Drugs of Faith : "Asymmetrical"

When it comes to grindcore the genre splits off into two directions one that is more punk and one that is more metal, these guys are on the punk end of the equation.  The band has been around for over 20 years and features former members of Agoraphobic Nosebleed and  Enemy Soil. Their first release in 6 years finds them in a more rock-oriented songwriting mode.'Desert War Eternal' sounds like it could have come from a crusty punk band out of the '80s. The vocals are shouted with articulation that gets the lyrics across and in your face. The guitar tones are pretty plug-in and crank it up, with none of the low-end metal gain. This keeps even the more aggressive moments rooted in punk.

There is more reckless abandon to "Drones' that keeps it from being hooky as the first song. Yeah, my expectations do not vary from genre to genre, I want memorable songs be it grindcore, black metal, or new wave. They thrash a little more into "Micro Chip". At this point, grindcore is more of an influence lingering from previously in their careers. It's not like they are trying to cram a bunch of riffs into a minute. "Gas Mask" is more riff-driven. It clangs with an abandon that makes me think of early Nirvana. Though with a noise-tinged dissonance. 

There is more of a grindcore feel to "The Void". Though it hurtles with a more punkish purpose. The riff to "The Next 100 Years" tries harder to hook you in though is possessed by a frantic energy. This does not thwart their attempt to bring more dynamics. "Essential" is a cover of a song by the band Drdoom, which later became Teethgrinder. It's a more chaotic hard-core energy thrown at your ears. The last song is an instrumental, that might have been better served as an intro, not a band that I think of when it comes to showcasing the prowess instrumentals normally require to capture your attention. Instead, it felt like they did not want to write vocals. I will give this album a 9, they put effort into the songwriting, and are veterans who have acquired the experience needed to make this work, and I think the album will grow on me. Perhaps not with the fervor the last Full of Hell album did, but at least stands the test of time for punk rock. It drops on Selfmadegod Records on February 21st. 

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