The 2018 Arsies: February 5, 2018

February 5, 2018

Emotion	●●○	●●●
Memorability	●●○	●●○
Replayability	●●○	●●○
Innovation	●●●	●●●
Pace	●●○	●●○
Shredding	●●●	●●○
Vocals	●●○	●●○
Production	●●●	●●●

Folks, this is the last full week of regulation tournament play. What could be a more fitting start than two very different, but very evenly-matched contenders? Glassjaw's luck holds for the cointoss, and Material Control continues to enthrall. It's memorable and unique, although it's likely an acquired taste, and it is a bit of a test for the listener. ABR's Phantom Anthem on the other hand is like a well-blended smoothie of proggy metalcore. This album, too, has its surprises, but they're hardly challenging. Ultimately, it comes down to this: even though ABR is the last thing played today, it's the Glassjaw that sticks with you, both musically and emotionally. And so, our heroes from Long Island squeeze out our heroes from Pennsylvania Dutch country. Glassjaw secure the second Quarterfinal slot, and prepare for a showdown with Ayreon later this week.
Tomorrow's match: Fleshkiller versus Mutoid Man!