The unrelenting force of Merciless Bodycount returns, bringing with them a mix of heavy music and even heavier lyrics, some of which can lean a little on the cheesy side. Despite being an old-school metal band, they prove they can still hang with the younger generation, delivering tracks that are just as hard-hitting as ever. Whether it’s the thick, crushing guitar riffs or the relentlessly dark lyrics, the band still shows they’ve got plenty of bite left.

The riffs on this album are definitely the standout element. They strike a perfect balance between modern and classic metal, with a blend of crunchy, groovy, and technical elements that never let up. Tracks like “Purge,” “Psychopath,” and “Drug Lords” showcase these riffs at their best: heavy, groovy, and smooth in a way that keeps the album fresh and exciting. These are the moments when the band truly shines. However, not all of the songs maintain this intensity. Slower tracks like “Fuck What You Heard,” “Do or Die,” and “World War” feature riffs that feel a bit more restrained, lacking the same ferocity that makes the faster songs pop. The album really seems to thrive when it's pushing full throttle, with the faster, heavier songs being where the band excels.

The drumming on this album is competent but not particularly remarkable. While there are moments of dynamic variation, like on “Live Forever,” the drumming mostly stays in a safe, straightforward groove. However, it does stand out in “Do or Die,” where the addition of a gunshot sound effect over the snare adds a unique touch that gives the song an extra punch. Despite these small highlights, the drumming generally takes a backseat, playing a supporting role rather than driving the music forward.

The bass work here is subtle, serving as a solid foundation for the band's heavier sound without ever really stepping into the spotlight. It doesn’t do anything flashy, but it holds the sound together well, adding a necessary weight to the overall mix. However, on “Mic Contract,” the bass really shines, thickening up the vocals and giving them a bit more depth and power.

Vocally, the band pulls off some strong performances, especially when they bring in guest features. Ice-T, for example, brings some fiery energy to his spots, especially on tracks like “Psychopath,” “Live Forever,” and “Comfortably Numb,” where his delivery carries real intensity. His softer, more spoken moments can occasionally slow the pace, but it’s clear he’s aiming to make his message resonate. Sometimes his lyrics can feel a little on the nose or even cheesy, like on “Fuck What You Heard” or “Merciless,” but at other times they cut deep, reflecting the turmoil of the world, the rising tensions in society, and the decline of mental health.

The guest features are a highlight, with Corpsegrinder’s commanding presence on “Psychopath” and Max’s intense performance on “Drug Lords.” Both really elevate their respective tracks, taking them to the next level. Howard Jones delivers a solid performance on his feature, though at times his clean vocals can get a bit muddled. Still, overall, the vocal contributions add a lot of flavor to the album.

Lyrically, Merciless Bodycount does an impressive job of striking a balance between moments of grit and raw emotion. Some of their lyrics can definitely feel a bit cheesy at times, but when they hit, they hit hard. The band effectively captures the frustrations of modern life, reflecting on societal issues, personal struggles, and the bleak state of the world. While some songs may seem a bit simplistic in execution, the messages they convey can hit like a sledgehammer, making an impact that lingers.

In summary, Merciless Bodycount may not be reinventing the wheel, but they’ve still got the drive and aggression to keep delivering powerful, heavy music that resonates. The riffs, guest features, and intense atmosphere of the album are what make it worth your time, even if some moments fall a bit flat or feel overly familiar. Still, the underlying message about the state of the world and the human condition makes this album more than just an exercise in heavy metal—it’s a reflection of the times we’re living in.