Negative Male Child

Little Brother (Too Damn Hype)
by Scott Hefflon

From the initial assault of the title track “Little Brother,” you understand Ron Little, the vocalist, is not a very happy guy. In what usually is the special thanks section, he thanks no one. His voice has already been compared to the late, great Sam Kinison, and that’s about the best description I’ve heard yet. Negative Male Child are, to these ears, a leader in the new breed of hardcore bands. Innovative, heavy-as-a truck-parked on your-chest, and utilizing that metal guitar sound only to a certain extent – N.M.C. is hardcore, through and through. The topics are isolation, total disillusion, betrayal, hypocrisy, and, well an unhealthy amount of hate. The lyrics skate the fine line between juvenile and gutter poetic, as is often the case with truly heartfelt lyrics about rage.

Some of the slower, almost ballady, songs falter. They don’t maximize Ron’s amazing roar, nor does the guitarist get to unleash his monstrous guitar sound. While technically competent, and creatively written, the slow songs just lack the power and aggression of the rest.

This is a top-notch hardcore band. They keep the integrity of the genre, and stretch it musically to suit their needs. Victory Records fans should definitely get this, as should anyone with a taste for the crossover hardcore/metal that still remains hardcore.