San Diego’s Hereditary come crashing out the gate with a debut that feels both deeply rooted in hardcore tradition and boldly refreshing in its execution. With a sound that’s raw, groove-heavy, and unapologetically intense, they tap into the California hardcore lineage while forging something distinct and immediate.

The record kicks off with a moody and ominous “Intro”, where crawling riffs and haunting atmosphere build into a sludgy, mid-tempo chug. Right away, the bass tone stands out — thick, buzzing, and filthy in the best way. It never overwhelms the mix, but constantly pushes the momentum forward. That low-end heft becomes one of the defining elements of the entire release, grounding even the wildest moments with undeniable weight.

The production is tight and punchy, allowing each element to breathe while still maintaining grit. Drums punch hard and vary between explosive fills and hardcore two-step rhythms, while guitars shift seamlessly between groove-driven breakdowns, stomping mid-tempos, and bursts of speed. Tracks like “Not the Same” showcase Hereditary’s balance of aggression and dynamics. The shouted vocals strain with urgency, while the rhythm section locks in to create a steady, pulsing intensity. A guest feature from Mongrel brings even more fire without overcrowding the mix — a great example of how collaboration can raise the stakes without losing focus.

As the album progresses, Hereditary prove that they know how to build momentum and when to unleash it. On “No Remorse”, the tempo spikes with crossover thrash energy reminiscent of early Power Trip, fused with the grit of classic California hardcore. The double-kick drums and slicing riffs make it one of the record’s most immediate standouts.

Groove is the album’s true core. Tracks like “Change” and “Can’t Stop It” pulse with life, built on riffs and rhythms that are both crushing and infectious. These are songs made for the pit, but they avoid falling into the trap of mindless repetition. Instead, Hereditary focus on how drums and guitar can work together to build tension — and then let it snap. On “Can’t Stop It,” distant echoes add a subtle layer of atmosphere that gives the track a more expansive feel, proving the band isn't afraid to experiment without losing their edge.

That said, not every track lands with the same impact. The vocals, while passionate and fitting, occasionally get lost behind the more dominant instruments, and a few songs — like “Find the Strength” and “Empty Faith” — run slightly long without offering enough variation early on. But the payoff in their breakdowns and the consistency of that distorted bass make the journey worth it.

Near the end of the record, Hereditary really flex their versatility. “Won’t Fool Me” brings in a tribal-like drum pulse before erupting into high-energy punk fury, while “Empty Faith” leans into a darker, heavier tone, evoking Terror-style aggression with riffs that feel distant yet crushing.

By the final track, it’s clear: Hereditary isn’t just another hardcore band — they’re a force. Their debut is a heavy, groove-drenched slab of San Diego hardcore that pulls from the past while pushing forward with thick tones, smart songwriting, and no shortage of heart. The bass is gnarly, the riffs are mean, and while the vocals might not always take center stage, the band’s total energy more than makes up for it.

Fans of everything from Madball, Terror, and Harm’s Way to Power Trip and even Nails will find plenty to grab onto here.

Hereditary isn’t reinventing the genre — they’re refining it. And they’re doing it with power, purpose, and zero compromise.

Rating: 8/10