"Soul Swallower" (on Double or Nothing Records) is being billed as the debut "full-length" from Pennsylvania's Steel Nation, but at just seven tracks in 17 minutes, I can't possibly view this as anything more than an EP. No matter, though, as these cats look to the heyday of metallic hardcore for influences, cranking out a perfect mix of NYHC power chords and breakdowns with raging Clevo-styled solos and furious vocals. Sure, it's pretty straightforward and to the point, they're not exactly breaking through any boundaries, but who gives a shit, right? This style of hardcore is generally best when it is stripped down and in your face, so I'd add Steel Nation to an increasingly long list of contemporary hardcore bands that are totally nailing that mid- to late-90's sound (And throwing in plenty of those Integrity-esque lead bursts never hurts!). There's a little room for improvement in terms of the explosiveness of the songwriting and minor little bits and pieces of the recording, but this is good stuff. No complaints here. Short but sweet. What more can you say?
Comments
The drums have this weird wet-cardboard-box sound, but the songwriting is fucking killer, and the random little guitar harmony around 1:30 is pretty cute. Great song.
6.3.2008 | By Anonymous
I like the double bass, breakdowns, apocalyptic lyrics, it just fits, can’t wait to here something new from these guys.
6.5.2008 | By tim