This disc is heavy-as-fuck Swede-styled hardcore punk that reminds me of LEFT FOR DEAD from Canaduh at times, bits of early NAPALM DEATH if you slowed it down, a touch of CONFUSE and a few other things. As far as as feel and aesthetic, TERRORIZER's "World Downfall" album is a good comparison - guys into metal "going back to their roots". It has some awesome moments but I could have done without the buildup of Kevin Sharp's "Let me list off the records I own" spiel. I also could have done without them listing their names on the back of the disc in bigger lettering than the song titles. Remember NAILBOMB? They put their music out first, then let you know who was in the band. Actually my only real bitch about the music is that the drums all seem the same. That paddle-thrash beat (ride the snare and the hi-hat, throw in a fill every 20 seconds or so, etc.) makes the songs sound slower and less intense than they really are. That's the reason why I pretty much gave up on grind - it all sounds the same. The guitar riffs tend to slip into that cheat-riffing YOUTH OF TODAY and other posi-bands used which (much like speed picking is to metal) is one of the most overused cliches of hardcore. Really, they should have taken more time and kicked out a few more songs with more depth.
But overall, what I hear is cool for a one-off deal. Most of my criticism is more in line for a band that's in it for the "long haul". But if these guys go back and record again, I hope they spend more time on the music and listen to that old AEROSMITH tune and "Let The Music Do The Talkin'". Nuff said.
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