My first impression when I read the band's name was that it was going to be just another hardcore band... man, was I wrong. Imagine a well-executed high pitched voice like that of Craig Owens (Chiodos) and the intricate guitar work of The Mars Volta, with the power to leave you shaking in your tore up vans like The Fall Of Troy. These guys are from San Diego, and it makes me proud to call myself a Southern Californian.

They've been around since 1998, working under the name Early Times, Before Today, and finally, Pierce the Veil. Their new album "Selfish Machines" seems to be the crown jewel of all post-hardcore bands, and in my point of view, better than every single band that I mentioned previously. It's clear that they took the absolute best of the hardcore bands around them, added their own flavor on things and shit out a masterpiece. To keep it stimulating, auto tune is placed on some of the vocals in the songs, but never throughout the whole song. I like that they know that even the smallest effects can make them distinct from every other post-hardcore band out there. Their creativity continues to flow through the entire album, and it is purely magnificent. They take it beyond the usual guitar, bass and drums by adding trumpets, a little spanish guitar, and piano work into "The New National Anthem." The song is arranged gracefully, and you never what kind of change up they are going to do next, which keeps my ears listening attentively. All around, this is a beautiful song. The lyrics engage all with the theme of the fierce protection of a love one "...and if I ever catch the ones who hurt you, I'm hoping that God looks away this time." It's masterful, I haven't been this excited about a hardcore band in years. Every song has a sense of eeriness that haunts you long after its over.

They add a little half minute acoustic song that is pretty random, especially because it cuts off into their last song on the album without notice. Now, what album would be complete without a slow song about love? Certainly not this one, "Stay Away From My Friends" is all piano, acoustic guitar, and a pinch of drum machine. Their album's subtleties ( like the background vocals) are the things I love most about them. "Selfish Machines" takes a tight hold on your attention, but never stops short of any expectations, if anything; they surpassed any of my preconceived notions and gave me the urge to keep listening.