Search - Ringworm :: Justice Replaced By Revenge

Ghosts of the Past

D. Braden | Denver, CO | 10/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There was a time when combining hardcore and metal - though often thought to be sacrilege by purists of both genres - was raw and intense, faster and more pissed off than anything else the music world had to offer. Sadly, over the years the work of bands like the Crumbsuckers, Ludichrist, D.R.I., Corrosion of Conformity, Agnostic Front, Prong, and The Accused has slipped from memory, now replaced by uninspired breakdown-conscious genericore that probably owes more to nu-metal than it does to traditional hardcore or thrash metal.



Enter Ringworm, back with their third record and an agenda to lay waste to all the uninspired garbage polluting the underground. From the first notes of "Justice Replaced By Revenge," Furnace, 3-Gun, and the rest of the Ringworm crew make it absolutely clear that no bullsh*t will be tolerated. This record is a scorching 30 minutes of hardcore the way hardcore should be played - there is no clean singing, there are no obligatory bad metalcore breakdowns, and there is no trend or fashion involved in what Ringworm brings to the table with this release. Ignoring what Hot Topic and MTV2 define as hardcore and metal, they focus on a pissed-off, passionate fury that has more in common with 80s crossover bands than most hardcore/metal being played today.



The musicianship on this record is stellar. The songwriting is at times a little simplistic, but the band's passion and flawless execution more than make up for what some might call a lack of inventiveness. Ringworm is not here is break new ground - they're here to remind us of a time when hardcore was not a commodity, but instead a reflection of social unrest and pure, unadulterated rage. Lyrically, this record expresses a dark realism, specifically focusing on themes of anti-religion, nihilism, and apathy. The album art - handled aptly by Jacob Bannon from Converge/Deathwish Inc. - is an extension of the lyrical themes. The cover, presumably not shown here due to it's heavily anti-christian vibe, is truly a sight to be seen.



Bottom line: this record is a much-needed kick-in-the-ass for a stagnant and commercialized hardcore scene. Fans of Integrity, The Accused, early COC, and All Out War take notice - this record is definitely for you. For those who think that hardcore began with Revolver mag and the return of Headbanger's Ball, this record should serve as a much-needed wake-up call. And if it doesn't, there isn't much hope left for you or your taste in music."

They're back

The Iron Summit E-Zine | Arizona | 10/20/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This band has been around forever and this is only their third full length. Despite the fact that this band will probably get shafted on the promotional aspect of this album and the production is anything but stellar, this still stands taller than a fairshare of hardcore records out there. It's far from the most unique thing you're going to hear, but if you're just looking for an album thats a real hardcore record this is for you. The guitar solos are fantastic, the riffing is fast, and the vocals (as always) sound legitimately pissed off."