What do we have here? New PRO-PAIN album? Hmmm, that's always good news! Gary Meskil's own war machine (I don't remember any album with the exact same line up as the previous one) returns on time for their date with their fans being one of the most reliable bands when it comes to the studio. 13 albums in 19 years is not a bad record at all! The thing about this band is that even though their music is something simple, you never knew what to expect since PRO-PAIN have experimented a bit on their sound changing some elements from time to time. Let's see what's special about "Absolute Power".

First of all, let me tell you that the band has a brand new drummer (oh, what a surprise, new member!), Rick Halverson who is known for his work in bands like CELLADOR and NARCOTIC SELF. Anyway, "Absolute Power" contains a total of 10 straight in your face aggressive tracks full of raw power. PRO-PAIN have gotten a bit more "metallic" without of course leaving their Hardcore roots behind, creating a Thrash/Hardcore hybrid that will cause a true holocaust during live performances for sure! This thrashier and groovier sound may confuse some of their fans at first, but I am sure they will end up loving it. The clean vocals have been reduced in favor of macho screams (yeah, we love this "angry" Meskil) but one thing that has remained the same is the classic ingredient that always made PRO-PAIN what they are, the down tuned guitars and the heavy as fuck sound the band carries since its first steps.

"Absolute Power" hides some surprises for sure like the melodic totally Metal riffs of "Road To Nowhere" and the almost NEVERMORE intro of "Hate Coalition" (ehm, and the brutal blasts you will come across in there), but after a few listening sessions you will start getting dragged into this album's world, and you will love it! PRO-PAIN seem to be getting all brutal and I guess I will be one of those that intend to follow...