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CENTURY was originally conceived in late 2005 as a fleeting creative outlet for front man Carson Slovak to hone his development of both audio engineering and graphic design. Now, three years later, CENTURY has emerged as a full band with three releases under its belt and has proven to be a crushing new force in the world of heavy music. After the massive critical acclaim of 2006’s Faith and Failure, many expectations were focused on CENTURY to outdo its prior effort. But with Black Ocean, the band’s most stylistically cohesive and poignant release to date, the band has taken the next step in its evolution and created a piece of art that will not be soon forgotten.

CENTURY’s work ethic has always epitomized DIY and that mentality is in full effect on Black Ocean. The album was produced, recorded and mixed by Slovak at his own studio. Immediately catching the attention of several labels with nothing more than one demo track and subsequent buzz, Prosthetic Records quickly became the natural fit for the band and an ideal venue though which to present their latest opus. The album was also visually interpreted by Slovak, who incorporated a classic Vigenère Cipher into the artwork. Fans can further involve themselves in the world of Black Ocean upon solving the cipher, gaining access to hidden content on the interactive album website blackoceanalbum.com.

Over two years in the making, Black Ocean is both intriguing and unsettling as an album. The music is devastatingly heavy and raw yet does not pull from any of the ephemeral trends suffocating the metal and hardcore scene as of late. The juxtaposition of the album’s dark, horrific concept to the epic and ethereal universe of sonic texture results in an effort that will no doubt secure CENTURY’s foothold in the heavy music community. The only question that remains is if that community is prepared for the sheer, crushing force of sonic annihilation that is CENTURY.

"Black Ocean is brutally heavy, unstintingly fierce and caustically moody in equal parts, a well-conceived amalgamation that seems to support the fact that leader [Carson] Slovak has a clear vision for what Century are all about." – Decibel magazine

"Black Ocean projects a strong sense of soul through its well-textured metallic maelstrom, referencing bands such as Poison The Well, Mastodon and The Ocean while avoiding the dreaded sophomore slump." — Metal Maniacs

"'Black Ocean' is heavy stuff, metaphorically as well as literally — it's the kind of record destined to be respected at a safe distance by those who know how much work went into it. It's a spiritual descendent of all those Botch and Converge records, but at the same time it's a prog-mosh treatise with recognizable DNA from early The Dillinger Escape Plan and Opeth." – Blabbermouth

"On Black Ocean, Century beef up their sound with thicker production and a more metallic edge, though they haven’t strayed far from the progressive hardcore of 2006’s Faith And Failure…Check this out for ‘Equus,’ one of ‘08’s meanest, catchiest songs." – Metal Edge Magazine

"Century is quite hard to explain. They are hefty, emotional and expansive but not in a languid post rock way as they have a more urgent and angular gait to their style, but it’s never hardcore-ish or overly burly and dissonant. It’s this blustery and groovy yet vibrant and evocative mix of Mastodon, Isis and Misery Signals that’s hard to define, but enjoyable on all levels." – Metal Review

"It's heavy. It's fast. It's angry. Century's Prosthetic Records debut, Black Ocean, thrives on straightforward song structures and subtle melodic touches to show that modern metalcore doesn't necessarily have to suck." – Lambgoat

"Unprepared listeners may still require thick glasses to gain clarity into Century's twisted musical universe, but risk-taking fans of Intronaut and Burst will quickly recognize this album as their next, favorite mystery to unravel." – All Music Guide

"...seamlessly intertwines the best of modern day (and not so ancient day) metalcore with strains of tech, doom-laden atmosphere, death metal." – Hails and Horns

"Starting out as a one-man machine before fleshing out into a bruising quartet, Century is the brainchild of ArmsBendBack guitarist Carson Slovak, who had a hand in all aspects of this 10-track onslaught. Brace yourself for a rigorous metallic hardcore experience, as tracks like Bilateral Consequence juxtapose Cave in, Unsane, and Bloodlet for quite the unsettling listen. The Fate of Arbogast and Maneater liberally take from the Mastodon/ Converge playbook, while the foreboding intro on Kingsnake does nothing to prepare you for the massive beast the song becomes at the five-minute mark. Add in some caustic vocal chaos on tracks like Watch Them Become Animals and a Snapcase-esque hardcore stab on Back into the Woodwork and youve got quite the monstrous hardcore potpourri on your hands. if you enjoy progressively tinged hardcore, Century is the band to check out, as they artfully tread the line between in the pit and left of center." - Metal Maniacs

