Although hardcore metal has been around since the '80s, it was largely an underground phenomenon -- all the way up to the dawn of the 21st century.

That was when bands such has Hatebreed helped bring the style to a whole new and larger audience -- on the strength of such releases as 2003's Rise of Brutality and 2006's Supremacy, as well as frontman Jamey Jasta's gig as the host of Headbanger's Ball.

In addition to the aforementioned occupations, Jasta also runs his own label, Stillborn Records, which resulted in a project, the Icepick, which united the singer with former Crown of Thorns and Skarhead vocalist Lord Ezec.

Although the group's debut, Violent Epiphany, was issued the same year as Supremacy, the project was in the works for quite some time -- with the reason for the union a pretty simple one: Jasta simply wanted to hear Ezec get back to his hardcore roots.

Violent Epiphany is exactly what you'd expect from a Jasta-Ezec union -- spit-flying, angsty hollering and riffs that alternate between ragingly fast and grindingly slow.

The song remains the same from beginning to end, but what did you expect, Jasta and Ezec crooning over a string symphony?.