Blacklisted - No One Deserves To Be Here More Than Me

Blacklisted return with an utterly depressing new album.


The release of a new Blacklisted album is an unexpected treat for those who are fans of the band. 'No One Deserves To Be Here More Than Me' dropped into stores with almost no press campaign, which for an established band on a prestigious label like Deathwish just isn't right.

Following on from the great 'Heavier Than Heaven, Lonelier Than God', this new album has a lot to live up to, but what you would have originally expected from Blacklisted can be thrown out the window. What you get with 'No One...' is a very dark, sombre approach to hardcore which at times can wield some magic moments. Unfortunately, the rest of the album doesn't really hit the high standards you would expect from Blacklisted, as the reinvention the band have gone through doesn't hit full circle. The process tends to be cut short by the vocals, which at times you feel hasn't really progressed with the rest of the music. 'Everything In My Life Is For Sale' is a good example of this, with the vocals not quite adjusting to the rest of the songs character.

While their is a lack of progression in the vocals department, the same can't be said for the bands song writing. The title track is a depression ridden number, with a hard hitting chorus, similar to what you would have found on Norma Jean's 'The Anti-Mother'. After a pointless interlude you start to hit the best part of the record. 'I'm Trying To Disappear' is as troubled as the title suggests, with dense guitar work complimenting the harrowing lyrics that plague this record so well.

Whilst this album falls short at times, its easy to appreciate what Blacklisted are trying to achieve with this record. George Hirsch was quite obviously in a very dark frame of mind when writing this and it makes for an awkward yet essential listen. Let's just hope Blacklisted can deliver on the promise this album teases you with when they decide to release another CD.