Cleveland natives Ringworm come out swinging with their 3rd release (2nd on Victory Records) Justice Replaced By Revenge, with an onslaught of metalcore that is as brutal as it comes.
The album starts strong with the album's title track, and doesn't let up for the next 30 minutes, minus the short acoustic instrumental "Whiskey Drunk", a short piece reminiscent of early Metallica. The band's only real downfall, one that may or may not be of consequence, is their striking similarity to their hometown peers, Integrity. Having started in the scene just after Integrity broke into the scene (previous releases came out in 1993 and 2001), you find that if you are familiar with earlier work by Integrity, the style that is prominent throughout this album is VERY similar to Integrity's Humanity is the Devil-era material. Not a bad thing, but not necessarily a badge of honor either, as it would have been good to listen to the album without such obvious influences, whether intended or not. Most notable among them is the song "No One Dies Alone", and the vocal stylings of HF (Human Furnace), which are eerily close to Dwid.
Musically, the album is fairly solid. Production is fairly well done, and the musicianship is on point with most of the hardcore scene today. Again, nothing earth-shattering, but solid nonetheless.
All in all, this is not a bad release. If you are a fan of Cleveland hardcore, this should be right up your alley. If you are a fan of metalcore in general, you probably already love this band. But if striking similarities to other bands makes your skin crawl, you may want to keep on going.
2.5/4
Similar sounding releases
2005On Broken WingsIt's All A Long Goodbye
2003IntegrityTo Die For
2003NoraDreamers and Deadmen
2005HoodsThe King Is Dead
2004Officer NegativeThe Death Campaign Project
1997ConvergePetitioning the Empty Sky
