[MUSIC] Biohazard – Reborn In Defiance [REVIEW]
BIOHAZARD
Reborn In Defiance
[Nuclear Blast]
Verdict: 9.5/10
RIYL: SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, MADBALL & Hip Hop Influence Hardcore
PERSONAL NOTE: Being a tried and true BIOHAZARD fan, maybe it isn’t appropriate for me to review the new record and have it not be jaded or whatever, but, alas, I am and if anyone wants to review it as well…step up please! With that being said…
BIOHAZARD have been an unstoppable force for almost 25years now. That is an incredibly long time to be doing this style of music and to have never fallen off. In 1990 when they released their self titled record, no one would have even thought these Brooklyn boys that had the audacity to blend hip-hop with gutter style hardcore and metal so seamlessly would have gone anywhere. It wasn’t until 1992′s Roadrunner Records release of Urban Discipline that the world took notice. From there their rise was on the ‘meteoric’ side. After going the major label route, even though the label had NO idea what they had, BIOHAZARD took it back underground. After 8 full lengths, 2 live records and a b-side compilation, they unleash album number 9, Reborn In Defiance. It says volumes that this record would be hard and a return to form as it boasts the classic line-up D.F.L.-ers have been clamoring over for years, it sadly, also, marks the departure of bass player/singer Evan Seinfeld, but what a way to go out. Reborn showcases why the band have been able to keep their following as long as they have. It easily mixes the rawness and urgent aggression of Urban Discipline with the sounds of an experienced band that still, to this day, has things to say. When listening to this record you get the dirty hardcore stomp that will have young and old alike butting heads in the pits as well as the ripping, non annoying guitar solos they’ve always been known for. The dual vocal attack of Seinfeld and Billy Graziadei has been a legendary run. Evan’s gruffer hip-hop influenced style with Billy’s NYCH meets old school metal scream have made many after them red in the face with embarrassment. Their ability to story tell and basically tell it like it is has been a welcome relief amid the over abundance of the fake story telling and false bravado of cock rockers and rappers. That hasn’t changed on bit on any of Reborn In Defiance‘s 13 tracks. To try and call out individual tracks would only hinder the listening experience, as one would look toward these songs to be what they were made out to be. BIOHAZARD have always been the type of band that have crowd favorites, but overall, every fan’s ‘favorite’s’ list varies. Reborn In Defiance is not only a welcome relief to the mediocre sounds being force fed to the masses, but a bitter sweet farewell to the classic sound that made BIOHAZARD, well…BIOHAZARD. -by Jon Hole
Recommended listening: All of it. Seriously.
Production credits: Produced by Toby Wright @ Graziadei’s Firewater Studios in Los Angeles.
Release date: January 20, 2012 (not yet released in the US)
In conclusion…Biohazard fans rejoice. The Brooklyn Bashers are back. Newcomers, hold on for one hell of an experience.
