AGNOSTIC FRONT

If an album title like "Warriors" does not best describe the career of New York City hardcore legends AGNOSTIC FRONT, then I'm at a loss for a title that would. "Another Voice" was the band's first release for Nuclear Blast in 2005 and proved to the world that the quintet was as relevant as ever. While indisputably AF in its hardcore delivery, and with a handful of long term keepers to boot, some folks found the disc's sharpened metallic edges to detract somewhat from the hardcore foundation. That's not to say that the muscled rhythms and metal-heavy riffs have vanished, only that the sound on "Warriors" is more traditional. Whether it is the production of Roger Miret's brother, Freddy Cricien (MADBALL, HAZEL STREET),or the act's reintroduction to some corners of the music community, "Warriors" just feels like a vintage AF album. The tunes are vibrant, the sound natural, and the vibe one of hardcore exultancy.

More than anything else, "Warriors" showcases AGNOSTIC FRONT's skill in taking a basic formula and tweaking it just enough to keep the listener interested from start to finish. It will be a rare occasion when you will not want to listen to the album in its entirety. A little variety and the smart incorporation of nuance go a long way on a hardcore album. From the pure aggression of album opener "Addiction" to the street toughness of "Outrage" and "Black and Blue", to the fat groove and proud lyrics (sung by guitarist Vinnie Stigma) of "All These Years", the energy level remains high. Almost every song is an anthem, but most would consider "For My Family" to be the highlight, not only for its infectious, gang-shouted chorus, but also for its message of remaining loyal to those that matter most.

Speaking of gang shouts, let's not belittle their use on "Warriors". The boys cornered the market with it years ago and continue to get it right on the new long player. You'll get sick of it quick on the majority of hardcore releases, but AF manages to keep it fresh. Sure, much of it has to do with the passion inherent in the music, but a whole lot more has to do with the act's sense of melody. In other words, if the chorus sucks, the coolest gang shout on the planet isn't going to save it.

As with any new album by a legendary hardcore band, "Warriors" will forever be compared to any number of early "classic" releases. Don't use that as an excuse to bypass this one though. "Warriors" deserves to be heard and given its due recognition. All these years later and AGNOSTIC FRONT continues to be one of the world's greatest hardcore bands.