Good Classic Hardcore
New Yorkers 'All Out War' are often heralded the creators of metalcore after having being around since 1990 and releasing their debut album 'For Those Who Were Crucified'. Their second effort 'Condemned To Suffer' came out a staggering 5 years later. After several line-up changes and another long wait All Out War have finally unleashed their newest and long awaited offering 'Assassins In The House Of God'.
This is only the band's third offering and it sounds like it should have been around in the thrash scene of the 90's rather than the metalcore scene today. Although this holds the advantage of appealing to the purest of fans, it seems that they have taken so long to write the record they haven't noticed that time has moved on, they should be on at least their 6th album by now surely?
The album also has a strong anti -religious and political presence, with song titles including 'Curtain Call For The Crucified', 'Behind The Crescent And The Cross' and 'When Your Gods Have Failed' not to mention the title track of the album. The artwork and lyrical content also display the religious theme of the record. "Faith has been corrupted to kill for God is not divine," this may be a detrimental factor for the band and may alienate some fans, who might be offended by the lyrical content. On the band's website there is in fact a statement which reads "Apparently there has been some controversy over the lyrical content of 'Assassins in the House of God'. Well, what can I tell you? We have never been a band to write lyrics about the pleasantries of life, abstract neo-Freudian poetry, or lost love. The lyrics are basically typical All Out War and we spare no religion or political agenda. If you are offended by the lyrical content, maybe you should be."
To throw about some metal clichés 'Assassins In The House Of God' musically, is definitely an unmistakeably brutal offering. It fuses heavy riffs, thunderous drumming and a mighty ferocious intensity. Vocalist Mike Score uses the unrelenting aggression in his voice to contribute to their straight up old style.
The classic hardcore meets thrash vibe of All Out War should be liked by anyone who has a passion for heavy music. There is more to this record than the religious theme and it should definitely appeal to the Slayer fans in this world.