| Coming from the ancient roster of Sumerian Records, Stray From The Path is a hardcore/metal band
that has something to share with us. And it's either a severe case of ear ache or it's their new
album "Villains." After sampling them though, I could be getting a little bit of both.
These guys from NY continue the tradition that Long Island Hardcore is known for. They take a
hardcore framework and fix it up with metal nuances. Meaning, that while you do get some melodic
guitars adorning the overall album, most of it is a brazen blast of overpowered hardcore, complete
with wrenching shouts, slamming breakdown, and quick punk speed.
Personally similar music like See You Next Tuesday or Every Time I Die is a tad better executed then
this, but Stray From The Path definitely has some shining moments. The impromptu guitars always keep
you guessing and that keeps you interested. The overall energy is amazing as well. But The
Refused-inspired vocals can get annoying after awhile. The album is also pretty short with most songs hitting at under a minute and 50 seconds. The end question we have to ask is can we
accept rampant hardcore despite its problems?
I'd like to say yes even if it wasn't my first choice. "Villains" is nonstop hardcore action from
beginning to end. Blistering guitars are furiously at work and they switch up everything you would
expect, giving you something fresh every time. The vocals and lyrics aren't anything to make you go
out and get the album, but the other reasons have a good chance of making you want to shell out the
cash for it.
~ Pernell
June 05 2008 |
