September 19th, 2011 
Jordan Munson 
Artist: Haste The Day
Album: Haste The Day vs. Haste The Day
Genre: Metalcore
Label: Solid State Records
One of many former Solid State Records artists to disband over he last handful of years, Haste The Day is probably of the most prominent bands to ever be featured on the label. A great ten year run with five solid metalcore records, changing ever so slightly from release to release with a few lineup changes along the way. In their closing farewell concert, they featured the two different vocalists over the band’s career, and we’re left with a really cool concept for a last hurrah live DVD.
The production of the show is a pretty fair middle ground between pure, raw live sound and a studio-produced live album–a refreshing change from the norm for live metal albums. It’s a dichotomy that really works, and paired with the two different vocalists and different sounds the band has featured over their decade-long career. Even the song selection is incredibly balanced between old and new material, which the band acknowledges at a couple points in the show.
Throughout the show there is a fantastic level of playful energy, and it truly sounds like the band and crowd is having the best time they possibly could. Lots of crowd involvement and good stage banter are welcomed on the album, as they add an element rarely featured on live albums (though you get on DVDs pretty regularly)–opposed to albums that just feature crowd noise (we get it, the crowd is going to cheer for you, no one cares). A fresh and tasteful use of natural concert activities really helps to separate Haste The Day vs. Haste The Day from many other live records.
Unfortunately, there are still some downsides to this closing album. Some of the guitar work is a bit sloppy, and at times, just sounds plain bad (e.g. a minute and thirty seconds into “Fallen”)–perhaps attributed to the fact that they haven’t played these in a bunch of years. Performances of the songs from the band’s last two records are noticeably tighter. Crowd involvement is also better on the newer material. Although he says it jokingly, Jimmy says “I am fat and out of shape” and, unfortunately, it sounds somewhat true at times.
Though the set has its flaws, it’s an outstanding final showing for a band and their steadfast fan base. A perfect selection of songs, a perfect atmosphere, a heartwarming performance, an honest presentation and more all add up to a perfect culmination of Haste The Day’s solid career. Farewell, gentlemen, it was fun while it lasted.
Score: 7/10
Review written by: Jordan Munson (Follow him on Twitter)
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