Criteria
SEIZE!
Criteria’s SEIZE! is a sonically and thematically heavy record shaped by loss, endings, and the growing urgency to capture life while it is still unfolding. Formed in Omaha in the early 2000s by Stephen Pedersen following his departure from Cursive, Criteria has always lived in the space between melody and weight, control and collapse, moving only when there was something real enough to justify it. SEIZE! reflects a period of profound personal and professional change: relationships dissolving, chapters closing, and attention turning toward the fragile beauty of the present. Recorded over seven winter days at ARC Studios in Omaha with producer Matt Bayles and mastered by Ed Brooks at Resonant Mastering, the album channels what Pedersen calls "pristinely heavy rock,” drawing from the symphonic guitars of Siamese Dream era Smashing Pumpkins, the pulse and syncopation of Battles, and the tension of Quicksand. Much of the record was written in open C tuning, turning the guitar into a massive, resonant object and reinforcing the album’s central duality: SEIZE! as in seize the day, and seize as in halt, collapse, and end. This is not a comeback record. It is a document of where a life stands right now, rendered in sound.
- Alternative
- 38:09
- May 22, 2026
- SPAR124
- LP / Digital
Have always loved Spartan and the music they put out. Wanted to write a review on this one, since it highlights why they're so great! I had ordered the new Criteria record as well as the repress of When We Break. When the record came in the mail, it was actually packaged with En Garde, which I already had a copy of. I reached out to John to see what the options were and he was absolutely fantastic. Worked to get the correct record out immediately and coordinated a return, no questions asked. Was nice for it to be just a little hiccup, and not an ordeal! You can get a sense for the love, care, and passion for the music they put out just based on the trail of releases, but it's also apparent in the way they treat people and conduct business. Have been, and will forever be, a staunch supporter. Wish I could give more stars!
The best Criteria album to date. Super heavy Midwest guitar rock with catchy anthemic hooks.
Criteria always rips, but this is honestly some of my favorite work since When We Break. The mix is amazing, and guitars growling! Nice work guys! Happy to have you back! Bring the tour to the SE!
Great pressing. Plays quiet with no pops/clicks. And it doesn't get too sibilant toward the center label. Also, the album just fuckin' rips.
Criteria should be much bigger than they are. Every note is a hook that draws you in, with no plans of letting go. Catchy, mathy, midwest emo rock goodness front to back.
One of the best albums of the year! So glad that Criteria and Spartan are putting out the music my soul needs these days. Seize is a phenomenal album. And my new T Shirt looks SICK!
Beautiful!
Another fire release by Criteria on a really pretty designed vinyl.
Great record from a great band. Everything went great lol
This album picks up where Criteria's last record left off, but somehow it is even better. The riffs are heavy and melodic, and the band sounds great together. Stephen writes the exact kind of lyrics that I am looking for. He touches upon the state of the world today without hiding behind unneceesary metaphors. This is the kind of emo rock that never goes out of style, and I'm glad that Spartan has been putting out some great stuff lately.
Incredible album - so glad Criteria is still making music.
this is my album of the year!