Album Review: MMXII by Three Crowns – A Melodic Hardcore Gem You Didn’t Know You Needed
Let’s get real for a sec. When I first stumbled upon MMXII by Three Crowns, I wasn’t expecting much. I mean, it’s a no-label release from 2012, and let’s face it—sometimes those albums just kinda fade into the background. But man, this one slapped me in the face (in a good way). If you’re into that melodic hardcore vibe with raw rock edges, this is your jam.
Now, quick rundown: The album’s got some bangers, but two tracks really stuck with me—“Once My Own” and “Golden.” Let me tell ya why.
“Once My Own” hits hard right outta the gate. It’s one of those songs where the vocals feel like they’re punching you in the gut while also giving you goosebumps. The lyrics? Super relatable if you’ve ever felt torn between who you are and who people expect you to be. And the breakdown? Chef’s kiss. It’s not overdone or try-hard—it just works. Like, you can practically hear the sweat dripping off the drummer. Feels legit, y’know?
Then there’s “Golden,” which honestly feels like the emotional core of the whole album. It starts off slow, almost like it’s lulling you into a false sense of chill, but then BAM—it kicks in with this massive wave of energy. The guitar riffs are sticky as hell, like they’ll be stuck in your head for days. There’s this one line—I won’t spoil it—but it made me pause mid-scroll on my phone and just sit with it for a minute. That’s rare these days.
Oh, and props to the production. Yeah, it’s not super polished, but that’s what makes it feel so alive. You can tell these dudes poured their hearts into this thing. It’s not about perfection; it’s about passion, and that comes through loud and clear.
So yeah, MMXII might not be the most groundbreaking album ever, but it’s got soul. Listening to it feels like finding an old mixtape in the back of your car and realizing it’s still fire. Honestly, I kinda wish Three Crowns had dropped more stuff after this. Maybe they’re out there somewhere, sipping coffee and writing riffs in a garage. Who knows?
Anyway, if you’re tired of the same old Spotify playlists, give this one a spin. You might just find yourself hitting repeat more than you expected. Or maybe you’ll hate it. Either way, at least you tried something new, right?
