|
|
|
|
I think that most would agree that Denmark is not the first location that comes to mind when one thinks of hardcore. However, with their latest release Showdown, the Danish band Barcode may help put their nation on the hardcore map. The band has been around since 1995 and has released three previous albums. Showdown is the band’s first effort for their new label Nuclear Blast. After a brief intro, the band launches into a half hour block of nothing but hardcore. The band has also thrown in an enjoyable cover of Accept’s I’m a Rebel for good measure at the end of the disc. Barcode play a fairly basic form of hardcore that will not sound unfamiliar to fans of the genre. Shouted vocals dominate the record from start to finish and the other instruments seem to exist only to complement the lyrics. Lyrically, the topics range from posturing and boasting to challenging the Christian Coalition. The singer’s attacks on America were sort of funny, especially the line “with obesity for all.”
As a whole, I found Showdown to be pretty average. The biggest problem I saw with the CD was that it almost sounded like one thirty minute song. Distinguishing between individual tracks was often difficult since they all have about the same tempo and style. I also thought Showdown was a little too simplistic for my tastes. Hardcore is not always known for complexity, yet I still think a little experimentation could not have hurt things. I must warn the reader that since I do not usually listen to hardcore, one should take my advice with a grain of salt. My problems with the album may not necessarily be problems for hardcore fans. Those who do enjoy hardcore should check it out, as they may find something they like. For everyone else, it has been a pretty good year for metal so far…
| Tracklist |
| 1. Shots Out |
| 2. Rise To Dignity |
| 3. Showdown |
| 4. For What It's Worth |
| 5. Fanatics |
| 6. End The War |
| 7. No Lust For Life |
| 8. Bad Standing |
| 9. Drinkslinger |
| 10. In The Pit |
| 11. Make My Day |
| 12. Padre Siffredi |
| 13. Game Of The Lame |
| 14. Stressed |
| 15. Agressive Grim Filthy |
| 16. I'm A Rebel |
: 34.18
| Buy other Barcode albums |
