If this is God’s only option for fast, gritty punk music, then God is going to be one very happy listener. And if you’re a fan of hardcore-infused punk with a raw edge, you’ll be equally pleased once you check this band out.

The album does a fantastic job of blending the chaotic energy of hardcore with the raw, unapologetic spirit of punk. It’s music that feels alive, constantly in motion, with thick basslines and raucous rhythms driving the songs forward. The energy here is palpable, and the band's ability to maintain a sense of groove amidst all the chaos is one of the album's standout features. If you’re looking for something loud, fast, and gritty, this record delivers on every front.

Bass as the Foundation

From the first note, one thing stands out: the bass. It's not just an instrument here; it’s the heartbeat of the band. The bass has such a dominant presence that it feels like it's steering the ship. On tracks like “Black Egg”, “Ripped”, and “Camouflage”, the bass takes center stage, laying down a thick, meaty foundation that drives the songs. Its tone is rich and powerful, with a low-end rumble that feels almost tactile, pulling the listener into the music. There’s a sense of both groove and aggression in the bass lines, whether it’s delivering punchy riffs or creating a more expansive, spacious feel in the background.

What's impressive is the consistency of the bass throughout the album. It never loses its intensity or its ability to keep you locked into the music. Whether it’s playing a simple, straightforward groove or a more complex, slithering pattern, the bass is always engaging. The interplay between the bass and the other instruments creates an atmosphere where the music feels more alive and organic.

Gritty Riffs and Punk Energy

While the bass may be the focal point, the guitar work is equally solid. The riffs are fast, distorted, and full of attitude. On tracks like “Glass Figure/Punished” and “Cherry On Top”, the guitar lines are quick and frantic, playing with a punk-ish abandon that’s both aggressive and catchy. They’re not the stars of the show, but they serve an important role in supporting the bass and vocals, adding another layer of tension and energy to the mix.

What’s interesting is that the guitar isn’t meant to be the main focal point; it often feels secondary to the bass or vocals, which works in the band’s favor. It creates a dynamic where the music feels more menacing and hypnotic, as if the riffs are pulling you deeper into a trance-like state. This subtle approach to the guitar allows the band to experiment with atmosphere and mood, letting the music breathe in moments of intensity and calm.

Drums: Wild and Tight

The drumming on this album is both wild and controlled, a perfect match for the fast-paced and raw energy of the music. Tracks like “Camouflage” and “Glass Figure/Punished” showcase the drummer’s ability to drive the rhythm forward with relentless energy. The beats are tight, and the patterns are unyielding, never slowing down or losing their momentum.

However, there’s a slight imbalance at times, particularly with the cymbal work. On “Cherry On Top”, for example, the cymbals get a bit overzealous and, at times, can overshadow the rest of the band. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it does feel like the drums might occasionally be pushing a bit too hard, especially when the rest of the band is in a groove. In contrast, there are moments when the drums take on a more restrained, groovy feel, as in “Do It”, where the pacing slows down, and the rhythm section locks in with the bass for a deeper, more spaced-out vibe. Here, the drumming is more tasteful, contributing to the overall atmosphere of the song.

Vocals: Raw and Pissed

The vocals throughout the album are raw, powerful, and dripping with attitude. On tracks like “Black Egg”, the vocalist’s delivery is pure aggression, delivering the lyrics with a venomous energy that perfectly matches the intensity of the music. There’s a real sense of urgency in the vocals, as if every word is being shouted in frustration or anger.

But what’s interesting is the contrast on the more mellow track “Do It”, where the vocals take on a more weary tone. The vocalist sounds winded, almost exhausted, as though the emotion has drained out of them. It’s an odd choice, especially after the pure ferocity of the earlier tracks, but it adds an unexpected layer of vulnerability. However, the track is a bit of a misstep. The song starts off disjointed, and its length feels unnecessary. At over four minutes, it begins to feel like it’s overstaying its welcome, disrupting the otherwise relentless pace of the album. The drop in energy throws off the momentum, and while it’s an interesting experiment, it may have been better placed elsewhere or trimmed down.

Chaotic and Hypnotic

Overall, the album has a chaotic yet hypnotic feel, driven by the intense, unpredictable nature of the music. The songs are fast, abrasive, and filled with energy, but there’s an underlying groove that keeps it from descending into pure noise. It’s punk at its core—angry, loud, and rebellious—but there’s a rhythmic quality to it that keeps things interesting and keeps the listener engaged. The production is crisp yet raw, capturing the essence of the band without making it sound too polished. The imperfections are part of the charm, adding to the authenticity of the album.

The only time the record falters a bit is during “Do It”, but even then, it’s more of a brief hiccup rather than a full derailment. The rest of the album is relentless in its energy, delivering everything you could want from a hardcore-infused punk record: fast riffs, thunderous bass, wild drumming, and raw vocals. It's an album that satisfies the heavy, chaotic desires of punk fans, offering a sound that’s both aggressive and strangely hypnotic.

In conclusion, this is a solid, no-nonsense punk album that doesn’t hold back. It delivers on all fronts—aggression, energy, and groove. If you’re a fan of hardcore punk, this band is definitely one to watch.