ALBUM REVIEW: Inner Dialogue – Ache
Since the early 80s New York has been home to some of the greatest and most fearsome bands that hardcore has ever known. Four decades later, there are still a multitude of new and veteran bands that still hold that classic NYHC torch aloft both live on stage and in the studio. Of those newer bands, ACHE have been absolutely smashing it since they launched onto the scene with their great debut album Fade Away, and playing shows with everyone from CRO-MAGS, AGNOSTIC FRONT and FISHBONE to EYEHATEGOD and RINGWORM has earned them a reputation as a formidable live act.
After a delay to their follow-up album due to the pandemic, ACHE make a triumphant return with their second record Inner Dialogue. Having this album out a little later than they originally intended, ACHE waste absolutely no time in getting down to what they do best, and after a tense and atmospheric start to opening track Final Descent, the band explode into action with their brutal hardcore. The first thing that strikes you is how energetic the band come across – the sheer vivacity really bounces from the speakers as the grooves crank out – and the second is how heavy they sound, even heavier than on their debut and with a markedly bigger metal influence sounding out as well – something that there has always been a lot of throughout the history of New York Hardcore.
That energetic start is no one-off either as the energy levels are high throughout Inner Dialogue (only stopping when it is necessary), which shows how powerful ACHE have become as a band. Powerful grooves abound as ACHE tear through cuts like Shell Shock and Catechist with reckless abandon and the formidable vocals of frontman Ryan Bland take command over the chugging, razor sharp riffs courtesy of Matt Gelsomino and Jake Calonius and the pummelling and grooving rhythms of bassist Rey Brutal (who also provides vocals as well) and drummer Ryan Seit.
The tracks on Inner Dialogue just seem to get heavier and heavier, with 11 13 having an almost doom metal vibe to it albeit with that hardcore style leading the charge, while the aptly titled The Gravity Of Grief is extremely heavy but in a different way. This mournful centrepiece of Inner Dialogue has a Nick Cave vibe about it and it fits in perfectly with its undisputed emotionally heavy vibe as it just stops you in your tracks. The remainder of the record amps up the unrelenting energy again, with the riff-heavy Carpe Noctem and Anna Black sounding immense before the closing grind of Burial Detail rounds things off in fine style.
Inner Dialogue proves without doubt that New York Hardcore, and hardcore in general, is in safe hands with ACHE as this is one of the best and most vital hardcore albums released this year so far. In fact, it’s one of the best and most vital in heavy music in general, and will rightly propel ACHE to well-deserved new heights.
Rating: 9/10
Inner Dialogue is out now via Dead City Records.
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