Climate of Fear begins topically true to its 2007 release date. Its tense, two-minute intro spews soundbites about the Iraq War, the Virginia Tech shootings, and so on. However, its sound comes from two decades before.
Bitter End's debut full-length is an astoundingly faithful reproduction of late-'80s New York hardcore punk, when
Agnostic Front,
Cro-Mags, and
Sick of It All ruled Gotham City. All the ingredients are present -- chugging, quasi-metallic riffs; boisterous gang vocals; and a tough, gritty feel. The accuracy of this throwback is even more amazing considering that this San Antonio band was in diapers during New York hardcore's prime. For twenty-somethings, their world-view is bleak: "Anxiety sets in, slipping into darkness/Watching a downfall where nobody wins." In "Vigilance," their apocalypse yields a vigilante hero. Out of this pessimism rises bruising, efficient songs that are surprisingly melodic. The mid-paced "The Higher" is almost emotional, and provides a breather from the surrounding punishment. The only chronological giveaway is the crisp, modern recording. The bass tone is clear as a bell, and sits in a perfectly balanced mix. Originality (or lack thereof) isn't a concern when the clarion call is this urgent. ~ Cosmo Lee