Six years have passed since hardcore pioneers released Get Loud! in 2019. The gap has not dulled the band’s ferocity as Echoes In Eternity, the band’s thirteenth release, is 27 minutes of old school New York Hardcore. “Way of War” the initial single, is a fast paced number with stomping drums and a heavy, galloping riff. “You Say” features an ominous riff and bass line that builds up before breaking to a short burst during the chorus. “Matter of Life & Death” generated a minor amount of necessary controversy as it features Darryl “DMC” McDaniels from hip-hop luminaries Run DMC. Darryl lays out a verse over a sick groove and it complements the song. The relationship between hip-hop and hardcore spans over 40 years, as artists from both genres have collaborated on tracks. This song continues that tradition and it is a banger.
“Tears For Everyone” is one of the faster tracks on the album, as the band delves into thrash territory. The guitar duo of Vinnie Stigma and Craig Silverman throw some vicious riffs and a shredding guitar lead while new drummer Danny Lamagna pounds away with surgical precision. “Divided” is a socially poignant song as it rails against fascism. The riff conveys a sense of anxiety as Roger Miret sings of men spilling the blood of innocent people. The brief, dissonant lead heightens the emotional pull of the track. “Sunday Matinee” is two-and-a-half minute tribute to Sunday night hardcore shows at CBGB. It is a dynamic sing along punk song that recalls the good old days. “I Can’t Win” is an urgent plea for help as Miret belts that “there is no future/there’s no tomorrow” over a manic guitar riff. Things turn back to tough guy hardcore territoy with “Turn Up The Volume.” This has a nasty, grooving riff over a tight beat that will incite several pits at a live show. “Hell To Pay” is another thrashing track with attitude as Miret dares one to FAFO. It is a two minute blizkrieg of riffs and speed. The two final tracks, “Obey” and “Eyes Open Wide” again show the band’s versatility, with the former emphasizing speed and the latter groove. On “Wide” Miret makes a final vow to stay true in a world gone mad.
Echoes In Eternity is a cohesive album, that makes for a smooth listen. No track on Echoes reaches the three minute mark, as the band kept things concise and to the point. However, this is not a monotonous album by any means. The songs draw from punk, hardcore and thrash without sounding awkward or misplaced. One can attribute this to Agnostic Front tinkering with its sound for 45 years but still retaining its edge. Thus, you can have a happy song like “Sunday Matinee” that’s followed by a moshing stomp like “Turn Up The Volume.” The production is well done, particularly with the drums and guitar tone.
Agnostic Front deliver the hardcore goods yet again on “Echoes In Eternity.” This is a short album that is both nostalgic and contemporary, an impressive feat. Hardcore fans will enjoy it as should metalheads looking for a crossover fix. New York Hardcore lives in eternity!
Check out the band’s official website here: https://www.agnosticfront.com/
