Line of ScrimmageThese dudes are a five piece out of Brooklyn, NY and have been together since 2005 (at least I assume so judging by the EST. 2005 that is in the album's artwork). I'm not exactly sure about what these guys have released previously, I would guess a demo or two?
All in all, there are 8 tracks of crushing metallic hardcore, with no shortage of massive, floor moving breakdowns. These mother fuckers are bleak and negative, negacore in it's purest form if you ask me. They are influenced by quality NYHC like Bulldoze, Irate, All Out War and what have you. The vocals are mean as hell, the vocalist has a real strong gruff voice. The songs average around 3:30-5 minutes long, so you're getting your money's worth.
Definitely not breaking any ground in the lyrical department but it is chock full of dark and bleak lyrics.
I don't want to say the recording held this album back because it still kicks ass but this doesn't really sound as strong as it could. Everything sounds restrained and held back, it isn't nearly as explosive as it should be. The guitar tone is muffled and doesn't pack a big enough punch. The bass tone isn't bad, but it sounds too separated from the rest of the mix. The drums weren't bad but they could use some work as well. The vocal placement and tone was good though.
Dope layout done up on white gloss with hand drawings in pencil, its got an old school meets new school feel to it. The front cover is a rear view drawing of a caddy crossing the Brooklyn bridge with a person in the trunk with a chained cinderblock dragging on the pavement. The back of the album is the same as the front except it's from the front. The tray art has vicious drawing of the guy in the drunk beaten and bloodied. The booklet is two pages and simple, white with the lyrics in black. In the middle it has a drawing of the body hitting the sea floor.
Rating: 4/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: Stay Negative and Cinderblock Solution
Synopsis: This is some quality negacore with heavy breaks and plenty of good metal influence. The vocals are mean as shit. The artwork is vicious. Check these cats out at myspace.com/lineofscrimmagebk