The guitarist for Purity's Demise wears a porcelain-looking mask during their shows. The expressionless mask nonetheless appears both delicate and strangely menacing, a paradox that perfectly describes the sound that Purity's Demise creates.

At their best, Purity's Demise brings a melodic emotion to their music that contrasts brilliantly with their hardcore sound. The dynamic difference between the two is as pronounced as a whisper to a scream. Hardcore purists might rail at the assertion that a band can pull off both styles within the same song. Make no mistake, Purity's Demise's frontman can scream with the best of them - but it is in fact the warm tones of his voice in the softer/melodic parts of their music that sets them apart and helps the screaming make more of an impact.

Despite the guitarist's facial accoutrements, the guys in the band can't mask their enjoyment of playing, and of just being out in the local music scene. That seems like a simple enough quality to possess, yet too many bands or band members seem to forget to have fun while they're up on stage or out in the crowd before or after their show. Perhaps it's a case of nerves, or perhaps they're jaded. Purity's Demise don't have that problem - they appear to be loving every minute of it.

On this particular night, the sound-guy seemed to finish about one song before the band did. Unfazed, the band continued on without him. Perhaps catching the hint from the crowd, who were still rocking out, the sound-guy turned the mics back on and the band finished the last song. That kind of performance enthusiasm will serve Purity's Demise well in a business where not everyone's agenda is on par with the band's.

If Purity's Demise was an NBA draft pick, they'd be described as having a lot of "upside", meaning they are still raw, but have the potential to achieve a lot of success. They are still putting the pieces of their puzzle together - expanding their song list, gaining live experience, recording new material, and working on a web site.

Like other local faves Roots Down Below, Purity's Demise have the potential to propel beyond this little clambake we all call home. Although they haven't been together very long - six months or so - they have a sound that is undeniably appealing, and a live show that is exciting and tighter than it should be given their short time together.