TERROR

The Damned The Shamed

Century Media/ CD 2008

L.A. based hard core crew released their last album a few months ago. But shock wave created by the sonic explosion of 13 tracks from the third full lenght TERROR’s album forced me - according to the old saying "better late than never" - to write this review.

From the very first notes I was amazed by the power generated by those guys, which equals at least 20 megaton atomic bomb. "The Damned The Shamed" is another battle in campaign for musical destruction. A record which for sure will strenghten TERROR's prestige on HC and metal scene.
I don't know if California warriors have ever read Barney's (NAPALM DEATH) statement. In one of the interviews he said that good extreme metal song should last no longer than 2 minutes and 30 seconds. I guess that those guys simply follow the same musical philosophy which demands music to be straight-in-your-face. There's no song on "TD TS" that lasts longer than three minutes. This highly condensed pill of aggression originates from the best traditions of the New York scene HC (SICK OF IT ALL, MADBALL, AGNOSTIC FRONT etc.). But at the same time TERROR stays sensitive to a modern metalcore - I'm not talkin' about emo counterfeits here - such bands like HATEBREED and BORN FROM PAIN may be helpful to show you the direction. Of course there are also Bay Area thrash metal influences. Especially in guitar department, where we have those tight, rhythmic riffs. But cold it be different if you would lika to play heavy music and you have grown up in the same place where the biggest thrash legends come from.

Without any doubts hard core identity is underlined by - well know among HC maniacs form his work in SLUGFEST - Scott Vogel's strained scream. He spits out real passion from his iron throat and lungs. In choruses band's main man is supported by other guys in gangsta style choirs. Vogel's contribution to the really good final result without any doubts cannot remain unnoticed. However the most important thing about TERROR's music is simply to start the mosh pit, band doesn't show the ability to diversify it's message. The final part of "Betrayer" and an introduction to the "March to Redemption" shows that TERROR probably would have been able to compose an interesting composition lasting longer than four minutes.

Fast - powerful and metal sounding - guitar machine guns' series are interleaved by midtempo breakdowns. We have a delicate dose of melody in the background, too. So after all the whole stuff - however it's quite uniform - makes really good impression and definitely do not bore the listener.
Fans old and new school HC probably do not need any special invitation to join TERROR crew. From their point of view band served another solid bunch of hard core anthems. Those who would like to know what real HC is all about need no better opportunity. This band will show you the real attitude.

9/12