Annihilation Time

I don't know how many of you have been really pining for some `70s rock 'n' roll flair to be added to the guitar lines of mid-`80s hardcore, but if you are, then you'll probably appreciate Annihilation Time. Or maybe you won't. I don't care. No skin off my back.

There's really not a lot more to say. These dudes share an appreciation for fast, hard rockin' guitars and `80s hardcore. The opener, "Splash Back" rings of Iron Maiden at times while "About to Snap" has some Thin Lizzy-esque dual guitar attacks. "Jones Town" starts out like a cut from mid-era Black Flag. "Just Guzzlin'" might have been a Judas Priest B-side. Also, other comparisons to other bands that played rock and roll music.

Tales of the Ancient Age isn't so much of a hardcore album as much as it is the soundtrack to an `80s dude/bro pizza party, or maybe filler music for Heavy Metal Parking Lot. The lyrics of "Bald Headed Woman" bring me back to DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince's "Girlie Had a Mustache." Letting it play in the office while I'm doing work lets me bring some party to menial copy tasks or filing. Blasting it in the car with the windows down and fingerless leather gloves clutching the steering wheel turns the Honda Civic into a Trans Am, no questions. But I'm not too sure if I'd ever really want to listen to it on headphones or take the time to play it on my stereo at home.

The production values harken back to a simpler time, and the songs are all well-structured with heavy riffs, fast tempos and catchy melodies. One wonders if the lack of tempo variation could be detrimental to future listens.

Or maybe I'll just let it ride and keep the party going.