Hardcore/metal crossover pioneers are back with their new album "Absolute Power" marking the recording debut of new drummer Rick Halverson. After their last offering "No End in Sight," I was hopeful that they'd offer a more traditional Pro-Pain album since I tried to back it, but just couldn't get into NOIS... I was not let down.
From the jump, first track "Unrestrained," sets the pace of a balls out thrash/groove metal album that they've basically written the book on. Rick's drumming seems like it may be tighter than even the drum machines they used on some of their previous albums! The only thing that I've missed on this record is the single string stomp riffs à la Un-American off of Prophets of Doom or Impeach Indict Imprison off of Age of Tyranny.
Being familiar with some of Rick's previous work on guitar and drums, I'm in no way surprised that he showed up and killed it the way he did. Dude's simply a beast on the drums and can shred along with the best of em on guitar as well. Look no further than the album closer "Hate Coalition" to see what I'm referring to.
Gary sounds as pissed off and opinionated as ever doing his thing blending genuinely pissed off growls with melodic choruses the way he's always done. Tom and Marshall hold it down on the guitar front with Tom being as on top of his game as always in the solo department.
While not my favorite of the Pro-Pain catalog, Absolute Power definitely stands on its own merits and is a giant step up from their previous effort. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone interested in an old school metal/hardcore album from some of the guys who do it the best!
Here is a sample track off the new record called Unrestrained to give you a taste!
