What’s up, guys? It’s a stir-crazy Waldo here to tell you about some upcoming releases, this time around it’s pretty slim peckings, so I’m going to do what I can here…
In 1986 Cro-Mags released the best hardcore record of all time… The Age of Quarrel. Now they are back (sorta) with In the Beginning. It should be noted here that the Cro-Mags were really the first band to mix hardcore punk and thrash metal. So, anyway, let me tell you about the new record, that’s why we’re here right? Not long ago, C-M got Rocky George from Suicidal Tendencies fame, and you can really tell on this record. Everything is here what you’d expect from a Cro-Mags release… fast punk parts, breakdowns, some thrashy parts. BUT, unlike their last effort, this is firmly rooted in the Bad Brains camp… and is a little less “tough guy.” There’s SO much beaked up history in this band that I don’t have time to go into, but it’s been a long time since they’ve had original singer, John Joseph, and I was going to trash this record because of his absence. But bassist Harley Flannagan—who sang on the majority of their releases—does a very adequate job of doing his best HR. Why are the vocals so low in the mix, tho? Not too shabby. 7 Fucking Pecks.
GTFO… SERIOUSLY, Napalm Records?!?! Beyond the Black is putting out the utter piece of hot garbage… Horizons. This sucks butt… I usually trash Napalm’s releases, comparing them to Hot Topic trash, but this is another level in the wrong direction. Do they even listen to this birdshit before they put it out? Anyway, this is German symphonic “metal” and although the production is good… uh, this sucks. BARELY metal, more like a more energetic Nickleback mixed with Shania Twain. Even the Napalm formula of “hot chick, bad band” can’t save this. Do yourself and those in quarantine with you a favor and don’t even bother listening to this. Not even bad in a funny way. Yuck. 0 (that’s right, fucking ZERO) pecks.
OSDM worshippers Ulthar are releasing Providence on 20 Buck Spin. This is def old school. Death metal, grooves, blasts… it’s all here. Oh, and throw in some creepy samples. This isn’t going to set the world ablaze, but this is definitely cool in that retro way. Vocals range from a deathy growl to a raspy black metal thing. Riffage here kicks some tailfeather, but there’s something about the recording here I can’t put my wing on that I’m not crazy about. This is cool though and this band shows much promise. 6 Fucking Pecks.
Until next time… Waldo out!
