Record of the Week: PROTESTANT In Thy Name LP
Hoooly shit! I’ve always loved me some PROTESTANT, but this new record is something else entirely, departing from their well-honed dark hardcore attack to embrace the hateful, raw filth of black metal. Cory’s unmistakable vocals (and the occasional massive breakdown) provide a link to the band’s previous discography, and the throat-ripping fury of metalpunk is definitely there, but they’ve rebuilt their sound from the ground up with some deliciously lo-fi production. The whole thing is overflowing with jaw-dropping riffs, played with the passion and precision of a band a decade into their existence. Easily one of the top black metal/crust crossovers I’ve heard—and believe me, I’ve heard far too many in the last several years. I would have to say that this is also PROTESTANT’s best, most consistent full-length to date. Trends come and go, but In Thy Name is the real deal. An instant classic.
(Halo of Flies)
—Will Blomquist
