A Moments Loss is a band with loads of potential out of Reno, Nevada. Formed in 1999, they as a group have come a long way to put out 2004’s The Forgetting, their second release—having waded through numerous line up and sound changes as well as “disastrous” tours. Inspired by “boredom, pop punk, and local metal/hardcore heroes”, AML have honed a sound which mixes both intense screaming with harmony. While there is no surprise there with the amount of up and coming bands who try to perfect that sound today, what AML has going for them is that they don’t sound like a rehashed Thrice.
The album starts out with a two-track epic titled “Red/Handed”. Track 01, essentially “Red”, is a lengthy instrumental lead in to “Handed” and serves as a good introduction to just how talented A Moments Loss is. The vocals kick in on “Handed”, combined with excellent drumming and guitar work throughout. Part of what I like so much about AML on The Forgetting is their ability to write memorable parts as well as memorable songs, making them feel epic and larger than life without the songs feeling like the songs are just dragging on. I especially think of “Mere Death”, which caught me by surprise at being 7 minutes long. This may get old for some however, as nearly every song either breaks or comes close to breaking the 5 minute mark.
All in all, A Moments Loss has the potential to become a great metal-core band and The Forgetting is a step in the right direction. It’s recommended for those who don’t mind 5 minute long epics or the fact that it sounds like it was recorded in someone’s bathroom. My only beef with this group is that the lyrics are shaky at best—in Red Handed, the phrase, “Where’s the money, Lebowski?” is screamed to within an inch of its life. But either way, get your spot on the AML bandwagon now, it may start to fill up real soon.