Sticking this on you could be forgiven for thinking Straightfaced had opted for the full-on nu-metal approach that some hardcore bands such as Earth Crisis seem to have adopted lately.

However, although that old-skool Agnostic Front-style formula has kinda been ditched in favour of a heavier, punchier sound you get the impression that they’ve sort of re-invented themselves. And even Johnny Miller’s distinctive tough-guy vocals have found some kind of grating tunefulness that makes him sound like Robb Flynn here & there. [Ugh, shudder!] Especially in tracks like ‘Wrung Up’. But gems like ‘Kill The Messenger’ sees this vaguely tuneful edge work powerfully well.

But stand back & look at this album as whole and it quickly becomes apparent the kind of steel-armoured hardcore force Straightfaced have become. Full of solid muscular breakdowns & powerful stop-start punches to the gut they’ve become a force to be reckoned with. And although ‘Liar’ sees em touch on nu-metal, old-skool blasts like ‘F**k Your Scene’ & ‘Disappointed’ are hardcore to the max.

A refreshing new album that’ll really open up Straightfaced’ audience.