A little over 10 years ago, Canadian melodic hardcore band, Counterparts, released their groundbreaking album The Difference Between Hell and Home. An eleven track foray into a variety of emotional themes, death, religion, depression, love, and the lack thereof. Counterparts set the stage for an emerging genre, and continued building a musical movement today.
Over the years The Difference Between Hell and Home has been a pivotal album, with numerous versions released. Being signed to Victory Records early on has allowed for this, with most versions being rare one offs, with Discogs currently showing a total of 13 different vinyl releases for this album. A feat that is impressive for any band, but even more so for a hardcore band, a genre not exactly in the mainstream.
Recently, I was fortunate enough to receive a recent re-issue of the album by Craft Recordings. While I did not receive the exclusive Sky Blue Marble pressing to review, I did receive the classic black wax version, which despite the color difference is the same as far as I know.
Upon initial inspection from my pressing and the Craft Recording's version, they look nearly identical save for some different branding. Artwork, track listing, and overall design are all the same between the two versions. This pressing is technically the 4th pressing, with a large number of copies per pressing made. Almost every pressing made is a color variant, with each color being unique.
Playing the Craft Recording's version on my recently changed setup which includes, a VPI Cliffwood with an Orotofon 2M Red Cartridge, Heed Elixir, and Vanguard Scout speakers, cabled with Tellurium Q. This system was made possible through various trades and deals, and I am very thankful to have it as my previous system had run its course.
Back to the album, Craft Recording's version offers a version of the album that is quite robust, and comparable to my pressing, and offers a complete listening experience to anyone looking to acquire this album for the first time. Some of the songs felt a bit off, but that just might be because the system is still new and needs more time to be broken in.
Comparing it to my pressing, I could hear some key differences in some of the songs that have some marks towards both. My pressing is well used, so there are times where some of the songs fall short of the intended listening experience and the new pressing more than makes up for. However, there some parts where the broken in record has a much more richer presence, especially during the less intense parts of tracks like "Decay" or "Soil." The Craft Recording's version fills in missing points in those songs that my quite used pressing lacks.
Craft Recordings offers a way for newer audiences to acquire this album without having to go through the motions of haggling and working with a reseller on Discogs. This version is comparable to the other pressings and is an easy way to access the album at an affordable price.
As for the album itself, it has been reviewed to death by both me and others over the years. It's an album that changed the scene of hardcore for the better. They helped pave the way for melodic hardcore while opening up a new chapter for hardcore music in general. Once a genre on life support, it was resuscitated by bands like Counterparts. The combination of relatable song writing, catchy riffs, and intense breakdowns. Where would the genre be without songs like "Compass," "Ghost," or "Outlier"?
This album blew me away, and Craft Recording's re-release is another one for the shelf. And I am thankful for the opportunity to review a different version of this landmark album. You can purchase this album from Craft Recordings website HERE.
