EP REVIEW: Born Into War – Law Of Power

Coming out of LA, LAW OF POWER have been described as ‘rough’ hardcore. That couldn’t be more apt as a description, and their latest EP Born Into War demonstrates a dedication to the origins of the genre.

$80 Devil is a pure, true to the roots, old school hardcore track. There are big, domineering vocals that you can just feel straining at the neck as they’re bellowed; there are call and response chants; there’s a final third breakdown that chugs away satisfyingly. No complaints, just all out hardcore from start to finish.

Family Curse has a good groove, and manages to feel a little nuanced between thrash and hardcore. The LAW OF POWER guys are all very angry, and very punk in their ethos. The intersectional links between tracks of 50s style crooning tunes are a nice little touch that do make it feel like some thought has gone into something on this record.

It’s hard to critique something like this EP, because while there’s nothing missing in the direction, it’s just so by the numbers and face value. There’s an argument that good chunks of hardcore are meant to be just that, and that’s fine. But nothing moves too far out of the comfort zone, it’s all dutifully disrespectful and filled with frustration. There are some half decent breakdowns in there and a nice thrashy-hardcore styling on title track Born Into War.

Unfortunately, Born Into War just isn’t too impressive. The things on offer are solid, but they’ve been done so many times you won’t find anything to reinvent the genre or offer something other bands aren’t doing. But, if you’re still a passionate fan of hardcore punk music in its very primal form, then you’ll enjoy LAW OF POWER’s sound.

Rating: 6/10

Born Into War is set for release on October 14th via Flatspot Records.

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