Get ready for your ears to be ringing for days after you check out this episode from the band Walk Alone. First things first—let me address the elephant in the room: as much as I love a good cymbal splash or crash, the amount of cymbal action on this episode is almost comical. At times, it's so over the top that it actually drowns out other instruments and distracts from the overall experience. Honestly, it can be a bit overwhelming. But here's the thing: when the band does pull back on the relentless cymbal work, they deliver some seriously solid hardcore riffs, crushing percussion, and intense, raw vocals that make it all worthwhile.
The standout feature of this episode is the vocalist, whose performance is downright impressive. His delivery is aggressive yet effortless, and the raw energy behind his voice is impossible to ignore. It’s one of those performances where you can feel the intensity in every scream and every line. The pacing of the tracks is another highlight—short and sweet, each song punches in hard and doesn’t overstay its welcome, which keeps the energy high throughout.
As far as the mixing and mastering go, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. While it’s far from bad, there’s a clear struggle with balancing the cymbals in the mix. The constant crashing creates some confusion, and it’s hard to tell if that’s a result of the drummer’s relentless style or the producer’s decision to let them shine so brightly. Regardless, this EP still has a lot to offer, especially for hardcore enthusiasts who are into that raw, no-holds-barred energy. It's a rough but relentless ride that, despite its flaws, packs a punch.
RATING: 7/10
NOTIABLE TRACKS:
Labor Of Hate
For The Birds
Still Empty