Conviction is Odd Man Out going all in on Seattle straightedge hardcore, and it wastes no time making that clear. From the opening moments of “Fraud,” the album comes out swinging—ringing guitars build tension before detonating into massive riffs and chest-rattling drums. The vocals hit low and guttural, the snares snap sharply through the mix, and the guitars glide between thrash speed and locked-in groove with total confidence. It’s an immediate statement of control and intensity, the kind of opener that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t loosen its grip.

That momentum carries straight into “The (Penalty Box) Intro,” where thick, authoritative riffs and booming bass reinforce the band’s physical presence. The vocals balance grit and swagger, while the drums stay tight and aggressive without ever feeling rushed. Odd Man Out’s sense of dynamics shines here—brief pullbacks and simpler passages are used strategically, making the heavier sections land with even more force. It’s hardcore that understands when to breathe and when to strike.

Across Conviction, the band excel at balancing thrash-driven chaos with groove-heavy weight. “Crosscheck” rides a thick, buzzy bass tone beneath wailing riffs that slide naturally into clean two-step patterns, with guest vocals adding extra punch without stealing focus. “Seattle Straight Edge” doubles down on identity, pairing gang-style shouts with tension-building breakdowns that shift between slow, crushing heaviness and faster, pit-ready bursts. The transitions are seamless, and the energy never dips.

Tracks like “Party Line” and “Strike You Down” sharpen that approach even further. Simple, cutting riffs sit atop bouncy bass and punchy drum work, each groove snapping into place with precision. The breakdowns hit hard without feeling forced. On the darker end, “Eye 4 N Eye” and “Money Man” slow things down into a more viscous crawl, letting thick riffs, heavy low end, and raw, almost feral vocals take center stage. These moments of restraint make the faster sections feel even more explosive by contrast, keeping the album from ever growing stale.

As the record pushes toward its finish, “Now You Pay – Stomp” and “West Coast World Wide” highlight the band’s command of pacing. Galloping riffs, snapping cymbals, and shouted vocals drive the energy forward, blending pride and aggression into a closing stretch that feels both celebratory and brutal. The constant push and pull between speed and groove ties the album together, making it feel like a single, continuous surge rather than a collection of isolated tracks.

The production plays a huge role in the album’s impact. Everything sounds clean without losing aggression, allowing the riffs to cut, the bass to thump, and the drums to hit with full force. More importantly, Conviction carries an unmistakable sense of urgency and authenticity. Odd Man Out don’t just play hardcore—they live it. Every riff, every drum hit, and every vocal line feels deliberate and committed.

Relentless, groovy, and impossible to ignore, Conviction proves that Seattle straightedge hardcore is still evolving without losing its backbone. From the opening charge of “Fraud” to the final surge of “West Coast World Wide,” the album delivers heavy riffs, snapping drums, crushing breakdowns, and memorable grooves in constant motion. Odd Man Out have crafted a record that hits hard, moves bodies, and leaves a lasting mark.