FREYA

After breaking up in 2001, Earth Crisis reorganized as Freya, with three ex-Earth Crisis members (vocalist Karl Buechner, guitarist Erick Edwards, and bassist Bulldog) joined by new recruits Darian Lizotte (guitar, vocals) and Corey Koniz (drums). Switching their focus from songs about straight-edge life and advocacy of veganism and animal rights, their first album, 2003′s As the Last Light Drains, had songs that acted as vehicles for cathartic emotions. The hardcore punk base was retained in the arrangements, but the occasional more standard lead vocals of Lizotte added some balance to the growl-scream of Buechner. Their second Victory release was a ten-song split with Sacramento’s Hoods in 2004. ~ Richie Unterberger