Rob's Best: #23: Bane - The Note

Released: May 17, 2005

Bane is the stuff of hardcore legend.  They are an emotional powerhouse that will knock you on your ass in tears and then be right there to pick you back up to your feet, brush the dust from your shoulders and tell you that: "You're stronger than you think you are."  The Note is Bane's most recent full length, and also their most polished.  The music flows more than their previous albums and the inclusion of piano and strings was a nice touch.  But the true magic of Bane is found in Aaron Bedard's lyrics.  No matter what the subject matter, he writes in a very straight forward manner with simple statements, but his gift is in his absolutely vivid use of imagery.  Whether he's describing a funeral in the rain ("Don't Go"), the end of the world ("Swan Song"), or just a play-by-play of a poker game ("One For The Boys"), he invites you into his studio, sits you down, and goes to work illustrating the canvas of life.  This man can do no wrong in my books.

And, I warned you earlier, but here it is, #5 on my list of Best Live Bands Ever.  He gives eloquent speeches like you wouldn't believe, he makes your heart beat in time with the world.  He makes people literally fall out of the rafters: Ali v. Frazier I performed at Hellfest 2002.