New Society of AnarchistsFor The Forgotten is New Society Of Anarchist's seventh album. That's right this Midwestern hardcore band has been around the block a few times. Originally formed back in 1990, this group has won high praise from the likes of Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed) and Roger Miret (Agnostic Front) over the years. An impressive feat which undoubtedly helped earn them high profile spots on past tours such as DRI and M.O.D. Although I've seen the band's name around here and there over the years, I don't believe I've ever laid ears on their tunes until now.
Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed. Not that the music is horrible by any means...I was just hoping for something more diverse and better overall. Comparison-wise this band is deeply rooted in early 1990's East Coast, tough-guy metalcore. A culmination of Boston and New York's crossover bands such as Agnostic Front, Blood For Blood, Marauder, and Biohazard. Herein lies NSOA's problem. They don't offer anything new and/or exciting to this subgenre. Generic and mediocre breakdowns, metal riffs, cookie monster vocals, aimless machine gun drumming, mandatory chug-alongs and occasional gang vocals all make me yawn uncontrollably. This is one of those CD's that you forget is playing halfway through because each track bleeds into the next, allowing your mind to effortlessly wander.
Production on this CD is very well done and I have no complaints on the overall sound and quality of the recording. I feel more time could have been spent on the artwork though. The cover isn't bad and kept relatively simple. The cut-and-paste concept works well with the band's name and the album's theme of political injustice. I think the cover would have benefited if the sheet of script behind the gun-toting character featured a relevant doctrine instead of the band's name, initials and album title listed over-and-over again. The back cover is a so-so picture of three hands grasping each other's arms to form a triangle, no doubt a symbolization of unity. The booklet graphics and disc artwork are poorly drawn, while the interior band photographs are well taken. After reading up on this band online, I must admit I respect their endurance, message and hard-work ethics. It takes truly determined individuals to stay focused and committed to any underground movement, especially the American hardcore scene. The band shows an expertise at what made those aforementioned 90's East Coast bands so popular at the time, in my opinion, I just wish they brought something new to the table. If you're a fan of those tough-guy metalcore acts, you probably will really enjoy this record.
Rating: 2/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: 'Bloodshed' & 'Hourglass'
Synopsis: Efficient mediocrity doesn't cut it for me these days. Even though I enjoy many of those 90's tough-guy bands...it was never my favorite subgenre and therefore makes me extra critical of a band like NSOA. If that style of hardcore is up your alley, than by all means, support this hard-working band.