IntegrityHere we have yet another release to add to the ever growing catalog of the mighty Integrity. Not too long ago, Dwid released a full length DVD, and as always there have been tons of reissues on various labels over the years. The most recent reissue is Fractured Transmitter's "Those Who Fear Tomorrow. Although it has already been released at least 4 times, I have heard that this version sports some extra tracks, and some nice linear notes and what not. This was initially released on vinyl, and without the DVD, on a UK label called Aurora Borealis. So you know this will be eagerly met by Integrity fans across the states. Even though the only live album I actually listen to and enjoy is Bad Luck 13/All Else Failed-Live At The Dungeon, this is especially nice because of the DVD. I mean if you were buying this for sound quality alone, you'd be a fool. This shit is as raw as it gets, what you would've heard on that April day at Peabody's in Cleveland is what you hear on this CD/DVD. There is not a single audio enhancement to be found on this thing. In case you haven't already heard, the show featured on this release is one of the most notorious shows in hardcore history. Yeah, the one where a kid got stabbed (allegedly), and Dwid allegedly shot someone. However, on the video, it doesn't show anything except a really bad view of black, indiscernible figures with a loud bang that some kids captured on their video camera in their car while they were leaving the show. And there is nothing that shows any sort of stabbing either, just some retarded college kid from a college town who cut Dwid's mic cord, which he talks about several times throughout the set. Another thing to note, is this was their first show with their then new drummer, Dave Nicholli. The 10 track set list includes songs from the first seven inch, Those Who Fear Tomorrow, and Rebirth, which at the time was a new track. As I mentioned earlier, you won't be buying this for the recording quality, or the video quality for that matter. But keep in mind, this shit was recorded 14 years ago, so when you take that into consideration you can definitely bare it, and plus its fucking Integrity. And Dwid did the artwork and layout so you know it's going to look good. The artwork looks great, the black and white on the cover with the red added on the back tray art and the back of the booklet is a nice touch. It's a simplistic approach but it's all that's needed. The inside of the booklet, if you can call it that, features the full cover art, with Charlie Manson depicted as Jesus at the last supper. The idea is brilliant, just as Integrity was the dark side of hardcore at the time, Charlie Manson was the icon of pure evil. The only bad thing I can say about this release is the lack of a booklet. I would've liked to see some linear notes, flyers from that show perhaps and some words from Dwid on the alleged events that occurred after the show would've been real sweet. Ah, but what can you do? This shit will probably get re-released 5 years from now with the above mentioned. But in the meantime, support the best label in hardcore right now and buy this. It's worth the money, especially if you're a "Die Hard" fan.
Rating: 3.9/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: The DVD, over and over.
Thesis: Even though the quality isn't great, and I could've used a thicker booklet this is still Integrity and is definitely a definitive record worth adding to your collection. Plus, it's Spook City Records, man! Show some support for a real label. Oh and there's a bonus video of In Contrast of Sin that's featured on the full length DVD. If all that other stuff wasn't enough for you.