Inhale Exhale started in 2006 with their debut album, The Lost, The Sick, The Sacred. While much of the record was very different and mostly experimental hardcore, the album didn't garner much publicity or success. Now, two years later, and a grueling tour schedule under their belts, the band is back with the release of their sophomore effort, I Swear..., and so far, things are looking up.

While The Lost, The Sick, The Sacred had very melodic and instrumental moments thrown in throughout the whole of the record (which made for an awkward listening experience at times), I Swear... is much more of what many probably expect from hardcore bands. Many songs bear a close resemblance to Underoath, but maintain an experimental side as well. Orchestration is key on the new album, especially on songs like "Fluvanna," the heart-wrenching finale "Knowledge = Priceless" (which doubles as the only slow song on the entire record), and the bone-crunching guitar work on "No One Is Invincible." In fact, much of the record goes from heavy hitting guitars and well-orchestrated screams to soft beginnings, leading right back into a solid hardcore frenzy. Once one song is over, you're ready for the next pummeling, so to speak. Highlights include the brilliant vocals of the opener "I Needed a Spaceship (Instead I Got Problems)", the single "It's Myself Vs. Being A Man" which sounds slightly like "A Call To The Faithful", except more forceful, and the sullen beginning that lures you in from "Is The Fact That I'm Doing It, Doing It For You?". Another plus for Inhale Exhale is the length of each song, and ultimately, the length of the album. Clocking in at just under 45 minutes and showing no signs of slowing down from start to finish, this works very well for the band and their hardcore style.

Sophomore slumps happen often, especially if a band has had only a mildly successful debut, but it seems the boys of Inhale Exhale have taken what they've learned over the past two years and implemented it quite well on this new album. If you're a fan of hardcore music, this isn't one you'll want to miss.

- Review date: 6/26/08, written by Justin Mabee