Album Review

‘Absolute beast‘ describes this effort, Figure Four‘s third record and first for the ever-expanding Solid State roster, who must have felt compelled to sign at least one true-blue hardcore band to replace the ones who‘ve split up (Selfmindead) or made a jump to the next level (Blindside). Winnipeg‘s most brutal completely annihilate on this slab, not letting up on the intensity level for one second. The most obvious, glaring comparison here is the seminal Hatebreed, who have toured with F4 and remain close with the band. Having brought in second guitarist Metal Mel into the fold (she can blitz with the best of ‘em) and tearing up festivals and headline tours all of last year, this band just kills; one of the loudest live sets you‘ll ever see and hear. This is straight-up, low-end-heavy, breakdown mosh, and not for the faint of heart. Produced with a vicious edge by hometown boardman John Paul (formerly of punk band Undecided), this record is where vocalist Andrew Neufeld comes into his own, sounding like Living Sacrifice mic-masher Bruce Fitzhugh with some Until The End snarl thrown in. New drummer Steve Dueck (also ex-Undecided) amps up the percussion fivefold, crushingly heavy on each song. The overall quality of sound here decimates F4‘s previous album, which even the band is on record as saying they weren‘t satisfied with. Twelve murderous tracks of faith, straight living and overcoming adversity, this is a must-have.