"Coming in somewhere between Majority Rule, Snapcase and Cave in, "Faith and Failure" by Century is an incredibly strong debut album. By playing exceedingly crunchy, hythmic and sonically devastating metallic hardcore, Century has created an album that will inevitably surprise many unsuspecting listeners. Originally formed by former Armsbendback guitarist, Carson Slovak, what began as a solo project developed into a full band. Not only is the musicianship great, the recording was also done at Carson's studio Century Studio and sounds absolutely phenomenal. in fact, i liked the recording so much that i checked out the website to see if my own band would be interested in doing our next record there. The artwork, also done by Slovak looks great too. Overall this is one of the better records i've reviewed this year, and by far the best thing Tribunal has ever released. The enhanced section with the video is cool too. Do yourself a favor and pick this up." - SuburbanHorror.com

"When it comes to metalcore, the listener can almost always assume whatever it is they are listening to will lack in originality. The most you can hope for is a well-written, well-executed album of slightly interesting tracks. Century, however, are one of the few metalcore acts out there that are still dedicated to taking metalcore to new places. Much like Burst and Buried inside, Century bring an atmospheric, textured, melodic, and even slightly progressive feel to their brand of metalcore. Century doesn't sound a whole lot like either of those bands, but creatively they share a lot of similar ideas. Within Faith and Failure the listener is taken on a journey; not something that can be said about most metalcore releases. Keeping in mind that this is metalcore after all, you can expect plenty of thunderous breakdowns, fairly technical stop/start parts, etc. What sets Century apart is their inclusion of rock-based riffs, some light electronic segments, and a unique artistic vision." - Deadtide.com

"Unlike every other band these days, youre not going to hear Century doing the clichd things like chugga chugga breaks or have some nasally semi-.. melodic vocals. instead Century is just here to brutalize your eardrums, seemingly causing sonic devastation for fun. Their Tribunal Records debut Faith & Failure finds the band wrecking havoc and shredding everything from vocal cords to guitar chords. The percussion pummels your innards with a brutalizing mercilessness while the bass undercuts you with a groovy sneer. Remember Coalesce? These guys do." *Editors Pick - Smother.net

"it doesnt take much dissecting to figure out that Faith and Failure is a cohesive ball, formed by experimentation and an unwavering eye for creativity. Utilizing the textures and production of Burst, the energetic instrumentation of Between the Buried and Me, and the beloved crunch of Neurosis and Swarm of the Lotus thrusts these guys into the power position. Generally happier than their fellow music-makers, Century leap over the pit of incongruity with the greatest of ease like trapeze artists and i had no problem following their songs routes. Naturally, the opening number Obsolescence is a great place to begin, with the 0:45 minute mark packing quite a sucker punch. Book ended by more serene, overly modern sections just increases the effect of the heavier parts, perhaps even extending the lingering feelings caused by the jarring. Watch Them Become Animals kicks off with tough riffs and equally tough grooves, which accentuate both Centurys potency and shape-shifting abilities quite nicely." - UltimateMetal.com

"The thing is with this record, despite residing clearly in a style that's become common place, Century's song writing is clearly outside the box, inventive and unpredictable as well as laden with a surprising amount of melodic depth. Overall Rating: 6/6" - MetalReview.com

This album took me by surprise. The cover art was pretty decent so i figured i'd check it out. Well, what i discovered is a band that has made metalcore a little more interesting. i'm also a little stretched about even calling them metalcore. i guess if you hear it you can make up your own mindit flows and yet is pretty choppy, and at times heavy as all hell. i'm not even really sure what else i can say about these guys other than i personally liked this album a lotit's different, a breath of fresh air. Overall Rating: 93/100 - StereoKiller.com

Every once in awhile a metal band comes along that surprises you with their one-of-a-kind style. its a shame that nowadays there are less and less bands that can blow your mind with total innovativeness that cannot be comparable to any other band. Tribunal Records Century is a band that comes very close to blowing my mind with their new album Faith and Failure. Overall Rating: 4/4 - DecoyMusic.com

