Get ready to get smoked out big time by the boys from Smoked 909. This heavy, hardcore outfit is here to deliver some seriously massive riffs with just the right amount of groove. Their sound is packed with a raw, gritty edge that hits hard, yet still manages to inject some cool rhythm into the mix. Right from the start, the guitars are ripping—dirty and heavy, especially on tracks like “Refuse,” where the riffs come at you with a thick, menacing energy. There's a groove embedded in these heavy riffs, and they have this subtle nu-metal vibe to them that’ll have you nodding your head without even realizing it. The guitar work on “Enemy” really stands out, too, with some intricate, technical playing that adds a layer of depth to the band’s sound, showing that they’re not just about brute force, but skill as well.
While the guitars lay down the foundation, the drumming is arguably the most impressive part of this release. The drums are tight, punchy, and full of energy. The fills and rolls on tracks like “Refuse” hit hard and keep things dynamic, providing a powerful backbone to the band’s sound. There's a level of precision and intensity in the drumming that really stands out, especially toward the end of “Shadow Cast,” where the drummer goes off with some seriously groovy, rapid-fire beats that’ll make your head spin. These guys know how to keep things interesting behind the kit, and they show off their chops with every hit.
The bass, on the other hand, is a bit quieter for most of the album, often lurking in the background, but it does make an impact when it decides to step forward. Tracks like “Shadow Cast” feature some thick, rumbling bass lines that add an extra layer of depth to the overall sound, proving that the low end has its moment to shine.
When it comes to vocals, they're solid but don't necessarily steal the show. The vocal style is heavy and fits well with the band's hardcore vibe, but for much of the album, they don't offer anything that stands out as exceptional. They’re not bad—just straightforward, aggressive vocals that serve the music well. That said, things take a turn toward the end on “Shadow Cast,” where the vocalist switches things up a bit, incorporating some high-pitched shrieks and gutturals. This shift shows a bit more range and versatility, which is a nice surprise after the more standard approach earlier on.
As for the production, it’s not perfect but definitely solid. The overall mix is balanced, with the exception of the bass, which could stand to be a bit more prominent at times. Otherwise, everything else sounds well-layered, with just enough grit to give it that heavy, hardcore feel without sacrificing clarity. The overall tone is thick and punishing, which suits the music perfectly. If this teaser is any indication, Smoked 909 is gearing up for something big. They’ve definitely got the ingredients for a full-throttle release that fans of heavy, groove-laden hardcore can sink their teeth into.
So get ready to take a hit of what they’re smoking—because these guys have definitely got that good shit, and they’re about to blow up!
RATING: 8/10
NOTABLE TRACKS:
Enemy
Shadow Cast