(Hardcore / Ambient / Screamo) Hands - The Sounds Of Earth - 2009, MP3 (tracks), 320 kbps

Shane Ochsner, Josh Silbernagel, Chris Schwartz and Jerik Hendrickson collectively are Hands, a Fargo band that combines circling atmospheric guitars punctuated with hard hitting progressions. They are a band in which rock and roll meets ambient hardcore and warm silvery singing rivals hardcore screams. The warmth of their songs is in strong contrast to the raw biting North Dakota weather that surrounds them. Their songs are carefully crafted and layered with hope and strength, their evocative lyrics and emotional vocals leave Hands open-hearted to listeners. Ochsner’s voice carries seamlessly from throaty growl to melodic yell and settles beautifully into sweet harmony as the songs progress.
Since forming in 2007 Hands have desired to present a passionate and intense live show. Now, a year later, they offer a performance that is characterized by what dummer Josh Silbernagel calls "beautiful chaos." Hands unfurl hugely anthemic prog-rock ballads bearing the influence of Isis while at the same time laying out solidly progressive hardcore tracks inspired by bands such as Life In Your Way and Misery Signals.
After writing a concept album for release on Lobster/Oort Records, Hands has now teamed up with Facedown Records for a summer 2009 release.