Pride KillsPride Kills is what Terror would sound like if they had to endure the scorching heat of Texas. The band that is putting Texas hardcore on the map is back again with their much anticipated first full length. Dubbed by many to be the band that carries hardcore on their back as long as they're around. They represent for all the blue collar day to day roughnecks, humping their asses off with little money to show for it. This LP solidifies them as a true force to reckon with, they play straight up, get the fuck out of my way hardcore. At any given time throughout "Deep In The Heart," you can hear influences ranging from mid 90's tough guy hardcore, to more punk oriented hardcore, to bands like Sick Of It All and Integrity. They blend it all together and keep their own unique sound while preventing any sort of clashing. During the first listen of the album I couldn't help but to think the EP was more memorable but after a few more spins my opinion changed. As a whole this release destroys, though there are some less than perfect moments, but what is perfect. They deliver everything you would expect and more (like the banjo intro on Cold and Dead). And is it just me or did Gabe sound identical to Jeff Perlin at the end of "This is Texas?" Not a bad thing just came out of left field. However I could've done without the redone "Wall of Backs" track from the EP that is now "Learn your Lesson" on the LP, musically there's some slight changes but lyrically the song is a complete rehaul. I just felt the Wall of Backs version was more memorable. Also the intro by Ray of Full Blown Chaos on "Git'er Done" did not help the song at all, rather just sounded cliche as hell and out of place. Other than that this album is a top 5 release for 2005. Get on the train now, before it runs you over. Pride Kills have officially staked their claim in hardcore.
Rating: 4/5
Tracks worthy of replay: This is Texas, Love it or Leave it, Driving On