Crown of Thornz – Mentally Vexed – Review

Crown of Thornz

Mentally Vexed (Another Planet)
by Tim Creter

About three years ago, at an all too innocent age, I went to a show at the glamorous music boutique, The Rat, in Boston. It was here, after the opening band, that I had my first glimpse into the reality of New York hardcore. The floor exploded with swinging fists and relentless energy. In a combination of fear and shock I ended up against the far wall, now able to see the band that got this crowd fired up. The singer moved all over the stage with finesse and authority. The band behind him pumped out intense sounds I had never heard before, but was now utterly intrigued by. I found out afterwards that this powerful and tight band was Crown of Thornz. There is an honest and passionate quality about this band I truly admire. It is present in Lord Ezec’s vocals, and in Mike Dijan’s simple yet highly original and effective guitar riffs. The music is a perfect example of everything that was good in New York’s hardcore heyday; melodic, heavy, and influential. All this good stuff and more can be found on their new (and first) full-length, Mentally Vexed. It features eight new tracks, along with two new renditions of older songs, “Juggernaut” and “Crown of Thornz,” found on their previous EP, Train Yard Blues. This is the band that first got me aware of the all the great elements that work in modern New York hardcore. Maybe it can do the same for you.