Focused

Item: The Hope That Lies Within
Author: Doug Van Pelt

The Hope That Lies Within

(1995)

Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt

Discogs Apple Music TIDAL Spotify

Label Tooth & Nail RecordsHeaven's Metal #54July/August 1995

groove metal hardcore metalcore

Whenever you wanna just pump your fist in the air or groove to some chunky licks, get focused. The intensity relies totally on attitude and groove here, making for a passionate listen. You can almost picture the moshing, diving and crowd surfing as the band lurches along in evasion. I think it's overall better than Bow, due to a little fatter production and more melodic sensible songs. The music seems to wrap around the vocals a little better, too, making for a more pleasurable listen all around.

Lyrically, you're treated to an honest and urgent dose of evangelism. Shots of "My soul's not empty!" announce that these guys have a fighter's spirit. "Killing Years" is about the brutal violation of incest and rape. "Consumer" is a sermon about our consumer-driven society. "If this is how to be accepted, then I will have no part...kill the image." When the messages are delivered with such passion and fury, it makes one want to listen (or should I say forces one to listen?).

Heavy metal has not died. It just has gotten its head shaved, simplified itself, and has gotten really, really angry. Fans who dig the intensity of Fight and think guitars should always be distorted will get Focused and will stay there.