Brutal and awesome. There are a few minor errors instrumentally, but this album is one of the most heartfelt things I've heard in a while. Let's face it... We live in a generation of musicians that are writing music strictly for money. Most of the bands that come out anymore just spit a pile of worthless shit full of lyrics that don't mean anything but dollars to them. You can't disagree with me on that.

But not Wisdom and Chains. The lyrics are meaningful. Anyone who has ever listened to Wisdom in Chains before can tell you that. Most of the lyrics are centered around struggles of everyday life that many of us are faced with. And, yes, they do touch upon the basics of hardcore (i.e. brotherhood, friendships, family, etc.). However, it's not overdone. They're very profound in getting the message across that they're pissed off at the way this country is run and the system in which we are all, at one point, forced to work. There is a strong old-school hardcore influence mixed with a raw Oi! punk sound. The vocals are an acquired taste. You may be apprehensive at first, but give it a chance.

Shortly after the release of this album, I saw Wisdom in Chains. It wasn't the first time, and it won't be the last. I had a sit-down with their singer, Mad Joe Black, after the show. It was originally meant to be an interview for my senior project on how old-school hardcore influences new music. However, it turned into what the album Class War really meant to the band. He told me stories of his father, his friends and his children.

If you're looking for real, this is real.