Like an increasing number of their contemporaries in today’s hardcore universe, Steel Nation’s sound is heavily infused with thrash influences, owing as much of a debt to early Metallica as Black Flag or Agnostic Front. Their latest record, Forever Wounded, finds the band pushing further into thrash territory than ever before, with the band excelling at their brand of the crossover-and-hardcore matrimony. The album is a stone-faced, no piss-taking affair. Despite the glut of bands playing a similar style, Forever Wounded has secured Steel Nation a position as one of the better acts in today’s scene.
The “Intro” is a strong instrumental track to kick off the set before blowing the doors wide open with “A War Within.” Tracks such as “Odysseus” and “Reaching the End” showcase guitar work that would have fit right in on Master of Puppets. Other cuts like “Blind to the Truth” and “Day by Day” are uncompromising hardcore anthems that see the band instrumentally firing on all cylinders. The band saves their best for last, however, with the phenomenal thrash and two-step of “Downfall of Humanity,” closing the album on a very strong note.
There are two issues, though, that prevent this album from attaining a spot in the true upper-echelon of hardcore. Firstly, the record occasionally suffers from a feeling of sameness; it is rare for Steel Nation to change time signatures or even tempo. As a result, the album drags in parts. Just a few more moments like the beginning of the title track, with its soft, Metallica-esque intro, would benefit the band greatly. Secondly, Steel Nation absolutely must find an answer at the vocalist position. It has been a revolving door, with several member changes; the group now splits the duties between one of their guitarists and their bassist—Neil “The Hardness” Stiles and Steve Fisher. While the vocalist-by-committee approach works well for some bands, Steel Nation’s approach is rather pedestrian. A more dynamic set of pipes would work wonders. Every time I spin Forever Wounded I find myself wishing that I could hear even just one full-throated scream. The lack of a strong vocal presence is extremely frustrating because this record could have been so much more with a commanding frontman.
Forever Wounded is a very fine effort from Steel Nation, and though they owe a heavy compositional debt to some of their forebears, they play this music with such passion and conviction that it’s impossible not to take notice. With the addition of a true lead singer, this band could really take flight. Until then, enjoy this record for what it is—a blistering, no-frills crossover attack. Hardcore fans rejoice: 2009 has given us yet another strong release.
DOWNLOAD NOW
