Brothers in Arms – Brothers in Arms

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If there is one musical genre that Heavy Metal owes a lot that is Hardcore. Fans of subgenres as Thrash, and more dearly, Death, and Black owe a lot more because all the influence Hardcore gave to musicians as Slayer’s Dave Lombardo, Metallica’s James Hetfield, Anthrax’s Scott Ian only to mention a few. It was under Hardcore’s influence that bands decided to speed up a little the cadence and give some extra aggression to their vocals and lyrics. Drumming got tighter and faster. As some may remind, early Black metal bands were considered Hardcore with guitar solos. It was under Hardcore that bands like Nuclear Assault, D.R.I. and others started a movement called crossover, which is very common these days. That’s why I pay all the respect to Hardcore, though I disdain some punk rock bands. But let’s leave that for another review, shall we?

Today’s subject is Brother in Arms – a very respectful name for a Hardcore band, don’t you think? – with their eponymous EP with six short-lengthed tracks, as usual in the genre. “Brother in Arms” is full of anger as desired and some kind of humor which is a constant in the genre as well. It’s possible to sense all the anger and wrath that comes from the album in each track which is amazing these days that some still confuse Hardcore with Green Day – so sorry for having mentioned that name. 

From where I’m standing, it is great for Heavy Metal fans to aknowledge some hardcore bands. Not only because of their importance, but also because all the heavyness and fierce that they pass on. Anger and wrath are required items to heavy Metal band, or do you disagree? Of course we do like some fancy instrumentals, however shocking is the real deal. Raw and unpolished playing is also desired, maybe some may have forgotten.

Brother in Arms “Brother in Arms” was released on April 12th via Swell Creek Records.

Track Listing:

  1. 161

  2. One with the Violence

  3. Predators

  4. Weapon of Choice

  5. R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

  6. Bound to the Hard Core