Poison Tongues – What Lies Beneath the Ice Album Review:
Poison Tongues, hailing from the tough, cold streets of Detroit, are back with their latest release What Lies Beneath the Ice. Known for their hard-hitting hardcore sound and heavy grooves, this band continues to keep their roots firmly planted in a tradition of gritty, no-nonsense music. Born from fire, as they put it, Poison Tongues returns with a sound that’s both familiar and slightly evolved, offering up a collection of tracks that are heavy, tough, and, at times, surprisingly playful.
A Cold, Heavy Return
The overall vibe of What Lies Beneath the Ice is hard and relentless, but it feels a bit more subdued compared to their previous release. Don’t let that fool you, though—these guys are still as tough as ever, and that toughness comes through in spades. What stands out most on this album is the incredible rhythm section. The bass and drums are the backbone of this release, driving the intensity of every track.
Bass and Drums: The Heartbeat of the Album
The bass tone on this record is absolutely crushing. As always, it’s thick, heavy, groovy, and packs a punch right in your chest. The bass really takes center stage, especially on tracks like “Shyster’s Oath,” “No Other Way,” and “House of Schemes,” where it locks in perfectly with the drums and pushes the entire band forward with ease. The low-end tones rumble through each song, maintaining that signature Poison Tongues heaviness while also adding a deep groove that gets under your skin.
The drumming on What Lies Beneath the Ice is equally impressive. From the very start of the album on the title track, “Beneath the Ice,” to the intensity of “Cower,” the drums are tight, sharp, and fluid. The drumming provides the backbone to every song, keeping them on track with precision. There’s also a noticeable shift in some tracks with a snare drum that really pops, particularly on “House of Schemes” and “N.T.O.T.F.W.,” which gives those songs a slightly more urgent feel. In addition, the band plays with some interesting percussive choices, like the tribal-esque bongo rhythms that show up in “On the Brink.” It’s a refreshing change of pace and adds an unexpected flavor to the song, showing that Poison Tongues are willing to experiment a little while still staying true to their hardcore roots.
Riffs: Some Hits, Some Misses
One area where What Lies Beneath the Ice falters, however, is in the riffing. At times, the riffs feel a bit clunky or disjointed, especially in tracks like “Beneath the Ice” and “Been Here.” These songs could have benefitted from tighter, more cohesive transitions between riffs. It’s a minor complaint, but it stands out when compared to tracks like “Shyster’s Oath,” where everything clicks perfectly. The riffs on that song are tight, sharp, and well-crafted, and they’re a standout moment on the album.
There are also some moments where the shredding feels out of place, particularly on “No Other Way” and parts of “On the Brink.” While the band leans into some thrashy, high-energy riffs toward the end of “On the Brink” that fit perfectly with the song’s mood, the earlier moments of shredding feel somewhat forced or unnecessary. It’s clear the band is capable of playing at a high technical level, but sometimes less is more when it comes to delivering the right vibe.
Vocals: From Subdued to Scorching
At first, the vocals on What Lies Beneath the Ice seem a bit more subdued compared to the band’s previous releases. There’s less of the raw, raspy energy that characterized earlier albums, and at first, this gives the impression that the band may have lost some of their bite. However, as the album progresses, the vocals gain more weight and intensity, particularly in the lower registers. By the later tracks, you can hear the same growling, guttural tones that made their previous album so hard-hitting.
It’s worth noting that the vocals are also heavily influenced by the band’s love for Biohazard, a comparison that will come up throughout the album. Poison Tongues incorporate a groovy hardcore style similar to Biohazard’s, along with those signature gang vocals that bring an added sense of unity and power to the tracks. “No Other Way” and “Been Here” are prime examples, where the gang vocals make the songs hit harder and feel more unified. When the band brings the groove and aggression together, they truly shine, and this is where Poison Tongues’ sound feels the most authentic.
The Verdict: A Solid Effort with Some Minor Hiccups
What Lies Beneath the Ice is definitely a strong album, but it’s not without its flaws. The rhythm section is as tight as ever, and the band’s ability to blend heavy, groovy hardcore with moments of experimentation shows that they’re still evolving. However, the album suffers a bit from some inconsistent riffing, which occasionally feels out of sync or forced. The vocals, while initially a bit subdued, eventually grow into the raw, powerful delivery fans have come to expect.
In the end, Poison Tongues have delivered a solid effort that, while not as explosive as their previous album, still packs a punch. It’s a record that showcases their ability to experiment with new sounds without losing the toughness that made them great in the first place. Hardcore fans will appreciate the intensity and energy of the album, even if there are a few rough patches along the way. All in all, What Lies Beneath the Ice is a worthy addition to Poison Tongues’ discography, and while there’s room for growth, it’s clear that these Detroit natives are still as hard-hitting and dangerous as ever.
RATING:7.5/10
NOTABLE TRACKS:
House Of Schemes
Shyster’s Oath
Cower