Terror might be the only band that could have had a successful career in music without playing a single show. The band's demo made its way online via their website and created a tidal wave of positive reviews that praised the band as the "saviors of hardcore." After the release of the demo, the band's first set of shows included dates on Hellfest and Hessfest. With their live shows full of vigor, the hype surrounding Terror continued to grow and consume anything in its path. The band's debut full-length, Lowest of the Low, on Bridge 9 only added further fuel to the fire. The album, partnered with their energetic performances alongside likeminded luminaries Hatebreed, The Promise, Madball, and A Death For Every Sin, continued the band on a path for glorification.
Which brings us to today. The band have just released their sophomore effort, One With the Underdogs, on Trustkill Records. The album picks up exactly where Terror left off. The title track contains the fast paced drumming of Nick Jett and crushing guitar riffs of Todd Jones while vocalist Scott Vogel commands the mic like a drill sergeant. The album's second track, "Keep Your Mouth Shut," is the perfect anthem for anyone that has turned to the hardcore community for support. "Less than Zero" and "Are We Alive?" follow in typical style for the genre - filled with some crucial sing-alongs as well as solid breakdowns. Which brings us to the album's first standout track, "Overcome." Everything about the band comes together perfectly here. The drumming is hard-hitting, the guitars are fast and crisp, and Vogel is a champ on the mic as he screams, "I've seen true hate, felt real pain/Still there is nothing that can stop me." These words may not be very poetic, but the message is strong.
"Spit My Rage" is another prime cut. In addition to the typical Terror sound and Vogel's declarations, we are also treated to guest vocals from Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed and Lord Ezec of Skarhead fame. Their appearances add some extra personality to the mix, especially when Ezec hocks a loogie at the end of the track. "Not this Time" has a nice groove riff provided by Jones and later on that cuts into a nice breakdown partnered with a good sing-along.
I was glad to see that the band re-recorded "Out of My Face" from their split 7" with Ringworm. Regardless of the excessive profanity that is used to illustrate the meaning of this song, the message is still genuine. The remaining songs flow one after another in typical hardcore fashion, even including a guest spot from Freddy Madball. The album's closer, "Enemies in Sight", rounds out with Vogel clearing his conscience: "I hope by now you know where I am coming from/30 long years and still core as fuck/Time to shut you down, put you in check/Smash the truth in your face, and send you on your way."
The only real gripe that I have with this release is the production. The bass is so low in the mix I have trouble even believing it exists. Again with the drumming, it isn't very prevalent in the mix. It is nearly impossible to hear the bass-drum; it seems the only thing mic'ed was a snare and the cymbals. Why the band chose not to return to Bill Korecky for their second release is beyond me. He did such an amazing job on the first full-length, not to mention countless other recent gems of metal/hardcore. But maybe the band will read this review and heed my words; production is essential.
While some of the hardcore elitists may snub Terror for making the jump from Bridge 9 to Trustkill, there really is no room for such close-mindedness. Terror has stayed true to their roots, continuing to write anthems of pissed-off hardcore that provides equal opportunities for sing-alongs and floorpunches.
