Opposition Rising – “Aftermathematics”
Opposition Rising is a passionate, intense hardcore outfit; one of the best TNB has on its site. Impeccable musicianship, socially conscious lyrics, pile-driving rhythms and a lead singer who not only knows how to light it up on stage but lighten the intensity with his funny stage rap.
Their style is traditional hardcore and fits well in the style of some other great bands we cover: Reason To Fight, M-13, Live fast Die Fast and Antibodies. These guys throw a bit of reggae in as well, not always my favorite style, but their aim is right on target.
As great as this CD is, it’s nothing compared to seeing them live. Let’s cut off the plastic wrapper, press it into the laptop spokes and let it breathe.
F.T.W. Is the first song I’m reviewing. I, incorrectly, guessed that the letters stood for “Face The World” or “Feed The Walrus.” This is probably the fastest tune on the CD as it zips by you like a runaway train, ultimately, crashing aurally into the center of your brain. Smashing drums, low growling bass, buzzing guitars and accusatory, emphatic vocals. “So fuck the world and everybody in it/ I don’t need none of you/ and all your religions.” A short almost metal breakdown with shout along vocals in the background brought back in by the perfect drums accelerating off a cliff, to blow the world and your very soul to bits.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/03 – F.T.W..mp3|titles=F.T.W.]“Rising” might be their theme song as it breaks out into a manic gallop with some crunching, dangerous chords beckoning you into the clear, strong vocals augmented by the returning shout along backup vocals. A pause, just to regain your senses, and were back for another round of brutal onslaught with a slicing guitar/bass/drum rhythm riff to end the annihilation.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/01 – Rising.mp3|titles=Rising]Lotsa reggae touches on the CD, sometimes in the rhythm, sometimes just in the guitar, this CD has two out and out reggae numbers and “Debt Sentence” is one of them. But this isn’t your polite, generic reggae- No, Mon!- this has an authentic reggae groove but also loud fuzzing guitars with hardcore vocals and a neat stop and start in the middle just to add the icing on your Jamaican patties, or sprinkle the Moroccan hash in your fat spliff! This is perfect for all the boy skanks to get there skanking on.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/08 – Debt Sentence.mp3|titles=Debt Sentence]“The Rich Are Killing The Poor” (they got what they need but they still want more) is my favorite song by them, reminds me a bit of Refuse Resist and is a standout tune in their live set. A power chord, a tribal beat, a guitar feeding back leading into a chant/rant and then we’re led into a barrage of guitars, bass and backup vocals barreling through your sound system and nervous system toward a sprawling, venomous attack that rips the very core of your being.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/02 – The Rich Are Killing The Poor.mp3|titles=The Rich Are Killing The Poor]Check out the live review out this week of them and check them out live when you get a chance. And fuck the world and everyone in it but them.
(Slimedog)
