Scotland’s own Despize has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, proving to the world exactly what the Scottish hardcore scene is made of. With this album, they’ve firmly planted their flag, ready to kick ass and mosh their way into your heart with an onslaught of solid, no-frills tracks. From the opening moments, it’s clear this band is here to deliver raw, unrelenting energy.

One of the most impressive aspects of this album is the production. The mixing and layering are incredibly tight, adding a level of polish that elevates the entire record. Every instrument feels carefully placed, ensuring that the intensity of the music hits you like a freight train without losing any of its raw energy. The guitar riffs are dirty and heavy, exactly what you’d expect from a hardcore band, and the simplicity of the riffing is striking—it's direct and primal, but executed with such finesse that it grabs your attention every time. The tone and tuning are on point, giving the music a gritty yet polished feel that’s hard to ignore.

The drumming is another standout element. Snappy and energetic, the beats never let up, keeping the adrenaline pumping throughout. The drum fills are dynamic and well-executed, providing little bursts of excitement that help maintain a sense of momentum without ever feeling stale or repetitive. 

Vocally, Despize brings a raw, unfiltered aggression to the table. There’s an undeniable power behind the vocals, driven by anger and passion. That said, there are moments where the vocals can get a little muffled, making it tough to catch every word. It’s not a huge issue, but it does detract from the overall impact of the lyrics at times. Thankfully, the backing vocals inject some variety into the mix, keeping the tracks fresh and ensuring that you’re always engaged.

The one real downside here is the bass. It often gets buried in the mix or completely drowned out by the other instruments. When you can hear it, though, it sounds solid—rich and full, adding an extra layer of depth to the sound. It’s just a shame it doesn't get the attention it deserves throughout the album.

All in all, this is a well-produced, powerhouse of a record that does exactly what it sets out to do: it shows you what the Scottish hardcore scene is all about. Despize is here to bring the pain, and with this album, they’ve made it clear that they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. If you like your hardcore with a healthy dose of aggression, passion, and a killer sense of rhythm, this one’s definitely worth checking out.