A kin to their influences -- Helmet, Cave in, and Snapcase, Century specializes in brutal metal with elements of hardcore thrown inFaith and Failure' should connect with fans of underground metal that is far heavier than the majority of the supposed heavy' music that has entered the mainstream. - AllMusic.com

The thing about this record is that it truly feels like an album. Every song has a relevance that runs along with the rest of the tracks. it all fits into the same niche, and seems to be carrying across a very similar theme. This album is meant to be played loud with windows open. This album is meant to be heard by others around youStick with this band when everything you know might be lost. Their blind rage will give you strength when nothing else can. - Wrankmusic.com

This record is a great example of modern hardcore, with some very slight metal influences. These songs pack a huge punch, and i could see the modern hardcore kid being able to get into this music. i can also see the older, jaded, hardcore retirees appreciating this albumThere are tons of killer grooves, and big breakdowns, though the breakdowns are thicker and not as choppy as a band like Throwdown. The sense of melody on this record is subtle, but effective. i definitely enjoy the drumming throughout this record. There is nothing overly technical about the drum work, but it is powerful and precise. Slovak's vocals are deep, and harsh, which give each song a meaner sound. His lyrics are quite morose, but also intelligentit shows that bands don't have to rely on chunky breakdowns the whole time, incorporate poppy singing, or play "old school" in order to make a killer hardcore record. - Lambgoat.com

The music is modern hardcore with metal leanings, infused with rock elementsTight leads and precise breakdowns occur throughout, under which the powerful bass has ample room to shine. Strong drumming completes this exact and forceful rhythm section. The vocals vary between a hardcore shout, emotive and a successful front to the sound. - UltimateMetal.com

Some albums just cant live up to expectations. You will never hear that about Centurys self-titled EPThis band will go far. Slovak has assembled a cast of characters to fill in on their respective instruments for live shows and in the studio. He has truly created a quality and exciting EP to listen to. it was only fitting to end this EP with an ii - independent Clauses

Former guitarist for ArmsBendBack Carson Slovak started what he called the "Century project" as a studio project and has built it into a full-on performing bandMusically, it is innovative, creative, and something that integrates hardcore, rock, acoustic, and melodic rock. An album that leaves you wanting more without knowing what to expect. - SkratchMagazine.com

Ahhh, finally! An album with refreshing music again!i.From the very first second, the Century sound kicks in and overrules you. Awesome growling bass sounds, raging guitars and energetic drums, its all there!i.You just cant put Century into one genre. its hardcore, its metal, its rock, its everything! One thing i know for sure: ill be waiting here impatiently until Century comes over to Europe to grab us by the balls with their ass kicking noises! - MetalRage.com

Century just floored me. They bring something to the hardcore table that has been missing for a while now, lyrics with a real message. And not only do they bring an aspect of lyrical mastery, but that of musical geniusOverall, this album is nothing short of extraordinary. The hardcore music scene is in shambles right now, and if more bands follow in the steps that Century is taking, i think we'll see a liberation of the hardcore scene back to what it used to be. i highly recommend this band to anyone with a taste for real hardcore music. - For The Sound / Sputnik Music

it's one thing to look at music through a new window. To take a completely different stance on a formula, and reconfigure things to your liking. it's another to reinvent the way that others will see that same specific genre, and to lead such a revolution. Century has done this and more with their self released EP, and i'm glad i could be a part of this. Because it is only the beginningi love this EP, and i love where it takes me. i cannot wait for a full length. Overall Rating: 5/5 - WRANKmusic.com

Easily one of the best unsigned EPs ive heard in a while, this little number pulses with thick riffs and a vocal dead ringer for Jan-Chris De Koeijers deep but understandable roar. The stout production is deceptively heavy and compliments every facet of Centurys sound. - MetalReview.com

CENTURY blends hardcore and metal with a technical vibe that's in the vein of latter MESHUGGAH, but the band isn't afraid to pull out some straight-up rock as well. - PastePunk.com

Century offers a surging blend of hardcore and rock which relies heavily on its bold guitar performance as no frills riffs combine with barked vocals in a virile collection of tracks. - iAteYourMicrophone.com