Agnostic Front
Way Of War
Reigning Phoenix Music
Like a rabid Pitbull snapping a leash, Agnostic Front come racing out the blocks with the caustic title-track ‘Way Of War’ and rarely look back over the course of 15 rumbustious tracks. What’s most impressive is the band are currently in their 45th year and are displaying the same kind of energy that powered their 1983 debut EP United Blood. With none of the songs breaking the two-and-a-half minute mark, Way Of War has the bones poking through the flesh and evidences a band who are still hungry. With vocalist Roger Miret and guitarist Vinnie Stigma still leading the charge, Agnostic Front have a clear lineage back to the original New York hardcore scene that coalesced around CBGB’s (honoured on the track ‘Sunday Matinee’). It was a scene born from violence and aggression, two qualities Way Of War has in abundance. From the bruising ‘Divided’ to the shotgun blast of ‘Art Of Silence’ via the staccato riff of the aforementioned ‘Sunday Matinee’, Way Of War is an album in constant motion, and rolls with undisputed attitude. While it’s true that Agnostic Front aren’t breaking new ground, they’re not treading water either and Way Of War is the sound of a band doing what they do best.
https://www.facebook.com/agnosticfront
Review by Peter Dennis.