Jesusfreakhideout.com: JFH Staff and Friends Pick Their "Top 10 Facedown Releases Of All Time"

My first introduction to Facedown Records came in 2008 upon reading a review of My Epic's I Am Undone on the (then-named) website absolutepunk.net. While my list doesn't even really acknowledge - in any way, shape, or form - the first thirteen years of the label's existence, I've done my best to evade making a list of, say, the most influential or acclaimed records from the label from the past twenty-five years. Lovers of the early hardcore years of the label will probably hate this list and that's okay. The ten albums I have listed here are records that have been spun many, many times and probably reflect my sometimes-narrow listening habits (*cough* post-hardcore *cough*). Happy 25th anniversary, Facedown; here's to many more!

Honorable mentions: Awaken by Fleshkiller, In the Taking of Flesh by The Burial, and In Abstraction by A Hope For Home. --- Chris

10. War of Ages, Supreme Chaos
(2014)

War of Ages amaze me how they've redefined themselves and explored new territory after so many years. While this isn't necessarily their best album to date (I think Void or Rhema showcase their best work), this album turned me into a fan. They've been with the label the longest of any band, and I felt like Supreme Chaos marks a time in their career where they hit their stride in creating metalcore anthems that are laden with breakdowns and solos.

9. Rival Choir, I Believe, Help My Unbelief
(2016)

A strong concept album that is almost Psalm-like, poring over doubts, lamenting before God, and ultimately finding peace. I can never begin this album and stop mid-way; it's one of these albums where I just have to listen all the way through for it to feel satisfying and complete.

8. Altars, Something More
(2013)

This is just a fun album and it boasts some of my favourite album art from the entire history of the label (and the label has a lot of memorable art). It has some happy hardcore / easycore moments, which I have a soft spot for.

7. Dens, Taming Tongues
(2020)

2020 had a number of fantastic releases, but Dens' Taming Tongues had by far the most plays for me. The album showcases a variety of genres and lyrically hits hard. Reminiscent of early-Thrice and the technical, layered soundscape of Circa Survive.

6. Colossus, Time & Eternal
(2013)

A flipping impressive debut album from a band playing a style of metalcore that was a few years ahead of its time. It's short, but sweet, all killer, no filler, with clean production to boot.

5. Comrades, Lone / Grey
(2016)

Chaotic and melodic, heavy and sweet. A gem of a post-hardcore album that reminded me of Beloved at times, while somehow bringing in the haunting vocals of Laura McElroy to create something special.

4. Mouth of the South, Struggle Well
(2014)

On Struggle Well, the boys of Mouth of the South perfected their sound from Transparency to create a passionate metalcore album that has become a go-to album for me while out jogging. The frantic screams of lead singer Josiah Lyle are mistakable and moving.

3. My Epic, Behold
(2013)

My Epic is still my favourite band on Facedown, and Behold is where they really began to experiment with more ambient and post-rock stylings. The addition of A Hope For Home's Tanner Morita no doubt influenced this direction (as well as the band being fans of Hammock and Sigur Ros), and the album My Epic launch into a new stratosphere of musical and lyrical greatness.

2. Hands, Give Me Rest
(2011)

This album is a masterpiece. Beginning to end, it still captivates with songs that somehow bring together crushing walls of sound with beautiful moments of melody and sweetness. "The Water," "Restart," and the title track are highlights for me.

1. Attalus, Into the Sea
(2015)

This is Facedown's longest album, clocking in at nearly 78 minutes. It's a poetic masterclass with marine metaphors aplenty, describing the life of the Christian. It's a shame that Attalus only released one album on the label before calling it quits, as this album showed incredible promise as a label debut.