Shipwreck A.D. - Abyss

Deathwish Inc.

So Deathwish Inc. do it again! Rarely does a record label consistently release the quality of albums as this Massachusetts firebrand does. Shipwreck A.D.'s latest, Abyss, is not exception to this rule. Rather, this is one of the most impressive titles in their heralded catalog yet. This is hardcore in the meanest and purest sense of the word. Frontman J.D. has the kind of weathered vocal chords that were meant for this kind of brutality. His disgruntled yells reminded me of Anthony Comunale's from legendary NYHC band Killing Time. With many vocalists in the current hardcore landscape going with death metal grunting, J.D.'s older school attack is very welcomed.

The songs on Abyss have been trimmed down to their most essential elements. Instead of trying to cram a million ideas into the span of one song, they make sure every riff compliments the overall composition. More bands should take a cue from this.Throwing in clean guitars on songs like "Miasma" and "Samur" was another stroke of smart songwriting by the band. The lyrics tell the tale of a man fighting to survive out at sea. Lyrical daggers like, "glacier teeth front it's mouth, scraping clouds make up it's mane," from the song "Ascent," not only show off fine wordplay, they also match the focused intensity of the music. There is a misconception out there that hardcore is music for "meatheads" but bands like Shipwreck A.D. prove that you can marry grace with brutality.

By Carlos Ramirez