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by James Salt - 17 April 2015

Website: www.agnosticfront.com

 

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Agnostic Front - 

The American Dream Died

If you're not familiar with the name Agnostic Front, then you probably should be. This NYC hardcore outfit have been honing their craft now for the better part of 35 years. They are one of the pioneers of the hardcore scene and are highly regarded by both press and their peers. With a number of line up change throughout their careers, lesser bands would have long hung up the gloves, but the Front are as hungry as ever and still coming out swinging.
Now releasing their 11th studio album The American Dream Died they look to cement themselves further as the ultimate hardcore act out there, it's a strong statement...but it's hard to argue against it.


The album itself is 16 tracks of pure ruthless aggression. With tracks rarely breaking the two and a half minute mark it doesn't give you chance to catch your breath. It's one hell of a ride that's for sure. Tackling political issues and simply surviving in today's society, the album is a 40 minute middle finger to the establishment. And you'd be a fool to mess with these guys, as they live by every word they sing.


The record is packed full of big, chunky riffs, Roger Miret's shouting chock full of aggression, their vintage gang-vocals and every song has got that trademark Agnostic Front bounce to them. This is probably going to be the heaviest album you listen to this year that gets you shouting along, every song is effortlessly catchy, but at the same time you've also got the overwhelming urge to punch the closest wall.

There are some standout tracks on the album such as Police Violence, Only In America and Never Walk Alone (which is a hardcore fan's dream with members of Madball, Sick Of It All and H20 joining forces with AF) but to be perfectly honest (omitting the intro track) there really isn't a bad song on this record.


Old New York takes the album on a slightly different swerve as they reflect on personal memories of the city they live in, and how it's been impacted as they've grown older. Occasionally the heavy metal influences shine through on the album, as they always have, but Agnostic Front are a band that generally stick to their very well oiled machine. This is straight up hardcore, it's never been anything pretty, but it's pretty damn good that's for sure.


The American Dream Died is a perfect introduction to Agnostic Front if you've never heard them before, if you consider yourself a fan of this genre in general then this should be an essential part of your collection. Packed full of incredible songs that just make you want to throw your fists in the air. This is proof that some bands only get better with age and this is proof that they're not even thinking about slowing down.

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