Bulldoze "The Final Beatdown" CD
[Time-Served]
This is a remastered repress of this legendary metallic hardcore band's discography CD that's long overdue if you ask me. My copy of the original pressing disappeared years ago and it's been impossible to find another one until now. Bulldoze is back in action with a new lineup these days, but the guys that played on these original recordings went on to form amazing bands like Train of Thought, Agents of Man, and Terrorzone. Don't expect any melody here, though. This is straight up metalcore with midpaced tempos, shitloads of massive mosh parts, power chords galore, gruff vocal shouts, etc. The only song that really even hints at melody is "All I Have", which starts out with some chorused clean guitars, but that doesn't last for long! There are four live tracks at the end of the disc from a set at The Wetlands in '95, and of course they're not as loud or clear as the other songs, but the quality is actually really quite good for live material. The production on the studio songs isn't bad for stuff that was recorded in the 90's. The remastering seems to have added more of a low-end presence, which helps out, but it sounds pretty good regardless. The guitar tone is a little rugged at the edges, but hey, what can you do? It doesn't hold them back, but I'll say this... if this stuff came out today with a modern sound, it would be fucking brutal. The layout this time out is a little rough, but still better than it was on the original pressing. The booklet folds out into one large four-panel insert, the front of which has a blue bandana pattern around the edges (continued from the front cover) that houses some text information and a collage of photos. The other side is black and white and contains more band photos and lyrics. My only gripe is that the photos could be better quality or could have been arranged better, and using the same font(s) more consistently might have helped. No big deal though, I'm just glad this repress is finally out. And these lyrics are fucking priceless. I love it... shit, the CD's not called "The Final Beatdown" for nothin'! "Lookout motherfucker comin' at you like a buckshot, don't ask me why, my hatred it will not stop... Growing up pain was my best friend, things have changed for no apparent reason, my heart's turned to ice, don't ask me why, just stay on your back and look at the sky." I'm surprised that this band doesn't get talked about more often. For fans of all the DMS NYHC bands this is essential. And now you can finally get the stuff again without paying an arm and a leg on eBay. Hell yeah. (8/10)
Running time - 53:42, Tracks: 14
[Notable tracks: Beatdown, Bulldoze, Herb, Hypocryte]
Bulldoze - bdoze@ixpres.com

This review has been displayed 4146 times.