The excitement that had been building for this new cassette from the Banner has been unbearable. It was announced over six months ago, and is really the first new material from the band since 2008's "Frailty."Finally, my copy arrived this week, and to say that it has been well worth the wait is a huge understatement...
The opener 'Wolvesblood,' begins with a cool Pulp Fiction sample (about 'The Wolf' of course) and pummels the ears with very tight, crunchy, d-beat hardcore. I am very pleased with how appropriate the production is for this. The next track 'Lilith' gives us more of the same and I am still impressed with how skillful they sound, against any other similar band playing today. The drums, specifically, are sick, thanks to who I believe is Gore behind the kit.
For the next one, 'Negative Zone,' we get the most interesting song on the album, which features not only the thrashy-ness from before, but what I would call almost 'doomy' vox from Joey Southside over bleak, yet ever mosh-worthy breakdowns. This vocal style continued onto the closer, a cover of the song 'Night' by Zola Jesus. On here, Joey really is channeling the late great Peter Steele for us, with great success. I actually am a fan of Zola Jesus, and couldn't imagine how they would cover such a song, but you really have to hear it. They did much more than just 'pull it off.'
Overall, this is a must buy, especially if you are from Jersey and know how important this is. If you're not familiar with the band, you won't be disappointed at all, this is not amateur hour. I am really looking forward to what I believe will be the rest of the four part series following this release!
**Also I believe Melotov Records will be having a Black Friday sale, so get on that too!**
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