Death to Tyrants,
Sick Of It AllThere's a line early on in 'Death To Tyrants' which Lou Koller barks "Let’s celebrate that we don’t give a fuck!" And to be honest, after more than 20 years in the 'business', that one line sums up the attitude and swagger SOIA show on this record. It's an album made for no-one but themselves, a rallying call that despite all the machismo so-called hardcore bands and the young kids head-to-toe in eyeliner and make-up, the bands that were there in the beginning are still just as vital today. If you were one of those who thought Sick of it All were going soft, or maybe running out of ideas, then this new CD will change your mind. And this is praise coming from someone who doesn't usually like bands such as this.
'Death To Tyrants' is an inspirational record. It's one of those fist-in-the-air anthems that will get the blood pumping around your body. It's soaked in the message 'we don't give a fuck' throughout - which, although hardly a new mantra - is refreshing and vibrant. Despite being older than many people who will read this review, it's like the band have got a second wind at their 20th birthday. In panning the myriad of so-called hardcore bands that have become more successful in a short space of time, it gives SOIA something to direct their anger towards. And how.
The band have always has had the metallic edged riffs and meaty breakdowns, with huge singalongs thrown in for good measure. And for whatever reason this time round everything seems bigger and better than before. 'Take The Night Off' sounds massive. 'Die Alone' features the best gang vocals I've heard in ages. 'Uprising Nation' has a thundering bassline. And so I could go on. 'Death To Tyrants' is ferocious and inspiring and, hopefully, will lead a few of the more fashionably-inspired 'hardcore' kids to check out a proper band.
Abacus Recordings
paul
