The WarriorsThe Warriors seem to be everywhere within the hardcore scene, these days. Is it justifiable though? ‘Genuine Sense Of Outrage’ is The Warriors third full-length album. Unlike most hardcore or metal bands though, they didn’t feel the need to rewrite their previous records (‘War Is Hell’ & ‘Beyond The Noise’). The Warriors moved to Victory Records with this release and had the album produced by Cameron Webb (Social Distortion, Motorhead, Ignite). Webb more than likely was responsible for obtaining the guest vocals from rock legend Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead fame. Kilmister lends his gruff vocals to the track “Price Of Punishment”. Not exactly the album you would expect him to crawl out of his inebriated cavern for, however, his shredded throat fits right in on this metal infused hardcore track.
There are two other notable guest vocal appearances on this CD. Andrew Neufeld from Comeback Kid appears on “The Stone Grinds”, yet his contribution is, for the most part, a throwaway addition to the track. On the final track, “Mankind Screams”, Sick Of It All’s Lou Koller gets to stretch his vocal chords in one of the finer moments from the album. Now with the important guests out of the way, let’s discuss what The Warriors themselves have brought to the table. It’s difficult to accurately place a label on The Warriors that does the band justice. They thrash like a metal band, crunch and croon as if they are a hardcore band, yet groove with a hip-hop flavor. To call them metalcore, like most do, is an insult to their precision and cohesiveness. To call them hardcore would be ignoring key metal and hip-hop elements. If you could take early 90’s NYHC bands like Agnostic Front and Sick Of It All, mix in the metal influences of 108 and Snapcase and add a dash of Wu-Tang’s hip-hop and you may be able to get an idea of what The Warriors offer.
As you may expect from this CD, the band sound refined as ever. This works both to their advantage and disadvantage. Personally my connection with the band’s first two albums came from the unbridled raw energy focused into the songs and specifically their vocals. The vocals here are clearly more consistent and complete, however, the lack of urgency also tends to make some tracks forgettable. With more experience and becoming better equipped at their trade, often bands need to try and find new methods to captivate its audience. The Warriors are on that track. As good as this album is, it dangerously balances that fine line of forgettable. Will this CD be one you regularly pick off the shelf to spin in the distant future? I’m not sure. Even with the craftsmanship being more punishing and precise on this record…The Warriors may have already made their masterpiece(s).
Rating: 3.5/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: The Ruthless Sweep, Life Grows Cold, Price Of Punishment
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