Like a volcanic eruption, Ringworm exploded out
of Cleveland and has been a formidable force of hardcore
and thrash for more than a decade. Ringworm started
out in 1991 and released many 7” productions.
The band released their debut full length “Promise”
on Incision Records. When 2001 rolled around, Victory
Records took Ringworm in and ever since the band has
always had something huge to offer.
2005’s “Justice Replaced By Revenge”
was a masterpiece that is among the most critically
acclaimed albums released by Victory Records. Now,
Ringworm has brought something new to the hardcore
scene. The band’s new release, “The Venomous
Grand Design”, has really added to the chaos
that Justice Replaced By Revenge brought two years
earlier.
The Venomous Grand Design opens with “Things
Are Not As They Seem” which is a visceral combination
of screams and weird background noises and makes a
perfect opening for the second track, “The Cage”.
Every song the album had something very satisfying.
Each track had an awesome thrash metal outline including
some awesome guitar solos. Along with the mix, the
band displayed what every hardcore lover (including
me) wants: The breakdowns. Every song had a brutal
breakdown that really added to the intensity. At first,
you hear thrashy beats and riffs then an explosive
breakdown tops off the mix.
Overall, The Venomous Grand Design is an awesome
addition to any hardcore fan’s collection. This
album was a great follow-up to Justice Replaced By
Revenge because the band stayed in tune with the values
they started with which was the chaos and intensity
that they’re known for. What I’m trying
to say is that the band never sold themselves out
by changing their style or switching genres. The hardcore
ass kicking intensity of The Venomous Grand Design
will please old school hardcore/thrash fans and new
ones alike. Each song has something “Venomous”
to offer.
Key Tracks: The whole album is awesome!
Reviewed by Patrick Stevens |
