Sick Of It All
Last Act of Defiance
Century Media
Review by hutch
Riding the momentum of the astonishing two prior LPs, SICK
OF IT ALL return to sear audiences with a raw, fierce record reflecting our
current cultural climate. 4 dudes from queens, with a piercing global awareness
and urgency, motivate hardcore fans, from the nubile to the decrepit, to finger
point and swing fists to the true spirit of NYHC. Last Act of Defiance is NYHC stripped down to its base motivation
of taut, frantic indignation as propulsion for change.
There is no question that Sick Of It All’s integrity, heart
and energy are in full throttle even as they approach they approach the thirty
year mark in hardcore. Some may wonder about the sound though. Death to Tyrants proved that the hate
and cynicism could still be savagely expressed over dark, metal-tinged stomp
fests. Based on a True Story blended
each album of their catalogue into a nostalgic romp. As we get blessed with yet
another SOIA album, they strip down to pure NYHC grit and fury.
They have been sticking with the same producer, Tru Madsen, as
they feel he gets their sound perfectly. As we enter into another flawless full
length, I can appreciate the repeated visits. The other aspect of stability is
their label, Century Media. I have seen Sick Of It All in smaller venues over
the last few years (as I have since 1990) and there is no question of the
dedication and intensity they can unleash on an audience.
Sick Of It All keeps the tried and true formula on lock
while style feeling fresh and invigorating. I want fast songs with harsh tones
leading into pit inducing breakdowns; while Lou screams with a ferocity rarely
matched. “Sound the Alarm” opens it just like that. “2061” barrels in calling
for some honesty some from our government, as they have done since “Politics”
and “Injustice System”. Frenetic noise lingers adding a layer to the raw
delivery.
Mmost people mellow with age. I have not. This is why Sick
Of It All will always remain in my top 3 and continue to be a soundtrack for
this confused world extolling broken systems. A New York groove pulsates
through it but never overtakes the furious execution of rebellious anthems.
When you tile a song, “Get Bronx”, the home of KRS-One, you better have a
little swing in the riff. And SOIA does. This song would clear a dance floor
quickly.
Musically, this is Scratch
the Surface meets Call to Arms.
Many sing-alongs and gang vocals ensnare the listener into frenzied anthems.
Infusing punk and Oi into metallic edged tracks, SOIA’s spirit is evident as
they keep screaming about injustice and their dedication to loyal friends. Sick
Of It All exposes a pith which is forged with indignation and education. They
attempt to incite their audience, to eradicate complacence. And with their
charged tunes, I cannot understand how some would sit idly while listening.
Expanding the family, Mad Joe from Wisdom In Chains (SOIA’s
closest inheritors of the crown)joins on “Facing the Abyss”. One song goes
beyond 2:30; at 2:43. “Act Your Rage”, under 1:30, boasts “We still feel this
deep in our soul!” to back up a vitriolic spewing of disdain for the judgmental
fakes in the scene. That song is quickly followed by a big riff in “Disconnect
Your Flesh”, a condemnation of those wasting days and weeks attached to the
materialistic ennui of modern life, which ends with a dark, heavy breakdown.
“Sidelined” is a sped up romp, highlighted by a churning
riff that spazzes into fast parts. “Part of History” shows Armand relentlessly
beating his drums into submission.
Again, The production captures Craig Ahead’s low, jangling bass lines the
push Pete’s riffs to twist and spiral. A slow sludge like twirl at the end of
this track adds variety. “Losing War”,
“DNC”, and “Outgunned” all embody the best aspects of SOIA’s reign.
Sick Of It All continues with a Napalm Death like resurgence
since Yours Truly with now another
classic NYHC collection of rage fueled songs; each album proving they still
have it and can dominate a scene of worthy opponents. It’s fucking awesome. I
sure as hell hope this is not their Last
Act of Defiance. I could use about five more of this caliber of albums.
There is a clear, a black, a colored (180gm) version thanks to CM. Digitally,
(e.g., on Spotify; there are two bonus tracks – which totals to sixteen –
including a Fergusn appropriate, “Stand Down”). Digipack CDs are available too.
Please don’t miss out on the artwork and lyrics here. These words are the most
important part.
