Negative Frame
Break The Ice
Blood Blast Distribution
Whilst the north of England has become synonymous with metallic hardcore through bands like Malevolence and Pest Control, the south is about to launch a counterattack via London’s Negative Frame. Formed in 2017, this quintethave already built a fierce reputation for themselves through self-booked tours and shows, and have laid a rock-hard foundation via a succession of singles and EP’s. Spearheading a movement that’s moving the underground into darker, more aggressive realms, debut album Break The Ice will solidify Negative Frame’s position as enfant terrible of UK hardcore. Featuring hypnotic, tribal drumming, ‘Samsara’ is an introduction that gives no indication of the coming storm and means that the following ‘9 Circles’ connects with full force. Punctuated with crushing riffs, detonating drums and demonic growls, it’s pretty much everything you’d want from a modern hardcore record and succinctly sets out the band’s stall. There’s a feeling they don’t want to be pigeonholed, meaning that this is no paint-by-numbers affair, with the epic ‘New Lows’ being a song of several suites that oscillates between blast beats and pig squealing guitars, whilst ‘Sorrow & Solitude’ throws in some sublime Slayer-style solos. It’s an approach that ensures Break The Ice never becomes staid and could find Negative Frame breaking into the big time.
https://www.facebook.com/NegativeFrameLDN
Review by Peter Dennis.