Man oh man, take a step back in time with this brand new album. This is old school hardcore preserved from the early 80's and brought home with an awesome 90's message. Complete with awesome riot vocals and a brutal sounding yet very clean main vocals this album is very easy to get hooked on, and at a full 15 songs long, you get your moneys worth.
The production here is so much better than N.I.V.'s first album Strength, and musically there is a lot of improvement as well. While still staying true to their old school hardcore style, the band has become so incredibly tight. Each song is very distinctive and has a groove all its own.
Lyrically the album just might be even more interesting than the music. With their normal in your face point of view, N.I.V. jumps onto issues that have not been explored by heavier Christian artists before. "Turn It Off" brings to light the harm of being brainwashed by an over abundance of television. "Let Down" talks about back stabbing, and having the strength to forgive, and pray for someone who has hurt you deeply. Then they move into more traditional themes with "Pro Kill" their anti-abortion song, only this song takes it home with some very to-the-point lyrics such as:
Their eyes so blind they don't see their sin
Hitler would be proud of the U. S of A.
We follow his example day after day
As the babies to us, the Jews to him
Sub-humans not deserving to live
and they end the song chanting:
If you're pro choice
You're pro kill
Innocent bloodshed
Murder at will
There is so much power and emotion in this song, you can not help but be compelled to sing along.
This CD is a fast, frantic thrill ride that must be experienced. What could make this any better? The insert contains several pictures of the bands now infamous tattoo collection. All in all this is a superb album and highly suggested for fans of Focused, or any hardcore fan who enjoys some great music with clean vocals.
Other Staff Member Ratings
Grindboy: 5.5/10
Fletch: 4/10
Other coverage for this album
Dead Zine 2002Reviewed by sesspoolOk, this is a strange album... sometimes, it wants to be metal, sometimes it wants to be hardcore, sometimes just punk... and all the while, it has a strange vocal presence. This album has a massive 15 tracks with 16 songs (one hidden)... and I would have to say, that when this cd ended, I was filled with a strange glee. This album is full of material that would be parallel with the musical…Similar sounding releases
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