Reviewed by Ian Webber

This debut release for US hardcore outfit Stand Your Ground is one of the first from the Rite of Passage label. In all areas this is a solid recording that delivers exactly what you might expect, with angry guitars, scratchy vocals and bags of energy. There is also a welcome addition of some melodic passages underlying the breakdowns and gang shouts. Although the majority of this recording is standard fair, there is enough to stand it apart from the crowd and point to future potential. The hooky intro to "Crooked Jaw" is one section that got me humming along and this is followed by the rhythmically tight "In The Wake Of Drowning". There are also some atmospheric spoken sections that add intrigue to the brutal lyrics. Clocking in at just over half an hour, SYG drive through the 11 tracks, only taking respite in the instrumental "A Sudden Breath" which seems to break the flow of the album. With no other real flaws and some pleasing melodies laid over classic hardcore this is one album worth seeking out if you like your hard music to have a little variety.

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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