First Blood, Killafornia
I hope you’ve got your mouth piece in and helmet strapped on securely, because you are about to take a hell of a beating. First Blood’s first full length release with Trustkill Records is an aural beat down if ever I heard one. If you’ve heard their five track demo released on Bridge Nine, then you know what to expect. If you haven’t yet heard it, have no fear. You’re in store for crushing riffs, aggressive lyrics, and a high-paced drum attack.
This San Francisco based band plays hardcore with a tough guy edge in the vain of Hoods, but with a bit more oomph to the overall sound. With the typical tough guy release you expect a whole lot of anger and aggression in the lyrics — which are usually one dimensional. With Killafornia, however, the band goes past the head crushing lyrics that the subgenre is known for. Yes, as evident by the first track, “Next Time I See You, You’re Dead,” violence and aggression are the root of the band, but front man Carl Schwartz touches on social issues including his vegan lifestyle. Thankfully, unlike a few PETA friendly bands out there, the lyrics don’t come across as preachy.
Musically the band is more than just all mosh. There are definitely some huge breakdowns that will leave your head ringing, but there are also very creative bits of song writing not seen on the typical mosh-filled hardcore release. While this is the band’s first full length, not all of the tracks are unique to this album. Three tracks, “Suffocate,” “Victim,” and “Unbroken” are all rerecordings of tracks from their demo. They aren’t quite as intense as the original recordings, but have the sound of a more mature band that’s now got the songs dialed in.
Next Time I See You, You’re Dead
I can’t think of a better way to introduce yourself on a debut more than with a one minute long crushing threat to your enemy. The first track is fast, angry, and powerful. I can see a whole lot of carnage going on in the pit with this one.
First Blood
Schwartz introduces a new aspect to his delivery that wasn’t heard on the demo. He has a great hardcore shout, but now is incorporating a bit more of an extended scream to go along with the gang vocals and gruff delivery. This is easily one of the better tracks on the album and has plenty of spots for group shouts from the crowd. About halfway through the track drummer Brandon Thomas just lets loose on the kit.
Conspiracy
“Conspiracy” has a bit of a chaotic feel to the opening seconds that shifts into a pretty beefy mosh. If you notice one thing besides the power in the sound, it’s Schwartz’s emotional delivery. I’m not talking whiney emo shit here. I’m talking about truly believing in what you’re screaming at the top of your lungs — delivering your message with as much punch and force as you can. It’s something that sets this band apart.
Suffocate
The first of the rerecorded tracks is one of my favorite from the demo. It doesn’t quite have the same grit as the original, but it’s still got plenty of power to it.
Execution
This next track is a new one with a pretty intense beginning. The chorus is a bit repetitive and cheesy at times, but it’s got a great beat that carries the last track’s momentum well.
Victim
Here’s the second of the three rerecorded tracks. “Victim” was probably my favorite track off of the demo. It’s got a great melodic hook to the riff and plenty of intensity.
Conflict
This is a slick track. Strong drumming and vocals make this one a standout on the album.
Tides
Group vocals start this one off and if you’re still conscious at this point, congratulations. You’re about to get kicked in the head again. “Tides” has a few elements from Full Blown Chaos to help drive Schwartz’s screams.
Regimen
Quick paced hardcore up front and close on this one. Some nicely timed pauses in this one break up the bludgeoning just long enough for you to catch your breath.
Unbroken
I think that this version of “Unbroken,” the final rerecorded song from the demo, is the only one that I like better than the originals. Its intensity seems to be up just a bit more than the demo’s version. It’s not quite as rough or dirty, but has a bit more punch to it.
Armageddon
The final track on the album is probably the “slowest” track on the album, and the only one without lyrics. The brief track reminds of Hatebreed‘s outro on Perseverance
First Blood‘s debut from Trustkill Records is a must have for any fan of fast, in your face, aggressive hardcore — plain and simple.
Favorite Tracks:
First Blood
Conspiracy
Victim
Conflict
Additional Notes:
Enhanced CD with band interview.