Volume 96, Issue 25
Thursday, October 10, 2002ear
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Christian hardcore a reality?
By Dan
Bowyer
Gazette Writer
Unicorns. The land of Narnia. Oompa-Loompas. All figments of the imagination.
Christian hardcore. Although one might think that this concept fits in with the aforementioned creations of the mind, it most certainly does exist. Just ask the members of Charlotte, North Carolina's Hopesfall.
Formed in March of 1998, Hopesfall came together basically to pass the time.
"We decided to start a band because there's nothing really to do in Charlotte," laughs drummer Adam Morgan.
The band was originally meant to be an outlet of emotion and a way to have fun. The simple goal of playing a few shows was the original intention, but Hopesfall soon made an impact on the hardcore world that even they weren't anticipating.
Since their inception almost five years ago, the band has been continuously on the road, which has afforded them the opportunity to connect with those they may never have come into contact with otherwise.
"We've got friends in almost every place we go," Morgan states confidently.
Constant touring eventually caught the attention of Trustkill records, home of such hardcore buzz bands as Poison the Well and Eighteen Visions. Morgan says the relationship between the label and the band could not be better.
"Trustkill is awesome!" Morgan says with enthusiasm. "There is no other label we want to be on right now."
Although Hopesfall fits in well with its labelmates, they feel somewhat set apart, musically.
"Our music is different because of different musical influences," states Morgan, citing a broad range of influences including Hum, The Smashing Pumpkins and Botch.
Hopesfall hopes their unique sound will appeal not only to Christian fans, but to everyone. The division between Christian and non-Christian hardcore is one that has been getting smaller, to the point that it is not very noticeable.
"A couple years ago it was harder, but the hardcore crowd is very accepting," Morgan reflects. "We're very well accepted now."
With hockey season right around the corner, Hopesfall pokes fun at Canadian hockey fans when given the chance to leave some last words with their neighbours to the North.
"We want to tell Canada the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Toronto Maple Leafs," Morgan says with satisfaction.
An opportunity to tell Morgan this will not happen again can be found
this coming Friday, Oct. 11, as Hopesfall will hit The Embassy to headline
a bill which also includes Alexisonfire and Blue Skies at War.