No Innocent Victim To Burn Again
Facedown Records FR050 November 8th, 2005
By Jason Jordan
You can tell that No Innocent Victim are seasoned veterans, because To Burn Again isnt marred by hints of amateurishness. And anyone familiar with the hardcore scene has most likely been introduced to this act at some point, since they date back to 1992. After releasing two albums on independent labels and two more on Victory Records (recall when they were a legitimate, hardcore label?), the group disbanded in 2002 only to reform in 2004. As said in the first sentence, To Burn Again doesnt fall privy to many of the weaknesses that plague inexperienced troupes, but its not quite a shining return for them either.
Joined by ex-
isciplex AD members, the quintet have fourteen songs to present, which last about thirty-minutes in total. Its not like the record isnt straightforward in just about every way: this is reminiscent of Hatebreed (and others who frequented Victory Records in the late 90s), its aggressive hardcore fueled by various messages, and has plenty of lustrous moments. Conversely, despite this being their fifth full-length effort, To Burn Again doesnt necessarily stray from whats been done before, which keeps the listener pacified without requiring thinking or more taxing activities. Still, theres something to be said for the inspiration-riddled No Innocent Victim, though all that can be said doesnt hinge on complexities. For instance, hardcore fans will in all probability fancy this. Its a tad formulaic. And so on
While said recording is a return to form and marks the end of a four-year silence, I cant say that I was wowed by anything No Innocent Victim lowered on me, though there are inklings of solidity throughout. Ill recommend this disc to completists, and those who desire hardcore with a positive take on things. Otherwise, I cant see many people immersing themselves in this.
7/10
Official No Innocent Victim Website
Official Facedown Records Website
Facedown Records FR050 November 8th, 2005
By Jason Jordan
You can tell that No Innocent Victim are seasoned veterans, because To Burn Again isnt marred by hints of amateurishness. And anyone familiar with the hardcore scene has most likely been introduced to this act at some point, since they date back to 1992. After releasing two albums on independent labels and two more on Victory Records (recall when they were a legitimate, hardcore label?), the group disbanded in 2002 only to reform in 2004. As said in the first sentence, To Burn Again doesnt fall privy to many of the weaknesses that plague inexperienced troupes, but its not quite a shining return for them either.
Joined by ex-
isciplex AD members, the quintet have fourteen songs to present, which last about thirty-minutes in total. Its not like the record isnt straightforward in just about every way: this is reminiscent of Hatebreed (and others who frequented Victory Records in the late 90s), its aggressive hardcore fueled by various messages, and has plenty of lustrous moments. Conversely, despite this being their fifth full-length effort, To Burn Again doesnt necessarily stray from whats been done before, which keeps the listener pacified without requiring thinking or more taxing activities. Still, theres something to be said for the inspiration-riddled No Innocent Victim, though all that can be said doesnt hinge on complexities. For instance, hardcore fans will in all probability fancy this. Its a tad formulaic. And so on
While said recording is a return to form and marks the end of a four-year silence, I cant say that I was wowed by anything No Innocent Victim lowered on me, though there are inklings of solidity throughout. Ill recommend this disc to completists, and those who desire hardcore with a positive take on things. Otherwise, I cant see many people immersing themselves in this.
7/10
Official No Innocent Victim Website
Official Facedown Records Website
