Reviewed by Peter John Willoughby

What immediately impresses about this Californian band is their technical ability and a sound production that you would expect from a much larger label than Ethos Records. Although hardcore is going out of fashion, I would love to see these guys get the breaks that they deserve. Their sound incorporates double-bass drumming, dual guitar riffs and raspy, growling vocals. "It's Only Blood" starts with metal riffs, descends into hardcore intensity and has a middle section that borders on thrash, whilst exhorting you to destroy your demons. This is infinitely more interesting than your usual hardcore fare and I find myself wanting to headbang during "The Devil Is In The Room" with "He's dressed in white and you're in black/He's in the grey and you're in red/You are the lie and we are the prey/Rid yourself of this". Another stand-out track is "Without Walls" with its time changes, sledgehammer beats and riffage. They finish with an experimental track "Truth I Never Wanted To Speak" that features spoken word and clear singing sections within a melodic middle section. The lyrical content throughout expresses different aspects of spiritual warfare. In my mind this brings them on a par with Seventh Star (RIP) and a sound that rivals early War Of Ages.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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