Reviews

Organize and Arise

Fear of the Known Cabal EP+flexi 7″

Legit supergroup here, with members of ROSE ROSE, DISORDER, WAR//PLAGUE, and CHAOS UK teaming up for a bulldozer of modern anarcho rage. A gnarly industrial tinge and searing guitars form the foundation for a band fronted by a gruff, clenched-fist vocal assault—an apocalyptic reinterpretation of a familiar sound. Bonus flexi with versions of DISORDER’s “Life” and CHAOS UK’s “The End is Nigh” completes the line(age), making it clear that Cabal is far more than a sum of its parts—both versions are far more powerful than the originals, which is saying something. I hope that this is more than a one-off project.

Fear of the Known The Last Songs LP

LP debut for this DIY crust punk supergroup, featuring members of CHAOS UK, DISORDER, WAR//PLAGUE, and others, holding an interesting ethos and way of recording (which was mostly virtual, with no direct physical interaction between band members in the making), and intended as a critique of the actual state of punk today and its links with protest and critical thinking and doing. Even recorded separately, the recording and mixing efforts make the fact that they are all separated while executing it almost untraceable. Coming from this selection of band members, you are getting a high-quality album with no less than fifteen tracks that never seem to stop giving riffage, and hardcore vocals that rise on the Lemmy side of punk from time to time. The crust punk influence is strong on this one. Suggested tracks: “Democracy Hammered” and “Divide & Rot.” Interesting, give it a spin.

War//Plague Manifest Ruination LP

Minneapolis crust punk agents who have achieved fifteen years of intense DIY activity since 2008, with more than ten releases. Elaborated songs with great drums and solid riffs and socio-political content. A ten-track LP with sharp cutting cadences, blending metal punk, crust, and thrash in more than decent dosages, delivering a blunt sound and desolate tunes accompanied by a deep, screaming voice in trance. Suggested tracks: “Grief,” “Vacillation,” and “Disruption.” Punk is protest!