Whew, you know, of all the bands that were around during the 90's honing this brand of metallic (to the point of basically being straight metal) hardcore, I really wouldn't have expected All Out War to be among the select few still putting out records some 15+ years later. But holy fucking shit has their persistence (not to mention their consistency) paid off, because "Assassins in the House of God", their fourth full-length overall and first since 2003's "Condemned to Suffer" (again on Victory Records—apparently still willing to put out a record that's actually as vicious as the shit they were focusing on 10+ years ago), may just be their strongest outing to date. I mean, shit, to these ears it sounds a hell of a lot like their 1996 debut, "Truth in the Age of Lies", just with a much stronger recording and a greater sense of focus and force within the songwriting. I swear, minutes after popping this fucker in for the first time I was literally laughing out loud (out of sheer glee, mind you) at how true to the band's past this material remains. I'm talking loads of sick, chugging power chord rhythms, ripping picking patterns loosely reminiscent of thrash/death metal, their burly take on those Slayer-esque hammer-on/pull-off riffs and discordant note-based runs, crushing breakdowns, plodding bass and thundering percussion, Mike Score's inimitably bitter sneers... it's all here, and I love it. It really is totally in line with the band's past efforts, just better, because I feel like the energy level stays amped up for the bulk of the record, thus making the tracks a little more memorable and in your face. Plus, there's a killer guitar tone and a super dense yet clear and balanced mix, so I've got no complaints. Even the lyrics are completely reminiscent of what we've all come to expect:
No one is innocent. We shall burn in their cries. Cursed with damnation for we ignored their shattered lives. We are drowning in ignorance and drowning in our fear. Tribulation will be upon us and our final judgment is now near. In damnation we shall fall upon our knees. Praying for mercy for our sins against the weak, but there is no redemption for this time has now long passed, There shall be no salvation, what's done is done the die's been cast.
I'm sold, that's all there is to it. Kudos, gentlemen... and hopefully we won't have to wait another three to five years for album #5!
All Out War "Curtain Call For the Crucified"
All Out War "Drenched in Defeat"
Make. The. Fucking. Grab. Now:
Comments
Soooooooooooo good, cannot wait to see them at Pressure Fest!!!!
4.16.2007 | By xBenx
Hum, dunno but the record somewhat disappointed me, it kinda bored me and i didn’t feel but a tiny portion of the enthusiasm i felt the first time i listened to “For Those Who Were Crucified”. Mike Score’s vocals have improved over the years and he’s much more flexible now, sure, but i can’t find the genious song parts that will make the difference and make me listen to it with awe..Mind you, this is still a fun listen and a good metallic “hardcore” (a.k.a. groovy NY thrash) album, but for a band of All Out War’s heritage it’s kinda typical. I’ll just spin it a few more times and see what happens, i guess.
4.16.2007 | By inhalexhale
This band will never stop being awesome. Ever.
4.16.2007 | By xGabrielx
Between this album and the new Ringworm album, Victory is putting out two albums that I give a shit about this year.
This album is so good though. They’ve definitely hit a high point with this album and I hope they continue at this pace.
4.16.2007 | By Eddie
did they realize children of bodom used this same sound bite in “follow the reaper”
besides this band rules hard hard hard
4.16.2007 | By wes
First time posting on the site, but I just had to ring on this one. I’m more of a death/black metal kind of guy, but holy shit do these guys know how to nail the metallic hardcore thing. I’ve got Condemned to Suffer tucked away in my iPod, and I think it’s time to put it back in rotation. I will definitely be picking this bad boy up. Thanks for posting this one.
4.17.2007 | By Jimbo