S.N.A.F.U. – Present Day Plague
Record Label: Independent
Release Date: Out Now
Review By: Matt Bolton
Hardcore/Thrash/Punk crossover band from Detroit release the follow up to their 2013 debut, Fear The Future starting off with a sample like its predecessor. The pummeling bass provided by Mickey, drives album opener, Her Dark Past and it’s not long before guitar solos ring through, tearing the listener a new hole. The thrash is on and the hardcore gang vocals make way for the punk clean vocals that the pave the way for some guttural screams with heavy hitter Death Trip. Track standout A Trade To Abduct, starts with a slow heavy riff and the drums of Ryan Hampton soon take over at break neck speed. This song is pure punk hardcore brilliance that fans of Cro-Mags and the like would get their kicks from. Throw in some epic guitar solos, notably at the two and a half minute mark and we have a winner.
Jason Navarro, vocalist from The Suicide Machines lends a hand on Eternal Nocturnal. It is a pretty dark and heavy track that comes with a just as more dark video that is definitely worth checking out. Things seem to get heavier with Body of Suffering, and the band introduce a more metallic element to their music. Black metal influences even show their corpse-painted faces towards the end of the track with some demonic vocals from frontman Scott. The band don’t let up with back to back thrashers , Digital Prison and Unchained.
Also from Detroit, former American Footballer Shawn Knight provides spoken word for a creepy sample that makes way for the hardcore anthem Dead Before Dawn. Longest song on the record One From None, is a well-constructed metal track, whereas the fast paced punk number Try Hard clocking in at just forty-three seconds shows the band’s diversity. S.N.A.F.U. keep it fresh with their crossover of genres pleasing the punk, hardcore, thrash or all round metal fan. At the end of the day Present Day Plague is a solid record in all its 19 track glory. Currently touring alongside one of my favourite new acts Child Bite, if this tour was to come down under I would sure be one happy punter. So do yourselves a favour and check out S.N.A.F.U. they may just be up your alley and if they’re not you must be up the wrong one.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwcKrN4drCw&w=560&h=315]
Order your vinyl of S.N.A,F.U. or download their albums via Bandcamp.
https://snafudetroit.bandcamp.com/
