Album Review: Through Storms Ahead Compilation

The Through Storms Ahead compilation offers a vibrant mix of bands and styles, showcasing some unique and gritty sounds within the hardcore, punk, and metal scenes. From groovy basslines to raw, high-energy vocals, each track brings something fresh to the table, often pushing the limits of traditional hardcore. Here’s a breakdown of each track and what stands out.

1. "Text Me When You Get Home" (Supernova)
This track opens with a groovy, heavy bass that immediately sets a laid-back yet powerful tone. The drums are simple and a bit loose, but they add to the song's overall vibe, providing a great groove that complements the catchy riffs and solid tuning. The clean vocals here are impressive, projecting well and adding an extra layer of distinctiveness to the song. While the drums could be tighter, they work well with the relaxed rhythm. The bass solo in the middle is a nice surprise, showcasing some technicality and flair. The lyrics are fantastic, especially the gang vocals part, which elevates the energy of the track. As the song progresses, it keeps building momentum, climaxing with a deep, hard breakdown. This track sets a high bar for the rest of the compilation, mixing groove with great lyrical content.

2. "Cancer" (Rot) (Right in Time)
"Cancer" delivers standard youth crew riffs that are familiar yet effective. The vocals are high-pitched and intense, adding to the raw emotion of the track. The drums are fast and tight, really driving the rhythm forward. The song takes an unexpected turn with an abrupt stop, transitioning into a groovy two-step floorpunch section that adds some fresh energy. While the riffs have good tuning, the transitions between sections can feel a bit awkward at times. The bass work is decent but not as standout as some other tracks. Overall, it’s a solid song, with a few moments that really pop, but it doesn’t push any boundaries.

3. "Fuera de Juego" (Mariscal X)
The production on this track is notably clean, with a mix that allows the large, beefy riffs to shine. There's a DIY feel to the sound, but it’s been well-recorded, creating a unique balance between raw energy and polished quality. The drums are tight, and the vocals bring a raw, almost squeaky energy that sets this track apart from others in the compilation. The bass sounds fantastic, providing a thick undercurrent to the driving rhythm. It’s a track that feels both personal and energetic, with a lot of character.

4. "Generation" (True Fight)
"Generation" kicks off with a high-pitched, almost aggressive riff, quickly followed by popping drums that give the track a real sense of urgency. The vocals are raw as hell, channeling punk energy into the hardcore framework. The riffing here is tight and controlled, creating a sense of forward motion. The pre-breakdown section delivers some deep, heavy riffs that add intensity to the build-up. A good two-step moment gets the crowd moving, and the kick drum sounds excellent, adding punch to the overall sound. This is a solid, high-energy track that embodies the spirit of hardcore with a punk twist.

5. "Twelve" (Step by Step)
This track starts with a super hollow recording that gives it a lo-fi, almost nostalgic feel. The drumming is tight and precise, keeping the song in control, while the vocals have a distinct punk quality—gritty and full of attitude. However, they could benefit from being higher in the mix to truly capture their energy. The bass is groovy and provides a solid foundation, while the riffs are bouncy and keep the track moving. The bass in the background is simple but hard-hitting, contributing to the track’s driving energy. Overall, it's a fun, punk-infused hardcore track with a bit of roughness that adds to its charm.

6. "Moral D'Acier" (Fine Équipe)
"Moral D'Acier" offers deep, wonky basslines that provide an intriguing groove right from the start. The drums are fast and energetic, keeping the pace lively, while the vocals sound great in the mix, matching the intensity of the instrumental section. The guitars here sound fantastic, full of texture and grit. There’s a certain gang vocal section that spices up the track, creating an even more aggressive feel. This song blends raw energy with technical musicianship, making it one of the standout tracks in terms of balance and complexity.

7. "La Diferencia" (Bajo Control)
"La Diferencia" begins with a slow, menacing bassline that builds tension and sets the stage for the heavy riffs that follow. The drums are loud and blasting, and they complement the thick, groovy bass perfectly. The vocals are delivered with a fierce, almost pissed-off energy—delivering a unique, commanding presence. The bass stands out again here, with a thick, groovy feel that adds a lot of weight to the track. This is arguably one of the most unique tracks on the compilation, blending groove, aggression, and a distinctive vocal style that makes it stand apart from the others.

8. "Never Back Down" (No Way)
"Never Back Down" begins with an incredibly thick bass that drives the song from the outset. The riffs are fast and distorted, maintaining that gritty edge throughout. The drums, however, feel a little off in terms of timing, which gives the track an imperfect, raw feel. The vocals are intense and unpolished, further adding to the chaotic energy of the song. While it’s not the most technical track, its rawness and energy make it a fun listen, encapsulating the spirit of hardcore with a punk mentality.

Conclusion

The Through Storms Ahead compilation offers a diverse selection of hardcore and punk tracks, each with its own distinctive sound and energy. From groovy basslines and raw vocals to fast drumming and heavy riffs, this compilation captures a range of styles while maintaining a sense of unity. Some tracks stand out with their production quality, unique vocals, and memorable riffs, while others thrive on raw energy and an unapologetic punk attitude. For fans of hardcore and punk, this compilation sets a high bar, showcasing not only the diversity of the scene but also the passion that drives these bands forward.