Strife

In this Defiance (Victory)
by Tim Creter

Time for some blunt honesty and sharing. I never liked Strife until I heard this new album. If I recall about two, two and a half years ago, my friends and I were just stumbling into the hardcore scene. An album was bought, called One Truth, and it was our first wind of in your face straightedge intensity. I hated it. I thought the band was too preachy for its own good, and on top of that, their music was terrible. Energetic and fast, yes, but it lacked musical depth and originality. This attitude of mine continued unchanged for the next two years. I was also unmoved by their home video and avoided seeing them live at all costs. But now Strife has recorded In this Defiance, which has blown me away. Solid production, great and short songwriting, and a definite heavier metal influence. You’ll hear Sepultura on “Will to Die” along with some Sabbath-like ominous soundscapes in between other tracks. According to the press release, there are also appearances by a Cavalera on drums, some Deftones vocal work, and a guitar straight out of Fear Factory on certain songs. This album is short, but it is a monstrous wall of heavy hardcore that is changing perceptions (like mine). Maybe I’ll go see them live next time.
(346 North Justine St. #504 Chicago, IL 60607)