The undisputed kings of New York Hardcore are making it clear that they are "still right here", putting out record after record chock-full of 2 minute (if you're lucky) tracks. Recently, their 2004 album (titled "Another Voice") was reissued; why? I have no idea. Why this album, in particular? I especially have no idea. However, undoubtedly a turning-point in the band's career, it seems to have marked the return of "Crossover Thrash" into their repertoire; sure, I hear it, but I'm not the least bit enjoying it; not like I would, for example, the grittier repertoire of CORROSION OF CONFORMITY.

Granted, I might be coming off as someone who has no idea what they're talking about when it comes to Hardcore Punk; if you were to think that, you would be right, but I fail to see how this record would stand up in the floodlights of even the most stalwart Punk enthusiasts. While it is rather impeccably produced; not overly-so, and keeping to a suitable state of raw-ness, the music is, for the most part, rather lacklustre. In the thrashier pieces, such as "Fall of the Parasite" or "Dedication", I'm -this- close to being able to actually get into the music, but every time Roger opens his mouth I'm turned off immediately. As quickly as my neck may be thrown on the gallows for saying this, the vocals make the entire album completely inaccessible for me; I can't speak for other listeners, but the bleating verges on the annoying. Riff-wise, the album is excellent, some tracks culminating in a perfect blend of raucous Punk and the crushing heaviness of their Crossover roots ("No One Hears You"), however unintelligent as they may come across.

Feeling "off" on so many levels, I can't imagine why this album was picked for a reissue. Lyrically, it is fantastic, and while some of the riffs are shapely and killer, it comes off as a giant mass of monotony, and grating vocals. It might be considered an important part of the band's discography, but then again, so was METALLICA's "St Anger", and not for the right reasons.