphy. If lyrics can be dug out, I will reevaluate the lyrical analysis*

Sleeping Body believes this world is a body and that we are all vital components to keep that body going. However, this body is “asleep” due to man-made horrors like war, pollution and discrimination. With their debut EP, the band is telling that Sleeping Body to Awaken, staying woke about 25 years earlier than all of us. The only way to accomplish this is cooperation, working together as a human species to better life for us all.