I Killed the Prom Queen

I Killed the Prom Queen: When Goodbye Means Forever...When Goodbye Means Forever... (2004)
Hand of Hope Records

Reviewer Rating: 3.5

Contributed by: bemusedbemused
(others by this writer | submit your own)
Published on December 28th 2004Ahh, metalcore, the greatest genre of music, known across the land for producing the most original and innovative music, with each band in the genre being intent on delivering something unique and distinctive. Oh, wait... Enter I Killed the Prom Queen. Wow, there is something really original abou.

Ahh, metalcore, the greatest genre of music, known across the land for producing the most original and innovative music, with each band in the genre being intent on delivering something unique and distinctive. Oh, wait...

Enter I Killed the Prom Queen. Wow, there is something really original about that name. A connotation of death in the name of a metalcore band, I'm pretty sure that hasn't been done before. I think they are onto something. What's this, they're from Australia! Sweet, this means they are bound to have a unique sound, right? Wrong.

When Goodbye Means Forever… is horribly derivative from start to finish. It is clear these five young lads worship bands like As I Lay Dying, Evergreen Terrace and Misery Signals along with Swedish death metal bands like In Flames. However, instead of trying to build on these aforementioned bands' sounds (which, coincidentally is basically the same thing) they have decided to replicate it. Perhaps it is because they don't think there are enough bands out their doing this style of music? If they are under this assumption, I think they must be living under a rock or something.

Bitching aside about the state of metalcore and hardcore, this album is very, very catchy. If you are going to play this music, you might as well do it right. And IKTPQ does it right. The screamer/occasional singer is as rough as guts, and it contrasts very well with his spoken word parts. You all know the formula by now. Speak/yell in a pussy voice one line, then spit back another line (or even the same line) in a muffled, over-the-top manner. One thing I have to applaud though is how the band errs as much as possible from singing and instead focuses on Crafter's very powerful bellows.

Most of the songs have very intricate metal riffs (see the title track) before breaking into a balls-to-the-wall breakdown. I guess I have to admit that it's all in good fun. The lyrics are what you would expect from this sort of record. They're riddled with connotations of death and destruction and other typical tough guy with a heart of gold sort of things. But to be honest, who really cares what the "singer" is saying anyways. As long as the breakdown is accompanied with something that can be yelled easily, that's all that matters. A touch of desperation is also present in almost every song, which adds to the mosh out (or ninja dancing?) moments which come thick and fast.

So, if you want something to listen to for a laugh or something that will get you pumped up before you go to the orthodontist I would thoroughly recommend this. But if you want something original I would recommend something else, preferably something not in the metal genre. In the end I'm left with the feeling that I shouldn't like this, but I do. Congratulations Australia on producing another band that really pushes the envelope. First the Vines, then Jet and now I Killed the Prom Queen.

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Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not respon sible for them in any way. Seriously.

Anonymous (April 17, 2007)

well i dont agree with who ever wrote that review cause my opinion is different and yeah. i have listened to their lyrics and ive compared it to other bands and i disagree they have a different sound if you listen right. if you listen hard you can trell the difference between songs that sound the same.
i went and sai IKTPQ live and they are awesome
they are a good band and know how to impress their listeners.

Electrickle (February 20, 2007)

Obviously many of you Aussies are just discovering metalcore.Give it a while, you'll develop a hatred for it as much as us "Yanks". This band sucks hard by the way, and their newer cd as well. Boring run of the mill shit,listen to real metal you fucks.

SALLI-TGPG- (May 1, 2006)

Prom queen are one of the best metalcore bands that have come out of adelaide in a long time.
One thing i didnt like when crafter was around was his mono tone scream though.
Other than that.. they are definately one of my favourite bands and im proud to say it.

Anonymous (April 21, 2006)

Mate, you are from australia, and you think your a good writer, your review is rubbish, there is not one decent comment on how the band is, or how the record shaped out. You clearly have no idea. Prom Queen is a solid Australian band. I saw them last night, they are energentic, great entertainers and certainly know how to start a "ruckus". Your obviously some idiot who is so blind to anythign that isnt originial. Would you consider these great bands in your review original... No, because you should really be thanking earth crisis and the real starters of metalcore. So one big fuck you from all of us. go read up on some history you shit head.
Im out.

Anonymous (November 18, 2005)

This is a fukin madd album..... All u other ppl that come on here 2 diss good auzzie bands hav no fukin life

Anonymous (October 13, 2005)

I am from Australia, and it was a terrible shock to find out these fags are from Australia too ....

PROM QUEEN? Theres no prom queens here.

What the fuck, wannabe yanks can just go fuck off and die

Anonymous (October 1, 2005)

funny reviews. anyways the NEW cd to be released in early 06 destroys this one by far.

