"If This is Where No Cure Has to Die," the latest release from this Alabama-based slamming hardcore band, is an impressive, well-executed effort that elevates their already aggressive and hard-hitting style. The band has refined its approach, focusing on a clear, cohesive theme throughout the album—religion's intense impact on people's lives—and integrated guest vocals to make the record even more dynamic and compelling. Each track is imbued with a sense of defiance and tension, highlighting a struggle against oppressive religious teachings, with the lyrics remaining consistent, well-written, and emotionally resonant.
One of the standout features of this album is the guest vocal contributions. These guest spots elevate the music, offering varied and powerful vocal styles that complement the aggressive tone of the band’s hardcore sound. The guttural death metal growls on tracks like "The Basement Beneath the Fountain" add an intense, visceral energy to the song. Similarly, the hard, low vocals on "Forced Coagulation" and the raw, dirty vocal style on "Your Children Will Drown in the Burning River" bring depth and variety, enriching the overall sound. However, one guest spot doesn’t quite fit as seamlessly. On "Warcry," the high-pitched vocals feel slightly out of place compared to the overall harshness of the album, though they still work when layered with the gang vocals, which are another highlight of the record. The gang vocals throughout are strong and effective, creating a sense of unity and collective force that enhances the impact of the tracks.
Musically, the band retains its heavy foundation but has made strides in refining its sound. The riffs are tightly constructed—dense, hard-hitting, and stiff on tracks like "Hang Me from the Bible Belt" and "Forced Coagulation," but also more nuanced and groovy on songs like "Your Children Will Drown in the Burning River." The dynamics are much cleaner and more refined than previous releases, offering a more intricate and varied listening experience. The bass work is particularly noteworthy, delivering a dirty, grimy sound that adds weight to the music, especially on "Kill a Frat Guy" and "Forced Coagulation." The bass drives the heaviness of the tracks while maintaining a sense of grit and grime, contributing to the album’s overall atmosphere.
The drumming on this record is a blend of aggressive, death metal-inspired blast beats and groove-oriented patterns. Tracks like "Don't Need Your Help" showcase fast, punishing beats, while "Forced Coagulation" features more groove-laden drumming that complements the overall intensity. The grooves are especially effective during the two-step parts, as demonstrated in "Hang Me from the Bible Belt." The transitions into these parts are smooth and well-executed, making for an engaging and dynamic listening experience. However, towards the end of the album, the drums feel slightly stiffer and more predictable, particularly on tracks like "Kill a Frat Guy" and "Warcry." It’s not a major flaw, but it’s noticeable when compared to the more intricate drum work earlier in the album.
The pacing of the record is exceptional, especially given the intensity of the material. Despite being only 19 minutes long, the album feels much longer, in the best possible way. Tracks like "Hang Me from the Bible Belt" are packed with so many distinct elements and shifts in style that they feel much more expansive than their run time suggests. Meanwhile, shorter tracks like "The Problem Is You (Same Old Shit)" maintain a tight, cohesive energy, demonstrating the band’s ability to pack a punch in less time. The album's pacing is impeccable, ensuring that the record never overstays its welcome, even as it feels rich with content and atmosphere.
Overall, this release represents a significant evolution for the band, blending their signature heaviness with more refined musical techniques and a more focused thematic narrative. They have pushed their style of hardcore in a new, exciting direction, successfully balancing aggression, groove, and complexity. By refining their approach and honing in on what makes their music impactful, the band has crafted an album that not only resonates deeply with listeners but also positions them for further growth in the hardcore scene.
RATING:9/10
NOTABLE TRACKS:
Hang Me From The Bible Belt
The Basement Beneath The Fountain
Your Children Will Drown In The Burning River