[3.5/5] Having grown from high-ceilinged hardcore heartthrobs to borderline grunge revivalists over the course of just two albums, Hopesfall advance their evolution again on Magnetic North. After years of lineup overhaul, only drummer Jason Trabue is new on this album, allowing the band's existing chemistry and unabashed rock qualities, first flexed on 2004's A Types, to be fully realized. "Rx Contender The Pretender" is all meaty riffs and muscular howls while subtle standouts "Cubic Zirconias Are Forever" and "Secondhand Surgery" are dark ballads propelled by spacey atmospherics that recall long-time influences Hum and like-minded contemporaries Open Hand. In terms of breaking the bank, hardcore's longest-serving bridesmaids might not make it to the big dance yet, but they ought to take pride in successfully pushing themselves-and their sound-for the third time in as many tries. (TRUSTKILL) Tristan Staddon
 Official Website: http://www.trustkill.com
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