Anonymous (August 9, 2005)

I Killed the Prom Queen - When Goodbye Means Forever...
Posted by im-dead on 2005-06-26 07:46:34

"2: The Amity Affliction: "Northcoast Hardcore Represent". This group is from my hometown, Brisbane. I have had the pleasure of seeing them play on numerous occasions. Check Out www.theamityaffliction.com and download some of their tracks, then buy the cd. Worth looking into if you like GOOD metalcore (Don't be detered by that word)."

They come from gympie actually wisechop. Theiy're now based in Brissie.

Anonymous (July 28, 2005)

punknews.com...what a fucking joke!! Prom Queen are awesome and they have done an awesome job on this album!! The person who wrote this review should come to a prommies show and stand in the middle of the pit and say it!! See how much you are laughing then you fucking joke. Prom Queen Own!! x

Anonymous (July 7, 2005)

this album is fucking sweet and for all u slanted eyed gooks get the fuck out of Australia

im-dead (June 26, 2005)

oh, and uh one more thing...
Fuck All You Americans Who Look Down Upon Australian music, you fucking Yank fucks.

Ahh, thats better.

im-dead (June 26, 2005)

And i formally appologize for my fellow Australians close mindedness. "IKTPQ rules!!. Fuck off Yanks" isn't a reasonable argument as far as i'm concerned.

Furthermore, i hate myself.

im-dead (June 26, 2005)

This is a decent release by a decent Australian hardcore group. They put on a great live show that must be seen to be believed. Plenty of floorpunching, spin kicking and fight dancing.
Just in case any of you Americans are curious as to what the rest of the world has to offer. i suggest you look into these great Australian bands:

1: Miles Away: Paint It Black-esque hardcore with 80's roots. Recently signed to American Label, Bridge 9 records. Recenty relased self titled compilation comprising of every song they have ever released thus far, which is being released internationally. Highly recommended if you like the afformentioned Paint it Black, Minor Threat, Modern Life is War, etc.

2: The Amity Affliction: "Northcoast Hardcore Represent". This group is from my hometown, Brisbane. I have had the pleasure of seeing them play on numerous occasions. Check Out www.theamityaffliction.com and download some of their tracks, then buy the cd. Worth looking into if you like GOOD metalcore (Don't be detered by that word).

3: Perish The Thought: Very underrated band who pride themselves on having fun. Look into them if you like any of the above two bands.

Anonymous (May 29, 2005)

well guys i think ikpq are one of the best bands out and there some of the greatest guys ive ever hung out with so all u fuken little faggots that go on sites just to diss some of the best bands seriously grow up cause the only point your making is that u simply have no taste in music what so ever bye guys kira xoxoxoxoxox

Anonymous (May 25, 2005)

prom queen rocks, to those usa cunts u all suck cock go fuck yourself cock head

Anonymous (April 28, 2005)

i personally like this band, but i do find it odd that people are dissing a band they dont like....why are you on a prom queen site??? hmmm...well, something else. i dont believe having no originality is a reason to shit on a band, cos everything has already been done neways. you people that arent sayn gd shit, get off this site and go wank over pictures on joel madden or something.

Anonymous (April 5, 2005)

I killed the prom queen along with parkway drive are the best hardcore bands in Australia at the moment and they compete highly with most of the stuff that comes out of the States. Full credit on an awesome album that is intended for a hardcore audience not a bunch of whining pussy's who complain about it on this site.

Anonymous (March 11, 2005)

shit ass review - prom queen are the shit.. and all you fuckers shut up..

Anonymous (January 19, 2005)

HEY U!!
LISTEN HERE....
SUCK MY LEFT ONE WANG CHONG................

and for teh dude said australian bands suck......GROW UP....U SUCK,,,GO LISTEN TO GOOD CHARLOTTE U LAME ASS
BYE BYE
*Leanne*

muskawo_ (January 4, 2005)

28 Days, IKilledThePromQueen, Jet, Silverchair...

If any Australians are reading this:
All your bands fucking suck.

Four bands in all of Australia? We're small, but not that small. And if you're american... I dont know where to start about all the shitty bands from your country....

Anonymous (January 4, 2005)

28 Days, IKilledThePromQueen, Jet, Silverchair...

If any Australians are reading this:
All your bands fucking suck.

The_Wang (January 4, 2005)

bleh, get the latest away from now ep from www.peerecords.com if you wanna hear good australian punk. and no, im not in the band nor do i work for the label.
cheers

-the wang

Anonymous (January 2, 2005)

this is the stupidest shit i've ever heard."check your vital signs!" that is seriously a lyric during a breakdown. at least that evergreen terrace dude and dude from eulogy are cashing in. fucking ridiculous
-j money

Anonymous (January 2, 2005)

The musicians are fairly talented but overall this band is terrible. Disgustingly unoriginal. There are so many Aussie bands light years better than these jerkfaces. (Nation Blue, Miles Away, In Name and Blood etc.)

In addition, the lead singer is a violent, homophobic moron.

