What. Is. Happening. People?! Today I'm tackling the newest release from Long Island's Hardcore Kings Stray From The Path: Only Death Is Real. It's the sixth album of their deal with Sumerian Records but how does it stand up against their previous work? Well that's what we're here to find out isn't it!
First off the bat, they still know how to write a cracking hardcore record. They've set a high bar for themselves and others to follow and this record is no different but in this they seem to have been somewhat more experimental than before. Using more varied guitar effects and synthesised instruments in places giving it an almost Korn-like feel at times.
Lyrically its full of emotional fire as you would imagine, Drew York never fails to deliver for me. His writing on Anonymous and Subliminal Criminals have been some of the most inspirational and creative albums lyrically of the past few years. He has a unique view on hardcore and isn't afraid to say exactly what he thinks, but in a very articulate way.
I don't want to say that it's better than it's predecessors because there are so many amazing songs across them all and each is uniquely different and brilliant. I still think Anonymous creeps ahead but seriously all three should be appreciated together.
Straying not too far from the path..
Only Death Is Real, verdict? 7/10
Top picks: Goodnight Alt-Right, They Always Take The Guru, Strange Fiction
Only Death Is Real was released September 8th 2017 via Sumerian Records:
Comments
Post a Comment