Hailing from Switzlerand, CANCEL is back with their second full length album since forming in 2011, "Dark Reveries", chock full of classic hardcore riffs, breakdowns, and an unmistakable punk edge that keeps the sound close to true hardcore roots. It's a blistering fast album that wastes little time establishing a vintage but somehow modern punk sound. The hardcore influences are clearly present: fantastic screams, chunky riffs, breakdowns, and a whole lot of angst. And while this all feels very crisp and modern, and well done, it's also got a classic vintage vibe to it. The punk drumming and guitar lines coupled with the recorded-in-one-room type of production aid this feel, and it succeeds very well.

The album kicks off with opener "Mind Burial" and immediately establishes the high-tempo punk sound. The track is well rounded out, there are breakdowns, and the harsh vocals are crisp and locked in. The next 3 tracks all follow a similar style and vibe, it's a strong start to the album. Track three "Golden Rats" is my favorite of those bunch, with a bigger emphasis on the breakdowns and chunky riffs, but not without plenty of punk drums fills. Track five "Poor Man's Sermon" sees the album slow down into an almost Doom Metal-esque type of crawl, with the vocals switching from screams to low whispers/spoken word. It's an eerie track, and perfectly placed in the five-hole it breaks up the fast paced hardcore sound that started the album, giving a feeling of ebb and flow. It's good to see this kind of texture and layering in the album structure from a young band, that's quality songwriting.

Immediately following, track six "Chased Feelings" re-establishes the quick hardcore pace with blistering fast drums, and pushes the album all the way through to the end without a break, aside from a brief cool down in 1:00 long interlude track "Human Machinery" before we move into the closer and title track "Dark Reveries." For my money it is also the strongest song of the back half of the album, and maybe one of the strongest of the album. It's well rounded, providing a slightly more slowed down and death metal type of feel. It's got an excellent groove to it, the melodic work with the lead guitar is some of the most interesting on the album, and it's overall a dark and foreboding song that finishes the album on a epic and very strong note.

Overall, this is a fantastically well done and classic hardcore album. Some may be turned off by the classic production and 90's punk vibes, but as far as I'm concerned they simultaneously paid homage to their roots while creating a modern and fresh sound. The vocals are sick, the breakdowns nasty, and the album is very well structured. Nailing song order is a big accomplishment, and they knock it out of the park. If you're in the mood for a classic hardcore album, give "Dark Reveries" a listen. You won't be disappointed.