Review: Rancor, 'Distinguish' (Dawnbreed Records, 2024)

8.21.2024

It's no secret that I'm quite a fan when it comes to reissues, especially when we're talking about the drastically underserved realm of semi-obscure hardcore. So, I was quite excited to learn of this vinyl reissue of Rancor's Distinguish—rounded out to include the band's only other recording, "Victim 206," from the Out of the Cages compilation 7". Recorded in 1995 with Tony De Block at Midas Studios but not officially released until 1997 by Lifeforce Records, Distinguish was the lone EP from this vicious Dutch metalcore group.

Oft-mislabeled as a H8000 band (perhaps understandably, as they were friends with and performed alongside several Belgian pillars of the '90s), Rancor became infamous for their antagonistic take on dark Cleveland hardcore influences—they even covered "Hacked Humans," by Bowel—crossing into death metal territory (at times, I can even hear some similarities to early Pestilence), made all the more unique due to the presence of a drum machine and some atmospheric synths. Powerfully scathing vocals front plenty of chugging rhythms and faster-paced death/thrash fare accented by winding dissonance for an unusually meaty interpretation of the more metal-centric leanings that Europe's hardcore scene has had to offer.

The presentation on this release—handled by graphic designer Jean-Paul Frijns (who was also involved with a spectacular—and massive—book on the European straightedge scene)—is truly next-level. An entirely black, white, and red layout demonstrates quite the attention to detail, with gloss print over some of the text on the pocket sleeve, even the inside of the sleeve is printed with a repeating pattern of the band logo, the vinyl is housed in a black dust jacket, etc.

The real kicker, however, is the extensive 48-page 8" × 8" booklet! Packed with loads of photos and quotes from various people involved with the scene (members of Born From Pain, Congress, Integrity, Kickback, Liar, etc.) regarding the lasting impact of Rancor. For a band that only recorded eight songs, they definitely seem to have made more of a splash than one might anticipate—especially those of us who weren't in the right place at the right time and have only heard bits and pieces of trivia over the years. Additionally, you'll find complete lyrics, a nice set of images of all of the assorted variants of the band's original discography, plus a retrospective interview with vocalist Pascal Crombach. (Full disclosure: I'm the one who conducted the interview earlier this year, but it came together fairly late in the game and I had no real idea how amazingly this reissue was going to turn out, so I assure you this assessment is fair and honest!)

This edition of Distinguish is available on standard black (200 copies) or marbled red/black (300 copies) vinyl, and you can even pick up the 48-page booklet as a standalone for just €3! This has actually been my first exposure to the work of Dawnbreed Records, and to say that I'm impressed would be an understatement. Damn well done.