Trial By Fire is from Washington, D.C., and the band has no qualms about wearing its emotions proudly and unapologetically on its sleeve, yet manages to not ape Fugazi or record for Dischord. Ringing in the Dawn is a speedy romp that doesn’t let its self-awareness get too whiny or its social commentary too dogmatic to get in the way of a bare-knuckles hardcore resonance that combines melodic intervention, catchy riffing, and surprisingly strong vocals that exist somewhere between singing and screaming, courtesy of Jason Yawn. – Brian O’Neill