Naming your album Goat is a bold statement—you're practically calling your own shot as one of the greatest. But ACXDC (Antichrist Demoncore) doesn’t just talk the talk—they absolutely deliver. This LA-based powerviolence unit unleashes an unrelenting assault of grind, punk, and hardcore elements, all packed into a blistering 17-track experience that never lets up. It’s fast, it’s violent, and somehow, despite its sheer chaos, it’s got a level of groove and finesse that most bands in this lane can only dream of.

One of the most impressive aspects of Goat is how ACXDC manages to be so jarring and intense while still sounding incredibly smooth. Every blast beat, every ear-shattering vocal fry, every razor-sharp riff—everything hits with surgical precision but never feels robotic or soulless. The band has honed their craft to an absurd degree, making their brand of powerviolence feel both wild and refined at the same time.

A huge part of what makes this album feel so goated is the production. Powerviolence and grindcore records often thrive in lo-fi, raw aesthetics, but Goat is crisp, punchy, and immaculately mixed while still maintaining that nasty, unfiltered energy. The guitars are razor-sharp, the drums cut through like a machine gun, and the bass is thick enough to rattle your skull. It’s a sonic beatdown, but one that you can actually hear every nuance of—which makes it all the more satisfying.

Then there’s the pacing. With 17 songs, none clocking in over a minute, you might expect things to blur together, but ACXDC makes sure that never happens. Each track has a distinctive energy, offering something fresh while staying within the band’s relentless sonic framework. Whether it’s a groovier, punk-leaning moment, a straight-up grind attack, or something that leans into hardcore brutality, every song keeps you engaged. It’s a constant onslaught, but never monotonous.

The biggest takeaway from Goat? Consistency. From start to finish, every track is packed with raw energy and attitude, making it one of the most ridiculously solid powerviolence records in recent memory. By the time it’s over, you’re left with a stank face and one thought in your head: How the hell do they keep making songs this good?!

Without a doubt, Goat earns its title. It’s not just one of the best powerviolence records of the year—it’s one of the best of the genre, period.