Suppressor – A Hardcore Effort That Struggles to Find Its Own Voice
You might need to suppress your excitement after diving into this by-the-numbers hardcore album from Suppressor. The Birmingham-based band clearly has a love for the genre and tries to carve out their own identity, but instead of expanding on their influences, they seem to be leaning too heavily on imitation. Unfortunately, the execution doesn’t quite land either, with awkward song structures and vocal performances that feel uncertain at times.
One of the biggest issues here is the flow between song sections. Hardcore thrives on momentum, but this album struggles with transitions—choruses, bridges, and verses don’t always connect naturally, making the songwriting feel disjointed. It’s as if the band hasn’t quite mastered how to build a song that keeps its energy moving seamlessly.
That being said, there are some bright spots in the instrumentation. The guitars sound fantastic—metallic, raw, and nasty in the best way possible. They bring a heavy, aggressive tone that cuts through the mix well. Drums, on the other hand, could have been mixed better. When they are prominent in the mix, they showcase some really interesting patterns, and the drummer clearly isn’t afraid to let loose. However, their impact is diminished at times due to lackluster production balance. The biggest casualty in the mix is the bass, which often gets buried under everything else, making it hard to appreciate what it’s bringing to the table.
One of the most puzzling choices on this 20-minute album is the inclusion of three interludes. While interludes can help build atmosphere or serve as a breather, in this case, they feel unnecessary and even distracting. Instead of enhancing the album’s pacing, they interrupt the energy and make the record feel less focused. Cutting at least one (if not two) would have made for a tighter, more cohesive listening experience.
At its core, Suppressor has the potential to be a strong hardcore band, but this release feels like a band still finding its footing. There are great moments—**the guitar tones, the drumming, and flashes of raw energy—but the awkward song structures, missing bass presence, and overuse of interludes hold it back. If they can tighten their songwriting and focus on refining their own unique style, they have the foundation to elevate their sound beyond just homage.
For now, this album lands in the realm of forgettable hardcore releases—not bad, but not particularly memorable either.
RATING: 6.5/10
NOTIABLE TRACKS:
Leech
Insane
No Easy Way Out
Suppress