Each video is introduced by the label’s founder Josh Grabelle with snippets of trivia. Some are vaguely informative, but they’re not the kind of thing you’ll want to watch many times. Unfortunately there’s no option to play the videos only, but at least these introductions are separate chapters, making them easy enough to skip.

It’s the videos themselves that are the main focus, of course. Too many bands on this sort of budget seem to resort to simply playing live, in a studio or in a warehouse. What impressed me here, however, is that almost every band was able to show a bit of imagination – even if only splicing such footage in with some other ‘sub-plot’. Highlights for me are probably Nora’s ‘I Should’ve Sent Flowers’ – in which the singer is literally screaming in the face of his supposed girlfriend – and Eighteen Visions’ ‘You Broke Like Glass’ (featuring two scantily-clad girls making out on a bed).

There are weaker moments; it’s slightly disappointing that Hopesfall and Open Hand (who have probably the most commercial song on offer) produce what look like home videos of their gigs. Of course, none of these bands are able to produce the flashy videos that come with special effects budgets – Most Precious Blood were even reduced to filming subway scenes at 4am to avoid paying for the $15,000 permit – but most compensate well for lack of funds with some ingenuity.

For the most part, I’m impressed with what’s been done with what’s available. Admittedly the ‘bonus’ clips – live from Hellfest – are little more than trailers for a separate DVD, but you can’t fault them too much for that. If you’re only familiar with more successful metal/hardcore acts, like Poison The Well, this sampler is a great way to both see and hear others. Even better, it’s available with two Trustkill albums at a special price from Virgin Megastores for a limited period only.
(4/5)

Release Date: 07 March 2005

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Trustkill - Video Assault Vol. 1