Bracewar is from right here in Richmond, VA and has been around for awhile now, but "Juggernaut" (on 1917 Records) marks the first time I've ever actually heard the band. I haven't gone to a show in two or three years now, so I don't really have much of a clue as to what's going on locally anymore, and I tend to run a little behind on such matters. But this is an extremely solid offering of fast, frenzied, furious hardcore that actually has a bit of a "powerviolence" kind of tinge to it in some ways—though the songwriting is more explosively energetic and memorable and the recording is tighter and more developed than what most would expect from that type of association. There's a great balance of blasting speed and light chug, the vocals kick ass and have a dated sort of hardcore/punk bitterness going on, the pounding basslines beef up the core of the mix, and the overall songwriting comes across as familiar without lacking creativity—which isn't exactly easy when you're primarily dealing with minute-long blasts of hardcore, you know? Initially I thought this was the band's debut full-length, but then I realized that all 12 tracks only add up to about 14 minutes total, which could damn near fit on a 7", so... I guess this is an EP!? Whatever you want to call it, it's awesome, so... check 'em out and see what you think.
Bracewar "Calling Out"
Bracewar "Afterthought"
Get It
1917 Records (CD)
1917 Records (LP)
1917 Records (mp3)
Comments
I dunno, a little too sloppy/screamy for my taste. I never found this chug you speak of.
12.19.2007 | By Johnny
interesting cover
12.19.2007 | By Anonymous
you know, this band is hyped to no end, but i think deserving. seems some bands nowadays rock this ultra fast (powerviolence) style with slower mosh breaks ... like ceremony. personally, i think BRACEWAR pull it together best of all - amongt the modern crop. the 7” (ep) before rules, too. good for them.
12.19.2007 | By Ben