Propagandhi - Today's Empire's, Tomorrow's Ashes
Propagandhi rival Slayer in how long it takes them to write a new album but I guess you can't rush genius. And that's certainly what this latest disc is. This album is angrier, rawer, faster, louder and more politically charged than anything they've ever done but sacrifices none of their masterful metal meets punk songwriting style. It's hard to think they could top past
accomplishments which were already high water marks for the entire melodic hardcore genre (yes better than NOFX) but this album is proof positive that these guys intend to remain king of the
hill (they would not approve of me referring to them as a monarchy!).
One thing that instantly upped the ante on their aggression is the new bassist. Fans may remember the sweet voiced John Samson who sang the one or two pop songs on each of the last records. He left to devote all his time to the Weakerthans. He was replaced by a screaming fanatic who also sings (maybe yells is a better word) a few songs but these ain't no pop songs! These are blazing hardcore songs that drop you like a swift kick to the balls, over before you hit the ground. He's also got a more prominent spot in the mix which gives the sound a welcome layer of strength.
The other thing that really pushes this record into the red is the complexity of the songwriting. The time changes, all executed at breakneck speed, are truly stunning. Still, even this doesn't make it a truly special hardcore record. What sets this apart is what happens in between. Any given song is comprised of so many crazy drum fills, hook after memorable hook, and calm before the storm breakdowns executed with such precision it's truly dizzying to follow. This could come across as chaotic but track after track prove this combo of fists flying hardcore coupled with measured, intricately timed melodic interludes is actually more cohesive sounding than any of their previous work.
As I said above, this sucker is pissed off. There's no joke ska songs, there's no pop songs. Every song is comprised of lightning fast riffs punctuated by melodic lead heavy hooks that take the core of the Propagandhi sound from past records to a new level of technical prowess. Throw in the best drumming this side of all but the best metal bands and a big new bass sound and you literally have the best melodic hardcore record out there. How another band can ever attempt to aspire to this level is beyond me so it's safe to say this album will remain tops until Propagandhi finally manage to crank out another.
One thing that instantly upped the ante on their aggression is the new bassist. Fans may remember the sweet voiced John Samson who sang the one or two pop songs on each of the last records. He left to devote all his time to the Weakerthans. He was replaced by a screaming fanatic who also sings (maybe yells is a better word) a few songs but these ain't no pop songs! These are blazing hardcore songs that drop you like a swift kick to the balls, over before you hit the ground. He's also got a more prominent spot in the mix which gives the sound a welcome layer of strength.
The other thing that really pushes this record into the red is the complexity of the songwriting. The time changes, all executed at breakneck speed, are truly stunning. Still, even this doesn't make it a truly special hardcore record. What sets this apart is what happens in between. Any given song is comprised of so many crazy drum fills, hook after memorable hook, and calm before the storm breakdowns executed with such precision it's truly dizzying to follow. This could come across as chaotic but track after track prove this combo of fists flying hardcore coupled with measured, intricately timed melodic interludes is actually more cohesive sounding than any of their previous work.
As I said above, this sucker is pissed off. There's no joke ska songs, there's no pop songs. Every song is comprised of lightning fast riffs punctuated by melodic lead heavy hooks that take the core of the Propagandhi sound from past records to a new level of technical prowess. Throw in the best drumming this side of all but the best metal bands and a big new bass sound and you literally have the best melodic hardcore record out there. How another band can ever attempt to aspire to this level is beyond me so it's safe to say this album will remain tops until Propagandhi finally manage to crank out another.
