An integral part of the early ’80s hardcore scene, now renamed Battalion of Saints A.D., the new CD, Cuts, proves the band has not lost its spunk or its edge.
Stranglehold were an important band with a place in early Boston hardcore history alongside Gang Green and the F.U.’s, who somehow got lost in the shuffle.
The extended version of their ’88 live opus, recorded in Amsterdam in front of what sounds like an audience of three. Swallow this. It’ll make you fly.
Sound of Confusion, their ’86 debut, is first-embryonic Detroit-via-Rugby fuzz-drones that light up the firmament with incandescent bursts of beauteous fury.
They get sassy and brassy with the horns, and rip out some roaring guitar work. Some fun, interpretive covers of Op. Ivy, Misfits, Musical Youth, and the Clash.