Early Grave

***Firmly rooted in the sounds of 80s hardcore punk, especially the deranged sounds of Midwest hardcore bands, unafraid to slow down to mid-tempo stompers bringing to mind bands like Mecht Mensch, but if they were created by punks being brainwashed, A Clockwork Orange style, with the most disturbing horror movies and 80s underground gore and metal zines. A more simple explanation from Aaron of World Gone Mad Records is "A fusion of Stains (L.A.) and Libresse (Sweden) making an album in 2026". Philadelphia’s Early Grave have crafted this album in a cinematic fashion, much like the horror film themes they are undoubtedly influenced by, the album grows and swells from the opening track, drawing you in more and more as it progresses, keeping you on your toes with unexpected turns, and culminating in a fantastic climax that fades into a feeling of satisfaction. Whether this album appeals to your personal tastes or not, it certainly contains everything needed to be a defining album in the scope of modern hardcore punk.