Sometimes it’s nice to think about labels gone by. Back in their day (1996-2010), Ferret Music were tastemakers in the metalcore and hardcore scenes, occasionally reaching beyond that. Though it’s been nearly 30 years since some of the label’s first releases, many are still relevant today. Here are five times Ferret Music got it right.
Converge – Petitioning the Empty Sky
Petitioning the Empty Sky is the sole record Converge released through Ferret Music, releasing their next LP on forever home Equal Vision, but it is a monster. It contains all of the ferocity that’s a hallmark of Converge’s pre-Jane Doe work and some of the best songwriting. While they would refine their sound in years to come, there’s something special about whirlwind opener “The Saddest Day,” weirdness of “Albatross” or the instantly-recognizable riff of “Shingles” and the groovy rhythms of “Forsaken.”
Every Time I Die – Gutter Phenomenon
Every Time I Die always had a sense of swagger that other bands in their scene didn’t really have. The band’s energy was intense, making them a live act who could, and often did, tour with just about anyone. Both things are all over Gutter Phenomenon, Every Time I Die’s third album with Ferret. The rock ’n’ roll feeling of the songs and Every Time I Die’s willingness to blend and jump sounds make Gutter Phenomenon a memorable listen.
Blood Has Been Shed – Spirals
These days, Blood Has Been Shed is best known as the band that singer Howard Jones and drummer Justin Foley were in before Killswitch Engage (Jones was in Killswitch at the time of release), but third and final album Spirals has stood the test of time. Jones is vicious here, as are the band’s off-time riffs. “Call Waiting (John Doe Has the Upper Hand)” stands with the best tracks of the era, while “Uata” puts the spotlight on Jones’ expressive clean singing, dialing it back to focus on him.
An unreleased and unfinished Blood Has Been Shed album was discussed by guitarist Corey Unger in 2019, but it’s been quiet since then. Foley has also expressed interest in a reunion show.
Martyr A.D. – The Human Condition in Twelve Fractions
Martyr A.D. was former members of Disembodied getting together to play music, so it makes sense that they picked up where Disembodied left off. Debut album The Human Condition in Twelve Fractions rips with frantic energy, built on weird timing and sqealing harmonics. The Human Condition is very much a metalcore album but it has extreme metal influence in its structure and performance, plus a healthy dose of chaos.
A Life Once Lost – Iron Gag
Decibel favs A Life Once Lost released two albums, Hunter and Iron Gag, on Ferret Music. Iron Gag sees the band grow in a more groove metal direction, and it features guest appearances from Devin Townsend , Randy Blythe and Circa Survive singer Anthony Green. Sometimes it sucks when a band changes their sound up, but A Life Once Lost did it in a way that didn’t. The members of ALOL have been busy since the band ended; guitarist Doug Sabolick plays with Ecstatic Vision and Author & Punisher, while singer Bob Meadows fronts Left to Vanish.
