Chemical-X delivers a solid dose of hardcore punk with Daze of Hate, an album built on tight, punchy drums and thick, grooving basslines. From the moment September kicks off, it’s clear that the rhythm section is the backbone of the band’s sound. The bass locks into deep, driving grooves, while the drums maintain a steady pulse that keeps the energy high throughout the record. Together, they create a foundation that carries the album’s fast-paced, no-frills approach to punk rock.
The guitars, while not overly flashy, serve their purpose in keeping the momentum going. Straightforward and aggressive, they do their job well, though tracks like Flaming Youth and Take a Step Back bring an extra punch, leaning into a Bad Religion-style skate punk energy that adds variety to the mix. The interplay between the guitars and the rhythm section works best when the riffs break out of their simplicity, injecting an extra dose of melody or urgency to elevate the overall sound.
Vocally, Daze of Hate has its ups and downs. The main vocal delivery can feel a little stiff at times, particularly on Cost of Living, where the performance lacks the raw emotion that makes hardcore punk so visceral. However, when the backing vocals kick in—like on Don’t Look at Me and Think of You—they add much-needed depth and urgency, bringing a more anthemic quality to the mix. Gave a Man a Mile stands out as one of the strongest vocal performances, with a grittier, more urgent approach that gives the song an extra layer of intensity and passion.
While Daze of Hate largely sticks to a familiar punk formula, it does manage to throw in a few surprises. Rat’s Ass is a short, sharp burst of aggression that leans further into hardcore territory, showing the band’s ability to ramp up the intensity when needed. Meanwhile, Go, Speed, Go! introduces a surf-punk vibe with its bouncy bassline and energetic pacing, offering a refreshing change of pace. These moments hint at a broader range of influences that the band could potentially explore further in future releases.
However, not every track hits with the same impact. Songs like Cost of Living and Get What’s Comin’ aren’t necessarily bad, but they lack the spark that makes other moments on the album stand out. They get the job done but don’t leave much of a lasting impression. That said, even on the more straightforward tracks, the rhythm section consistently delivers. The bass and drums hold things down with precision and energy, even when the guitars and vocals play it a little too safe.
Some of the best instrumental performances come through on Mostly Uninterested and Stain, where the drumming shines with sharp fills and driving beats that push the songs forward. The bass work stands out the most on September and Stain, locking in infectious grooves that add weight to the overall sound.
Ultimately, Daze of Hate doesn’t aim to reinvent the wheel, and at times, it plays things a little too safely. But with its solid musicianship, strong rhythm section, and a handful of standout moments, it remains an enjoyable listen. While it may not shake up the punk scene, it’s a well-executed album that hardcore punk fans will find plenty to appreciate.
RATING: 6.5/10
NOTABLE TRACKS:
gave a man a mile
mostly uninterested
think of you