February 4th, 2010 
James Shotwell 
Artist: Jamie’s Elsewhere
Album: They Said A Storm Was Coming
Genre: Screamo/Post-Hardcore
Label: Victory
I’ll be blunt: I hated Jamie’s Elsewhere’s debut album for Victory Records. That may even be an understatement because there’s been so many album through the UTG doors since they last put out a record, but I can still sense my distaste every time I hear their name uttered. That said, about a week ago I received their latest offering, They Said A Storm Was Coming, and to say the least, I’m still picking my jaw up off the floor.
Forget what you’ve read about the screamo/post-hardcore being a dead art because by the time you hit :30 into “Seasons,” the lead track, you will be reminded just how good this genre can be. Layers of guitars squealing, unrelenting screams, and drums pounding every ounce of sense out of your brain basically summarizes the force with which this record begins and marks the foundation for the chaos that is to come.
Personally, the real jaw-dropping moments on They Said A Storm Was Coming takes place between the title track and “One Foot in The Game.” It’s in this three song arc that Jamie’s Elsewhere show why they still have something that deserves to be heard in a genre that’s heard it all before. The blending of screams with [for a change] vocals that anyone can instantly pick up on while every instrument goes absolutely absurd plays more like a perfectly orchestrated opera of modern rock than just another “scene” band out to make a quick break. You can hear every ounce of emotion pour from each member as they push their creativity to the absolute boundaries and that is what, if nothing else, sets this band apart.
It’s not all smiles and high fives though as even with their expansion you’ll start feeling the “been there, done that” bug about the time “A Slave, A Son” hits. However, those who make it to “Antithesis,” the closing track, will be rewarded as they will be able to hear what just might be the cornerstone for the future of this genre and label. Brilliantly blending thick dance-like synth with brutal chugs and eloquent songwriting you have what is easily the best work of the band’s career and one of the best products from a young Victory Records band since Aiden hit the scene with Nightmare Anatomy.
Let me warn you up front, They Said a Storm Was Coming is A LOT to take in. At times, even on multiple listens, it’s difficult to tell just how many layers the band has going at once and that makes for a very dense and elaborate album that while engaging, won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. However, if you’re looking for the [hopefully] future of screamo or simply love the post-hardcore world and want a vocalist who isn’t hitting Mariah Carey notes every time they open their mouth, give this record your undivided attention. I believe, no, I am fully convinced this album could be gem Victory has needed for a while; the rebirth of the genre they helped create. To put it simply, They Said A Storm Was Coming is a massively heavy, yet strikingly catchy and engaging epic that truly showcases the skill of the band and gives us a glimpse at where the scene might [and should] be headed.
Score: 8.5/10
Review written by: James Shotwell
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so these guys are new huh? i’m listenin to slipknot right now, but after i do, i’ll check em out!
just like speaking from my mouth, their debut wasn’t worth my time but this i can’t stop listening to!
Ahh I love these guys and the new album is most deff going to be the best!!! Since Craig Owens left Chiodos this has been my fav band. This is my number one suggestion to anyone who is into something that will make you want to move around this is it <333
(cant wait to see them on the 20th for my bday)
Their debut cd was very, how should i say, common. They sounded like every other screamo band there was out there in the scene. This cd proved that they have matured and learned from their mistakes of being too generic. I can’t wait till they make a new album that surpasses this one.
Not gonna say their Debut was bad, when it most certainly was not…. I liked it, however, this new album takes it and beats it with the ugly stick. Along with Alesana, I must say this is one of the best transitional sounds I have heard all year, and all of last.
The song is called One Foot In The Grave…sorry it bothered me.
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