Ryker’s

Life’s a Gamble (Century Media)
by Tim Den

“We are Sh-uh-mans, and we shame on pitifo’ Amelican hardcore,” says Ryker‘s, the best NYHC band from the land of chocolate and Oktoberfest. And I agree with them. Last time a NYHC band sounded this eager to break your neck it was eight years ago on One Voice (Agnostic Front). For those who miss the muscular but not dumb metalcore that was perfected by the true artists (Rest In Pieces, for example), Ryker’s is a prophet coming to save us from Madball and Marauder. Heavy as NYHC metalcore should be, but equipped with a European sensibility (an aspect most bands from the continent seem to have bred into them) in timing, Ryker’s functions like a good comedian. They know when to lead the audience, when to build their anticipation, and when to open the floodgates and let the fists fly. It will make you admire the catchiness and brutality, the meaty chops and funny accent (sorry). If it took a NYHC band from 6000 miles outside New York City to save NYHC, then so be it. I’m a fan.
(1453-A 14th St. #324 Santa Monica, CA 90404)