Region and Country of Origin::
Weight:
2 EP's, 1 other full length
Significant Findings:
This record is easy and difficult for me to review. It’s easy because Bitter End is quite possibly my favorite modern hardcore band. It’s difficult because I’m afraid I won’t give it justice. I’m going to get straight to the point this is real crossover hardcore in every sense of the term. While I’m not the judge of what can and can’t be considered hardcore, I’ve been around long enough (close to 20 years) certainly to determine the real from the fake. Hailing from the great state of Texas, where we still appreciate the real stuff, Bitter End deliver up the heaviest slab of crossover hardcore to come out of the Lone Star state this year. The element about this band that grabs my ears is their seamless melding of early 90’s NYHC and metal. This is everything we love about what all those NYHC bands were doing in the late 80’s and early 90’s affectionately referred to as “crossover” because they were bringing in the heavy of metal and combining it with real hardcore. So anyone who likes any of those bands will probably hold this record up as the new title holder of crossover kings.
Possible Diagnosis:
I don’t mind name dropping bands here, because if there is one thing about HC elitists, it’s that we don’t mind listening to the same thing over and over again. Sometimes we want the straight up old style that we love. This record is heavily influenced by the late 80’s/early 90’s offerings by Agnostic Front, Cro-Mags, Biohazard, Merauder, Crumbsuckers, Nuclear Assault, and even Sepultura… no doubt. At times the listener could swear they’re listening to any song off the first three Biohazard records and at other times Sepultura “Chaos AD” influences pop in. Here’s where I feel like I’m not doing the band justice. Although their influences are clearly evident, they have their own sound that slams you in the face and demands your attention. The vocals are spit with clear precision, not barked or growled out “brootaly”. Bitter End is tough as nails and this record is a heavy hardcore record, make no mistake. Every song on “Guilty as Charged” is absolutely killer, no filler. My personal favorites are “Guilty as Charged”, “Unjust”, and “Inborn”. For a real surprise, get the LP and spin it on 33 rpms, just saying. I already know this is going to be my favorite hardcore record for 2010. “It’s overrrr and dooonnnneee”!
Recommendation:
For any new jack just getting into hardcore, this would definitely be one of the first bands you need to check out. While I understand that times are changing and so is the hardcore scene, Bitter End makes a dude like me proud that we haven’t given it to the dogs just yet. Stand up and pay attention.
Comments
"Every song on “Guilty as
Jarrod what about victims?
Jarrod what about victims?