Review by Rick Eaglestone for MPM
New York hardcore legends Agnostic Front return with their thirteenth studio album, Echoes In Eternity, and if you’re expecting these veterans to mellow with age or compromise their sound, you clearly haven’t been paying attention for the past forty-five years.
Echoes in Eternityisfifteen tracks of pure aggression clocking in at just twenty-eight minutes. No filler, no self-indulgent experimentation, just straight-up New York hardcore delivered with the precision of a knuckleduster to the jaw.
Opening track “Way Of War” sets the tone immediately and does not let up for even a second. Miret’s bark is as commanding as ever, his lyrics tackling political corruption and the senseless wars that drag nations into conflict whilst civilians bear the cost. The guitar work from Craig Silverman is razor-sharp, delivering piledriving riffs that hit like a freight train. This is hardcore at its most primal and effective.
“You Say” follows and ups the intensity even further. The track combines yobbish punk attitude with metallic heft, switching pace with the sort of controlled chaos that only comes from decades of experience. Mike Gallo’s bass work alongside drummer Danny Lamagna who creates a rhythmic foundation that’s both brutally simple and devastatingly effective.
“Matter Of Life & Death” brings in the crossover thrash elements that Agnostic Front have always done so well, featuring none other than Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of Run-DMC. The track is streetwise and surly, with barked rap verses complementing the driving riffs perfectly. It’s a collaboration that makes complete sense – both acts emerged from the same New York streets, both have always spoken truth to power, and both understand the importance of authenticity over polish.
“Art Of Silence” is perhaps the most brutal in its brevity – when a track this short leaves you feeling like you’ve been put through a wall, you know the band are doing something right. “Skip The Trial” follows with righteous indignation, the sort of track that will absolutely destroy in a live setting. I can already picture the chaos this will unleash when they hit the road.
“Turn Up The Volume” is destined to become a pit anthem – it has got that infectious energy that makes you want to throw yourself into the chaos. The guitar solos throughout the album, whilst brief, highlight Silverman’s ability to add melodic elements without compromising the aggressive foundation.
What’s remarkable is how fresh this sounds. Yes, it is unmistakably Agnostic Front – you would know this band within seconds of any track starting – but there is an energy and vitality here that bands a fraction of their age would kill for. Miret and Stigma have never lost the fury or the focus that made them standard bearers for an entire genre
Echoes In Eternity stands shoulder to shoulder with the work of their peers in Sick Of It All and Cro-Mags, bands who understand that hardcore isn’t just a sound – it’s a philosophy, a way of looking at the world and refusing to accept the unacceptable. The simplicity of concept and delivery hasn’t aged one iota over the decades. They’ve survived lineup changes, health battles, rapidly changing trends, and they haven’t lost a single step.
Vocalist Roger Miret comments on Echoes In Eternity:
“I’m excited for our new release, Echoes In Eternity. We have always taken risks, never followed the pack and are really proud of how the album turned out. The songs feel fresh, and the lyrics are current and personal. It’s an attestment to our longevity, dedication, and leading the forefront in our genre. What we do in life now Echoes In Eternity and it shows! The songs viciously hit hard and the sound is HUGE compliments of our Producer Mike Dijan and an electrifying mix by Zeuss at Planet-Z!! You will enjoy cranking the volume up on this beast!”
Instilling hardcore greatness once more.
Echoes in Eternity Track Listing:
1. Way Of War
2. You Say
3. Matter Of Life & Death
4. Tears For Everyone
5. Divided
6. Sunday Matinee
7. I Can’t Win
8. Turn Up The Volume
9. Art Of Silence
10. Shots Fired
11. Hell To Pay
12. Evolution Of Madness
13. Skip The Trial
14. Obey
15. Eyes Open Wide
Line-up:
Roger Miret – Vocals
Mike Gallo – Bass
Craig Silverman – Guitar
Vinnie Stigma – Guitar
Danny Lamagna – Drums
https://www.facebook.com/agnosticfront
https://www.instagram.com/agnosticfrontnyc
