Review: Angels and Airwaves – I-Empire

AbsolutePunk Nov 29, 2007

Following the unfortunate demise of seminal pop-punk stars, Blink-182, bassist Mark Hoppus, drummer Travis Barker and singer Tom DeLonge went vastly different ways. Hoppus and Barker returned with +44, an electronica-themed band that seemed at times an extension of Blink (for better and for worse), and DeLonge traipsed across Larry King Live, proclaimed himself the second-coming of everything except John Lennon, and released Angels & Airwaves’ debut, We Don’t Need To Whisper. With WDNTW, DeLonge preached in favor of his newfound style, thrusting his maturity at anyone who would listen; to his chagrin, few did. The album sold relatively well in the mainstream, but many longtime fans had trouble embracing both the frontman’s attitude and his gloomy tunes.

Jason Tate Nov 24, 2007

In order to stop this from getting out of control before it starts I have a very sad announcement to make. However, I must preface it by saying that any shit talking will result in a permanent ban from this website effective immediately. Out of respect to the band and their many fans and friends who visit this website – I simply cannot in good conscience allow hate to be present today. It is with deep sorrow that I must announce that I have been informed by two very reliable sources that Casey from Hawthorne Heights passed away last night. At this moment there are no official announcements and no other information available – we will keep you updated. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved.

I’ve been struggling with how to post this and even if I should post anything for the past hour … at this time I’ve decided to make the post in order to be here and make sure I can moderate the comments instead of things getting out of hand. I wish I knew the right things to say right now, but I don’t. I hope more than anything that the story isn’t true – but based upon the information we have at this time – sadly I believe it is.

UPDATE

Hawthorne Heights have posted a message on their website.

Today is probably the worst day ever. Its with our deepest regrets that we have to write this. Casey Calvert passed away in his sleep last night. We found out this afternoon before sound-check. We’ve spent the entire day trying to come to grips with this and figure out as much as possible. At this time we’re not sure what exactly happened. Just last night he was joking around with everyone before he went to bed. We can say with absolute certainty that he was not doing anything illegal. Please, out of respect to Casey and his family, don’t contribute or succumb to any gossip you may hear. We don’t want his memory to be tainted in the least. Casey was our best friend. He was quirky and awesome and there will truly be no others like him! His loss is unexplainable. As soon as we know more we will let you know.
Sincerely,
Hawthorne Heights (Eron, JT, Micah and Matt)

Drew Beringer Nov 2, 2007

Not going to lie, it was kind of strange listening to a new Armor For Sleep record and not hearing vocalist/guitarist Ben Jorgensen sing about sleeping, dreaming, or dying. Instead of writing another concept album, Jorgensen penned lyrics about a culture that’s dependant and obsessed with celebrity news and reality television, among other social commentaries, for the band’s major label debut, Smile For Them.

When the band first began the writing and recording process for Smile, they moved out to Los Angeles with a pre-arranged producer, courtesy of Sire. Unhappy with the results, the band packed up and restarted the process in their hometown and brought back Machine, who brilliantly produced their 2005 record, What To Do When You Are Dead. The end product is twelve tracks that seamlessly flow between post-hardcore and pop, resulting in what may be Armor For Sleep’s most rockin’ record to date.

Review: Angels and Airwaves – I-Empire

I’m Sorry I Have to Be the One to Post This

Review: Armor for Sleep – Smile For Them