Anonymous (January 1, 2005)

shit version of atreyu who themselves are fucking shit

Anonymous (December 31, 2004)

AC/DC is the ultimate aussie band.

muskawo_ (December 30, 2004)

Muskawo,

I am Australian, and I choose to make fun of this band because they are so completely over over the top that it would be remiss of me not to point that fact out.

But to be fair there are many good Aussie bands (associated with the punk scene) including-

Gyroscope, Kiss Chasey, Parkway Drive, Prom Queen, Shotpointeblank, Stronger than Hate, Bullet the Blue Sky, Horsell Common, San Chevelle, Said Girl, Carpathian, Miles Away, Alleged, Her Nightmare, Day of Contempt, Away from Now, From the Ruins, Burn for Me, Fool the World, Against, The Nation Blue and the list goes on.

****

Ahh, okay, cool. Sorry, I couldnt really understand where you were coming from. BTW, seeing you are aussie, goodwork on at least getting a few aussie reviews on here, it makes me happy to see some recognition for them. Sorry if my last post seemed like a bitch session but I think your last line just pissed me off a bit cause it sounded like something an uninformed american would say...

bemused (December 30, 2004)

punkcorekid (December 30, 2004)

hey i saw shotpointblank with KLU and casey jones too

Anonymous (December 30, 2004)

Haha....good review, kudos.

Anonymous (December 30, 2004)

Awesome hardcore/metal band, these guys put on a good show and have songs you just have to hear live. If this is the kind of music your into you'll love these guys. Australian hardcore is alive and well. Don't judge our scene on a the few bands that tour the states (Day of Contempt, Prom Queen, Shotpointblank) there's a heap of awesome hardcore bands down here the rest of the worlds probably never heard of that would blow minds. Last Nerve, Against, Miles Away, Taking Sides, Strength Within, plus a heap more that all play some awesome hardcore!

FamousLastWords (December 29, 2004)

I first saw and heard of them at hellfest and they were ok, but the cd is the most generic thing Ive ever heard. The generic breakdowns, and the talking over screaming about dying and such gets old. There tight and do it well, but how many times can hear the same thing.

"Shot Point Blank" who I just saw with casey jones and kids like us from austrlia rule though.

notfeelingcreative (December 29, 2004)

I thought the independents killed the prom queen!

muskawo_ (December 29, 2004)

Congratulations for only knowing about 3 australian bands. Guess what, most people out here think they suck, too. I have this album, and they arent the most original band in the world (actually, they get a bit of shit out here, check out the punkhardcore.com.au forums where they pretty much bash the crap out of them)
They are probably a bit posuerish too compared to a lot of other hardcore bands on the scene (that arent as big cause they dont have the right haircut for the time), but they are getting kids to go to shows with loads of hc/metalcore bands who might not usually and thats a good thing. Anything that promotes the local punk/hc/emo/whatever scene is good cause it means more shows.
Americans are just too spoilt with a million great shows on each night. I'd still love to go see prom queen cause it's gonna be energetic and fun. Who cares about the other bullshit?

Oh yeah, and if you do actually happen to be from australia... why are you bashing bands on an american site when it's already so hard to get into the US scene when you're an aussie band? (sorry, doesnt say where you're from in your profile)

killyouridols (December 29, 2004)

i thought this would be a psychibilly band.

Anonymous (December 29, 2004)

their 01 EP was good stuff but they went the Evergreen Terrace way rather than the DEP way. Poor form.

Dyrwen (December 29, 2004)

This band is actually surprisingly good, despite the complete barrage of sarcasm from the reviewer. At the very least the voice is damned good in comparison to some of the whiny fucks out there.

inanechild (December 28, 2004)

psychoos231: I'm glad I wasn't the only person thinking that.

psychoos231 (December 28, 2004)

Who Killed the cheerleader?

Anonymous (December 28, 2004)

they’re from Australia? we don't have prom's over here so how the fuck did they find a queen to kill?
scores for anyone who's not a yank trying to be a yank.

Anonymous (December 28, 2004)

I hate Jet.

-Strewtho.

bemused (December 28, 2004)

Yeah I do like this a fair bit. Its just severely lacking in the originality dept. A very good live act btw.

-Chris-

psychoos231 (December 28, 2004)

Metalcore is just as lame as Screamo.

Anchors (December 28, 2004)

I don't understand.

You seemed to overall, not like this cd. But a 7 is a pretty decent score.

pwfanatic (December 28, 2004)

the best part about most reviews on metalcore that are posted here is that they start out insulting the genre of metalcore, and rightfully so.

but if these guys somehow were able to overcome their incredibly generic metalcore name, i might check them out.

ElVaquero (December 28, 2004)

that's pretty creepy.

Anonymous (December 28, 2004)

two reviews start with "ahhh, metalcore" this week

theundergroundscene (December 28, 2004)

I heard this and thought it was terrible.

Soooo blah.

punkcorekid (December 28, 2004)

I feel the same way....I know this is about as generic as you get, yet I still like it.