Salt wants you to suffer—but not in the way you might think. It's not that their music is bad, far from it. No, they want you to suffer in the pit, feeling every raw, blistering moment as you tear it up during their live shows. This Ohio-based punk band is back with their signature blend of hardcore-infused punk, and they're here to remind you why they're a force to be reckoned with.

One of the things that sets Salt apart is their ability to seamlessly blend a variety of influences. At times, they channel the hard-hitting energy of punk bands like Stray from the Path, while other moments bring to mind a grunge-fueled rage akin to Rage Against the Machine. The result is a sound that’s equal parts aggressive, dynamic, and undeniably catchy.

From the very first note, it’s clear that Salt has come to bring the heat. The drums are tight, sharp, and relentless, with some of the most precise playing you’ll hear in North America. The snare hits with a sharp, cutting punch, and the drummer delivers fast, intricate rolls and unique patterns that make tracks like “Divide,” “Proud,” and “Bitchmade” stand out. You can feel the energy and commitment in every hit—this is a drummer who leaves it all on the table, pushing the band forward with unmatched intensity.

As always, the vocals are a centerpiece of Salt's sound, dripping with the same raw piss and vigor that fans know and love. There's a fire in the vocalist's voice, and it's backed by hard-hitting, thought-provoking lyrics like “Suffering is constant hard” on the track “Constant.” His higher vocal range remains a signature element of Salt’s style, lending an urgent, almost desperate tone to songs like “Divide,” where the delivery perfectly matches the song's fierce energy. There’s an undeniable power in his voice, a rawness that makes you feel the anger and frustration in every word.

The guitar riffs are as dynamic and diverse as ever, employing everything from slick guitar slides to dissonant, jarring playing that keeps things feeling fresh and unpredictable. Tracks like “Salt Style” and “Proud” feature riffs that are both groovy and gritty, keeping the energy high while ensuring the songs maintain a sense of momentum. The riffs never overstay their welcome, staying sharp and to the point—just like the rest of the album.

The bass here deserves special mention as well. Distorted and groovy, it provides a deep, resonant backbone that grounds the songs while adding an extra layer of texture. It feels vibrant and alive, especially on tracks like “Salt Style” and “Bitchmade,” where it intertwines seamlessly with the drums and guitar to create a sonic storm that’s impossible to ignore.

In keeping with Salt’s style, the songs here are short and punchy, with no room for filler. The pacing is rapid, and the quick, high-energy bursts make the album highly replayable. It's the kind of record you can throw on repeat and never tire of. While the production may not be the album's most memorable aspect—there's nothing too flashy or experimental here—it doesn’t need to be. Salt makes up for it with the sheer intensity and passion they bring to every track. The band plays with such force that any shortcomings in the mix are easily overlooked. Their energy is the real driving force behind this release, and it’s enough to carry the entire album.

Once again, Salt delivers a record that packs a punch. Their hardcore-punk fusion is as brutal and unapologetic as ever, and this release proves they're not slowing down anytime soon. If you’ve ever seen them live, you know they’re a band that brings it in spades, and this record is no different. Salt continues to prove that when they drop new material, it’s going to hit hard—and it’s going to stick with you.