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New metal combo Hurt are the product of modern times. Much more than the overwrought angst that their single-syllable moniker implies, Hurt actually bring a perfect mix of hypnotic guitar riffs, crushing drums and intelligent (and intelligible!) vocals. Which isn't to say that the boys are soft. Oh no. They're thoughtful and angry the way only a disillusioned choirboy can be. Which makes tons of sense, considering that lead singer J. Loren Wince grew up in backwoods Virginia, in a household where hymns were mandatory and rock music was forbidden. He discovered his musical passion at an early age and studied to be a classical violinist. It's almost ironic that Wince went on to hook up with LA rock royalty by meeting his drummer, Evan Johns, whose father has produced records for everyone from Led Zeppelin to Van Halen. What would mommy and daddy say back home? The band forgoes easy hooks and chooses to focus on multi-layer, twisted compositions reminiscent of Tool. Their first single, "Rapture," features snarl-whisper vocals, heavy guitar and haunting string arrangements. "Rapture" is quickly gaining Hurt a devoted national following, and calling attention to their debut album, the starkly titled Vol. 1. Throughout the album, religious themes and conflicts are present and the title is reminiscent of early Led Zeppelin's pointed refusal to name their albums, making the music speak for itself. They've stated that their next offering will be called, logically enough, Vol. 2. Their live show is not to be missed, and they frequently sell out their tour dates. Hurt clearly love their fans as much as the fans love them, and they frequently post unreleased songs and elegant acoustic versions of Vol. 1 tracks for free on their MySpace page.

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