ALBUM REVIEW: T.O.tality – Take Offense

If your hair is too long for hardcore, but you wear too much Carhartt for thrash, TAKE OFFENSE have got the perfect thing for you: crossover thrash. Though a hardcore band at heart, their passionate amalgamation of grit, explosive thrash and metallic elements give them an edge that makes for an enthralling experience. Returning after four years, the SoCal outfit drop their latest full-length, T.O.tality, and it’s anything but offensive. 

Seemingly, the delay has worked in their favour. T.O.tality is an onslaught of energy and masters the attitude and sound of crossover thrash. Working alongside TERROR’s Nick Jett plunges the record into gritty, meaner territory but still manages to retain the early 80s thrash influence and Cali stylishness. Even with almost two decades behind them, the record feels like a huge evolution for the band. T.O.tality feels tighter and more confident than earlier offerings. Anthony Herrera’s punky barks still fire across the record like bullets, lyrically maintaining the political groundings but also treading into heritage, beliefs and traditions. 

Nodding towards old-school thrash and their SUICIDAL TENDENCIES influence, Greetings From Below kicks off the record. Revolving around summoning spirits, this full throttle shredder demonstrates what TAKE OFFENSE are all about. Similarly, Assassination does exactly what it says on the tin: a quick, violent pounding of winding riffs and double bass kicks reigning true to its underpinnings that no-one can stop this band. Capturing the big melodic hooks of old-school thrash and weaving in metallic elements, the record is far from one-note, encapsulating the diversity of their sound. And, while the hardcore roots are maintained, there isn’t an overwhelming cacophony of face-smelting breakdowns and obnoxious chugging. 

Amongst the standard whirlwind of thrashing, you are ambushed by eyebrow raising details. The phenomenal guitar work in Now Or Never is enough to wipe the expression clean off your face and curl your lips into a circle. Gliding through insane leads and intricate solos, Greg Cerwonka is an absolute menace on the album. The non-stops riffs entangling around the rhythm flawlessly harmonise with aggressive rumbles and Herrera’s raspy vocals.

The title track exists as an anomaly amidst the harsh stoppers, leaning more towards modern melodic hardcore. Perhaps emerging from Cerwonka’s time with TURNSTILE, the groove is tightly embraced and the bass comes alive resulting in a peppy slammer with a chorus that sinks its teeth into your brain. However, it’s the politically driven instrumental number No Man’s Land that takes the crown for peculiarity. Its lower velocity and the eerie whispering works as a well deserved breather from the madness and you don’t find yourself skipping past. 

The innovation on T.O.tality is apparent from the first vicious riff to the fade out of the last track. The breakneck intensity, thundering drums and sensational guitar work make for a standout in the band’s discography. However, with 14 tracks, all around the same length, the record feels longer than its relatively short 40-minute duration. Certain cuts do not carry the same pizzazz as others and unfortunately get lost within the savagery. Nonetheless, T.O.tality still warrants multiple listens and it’s great to behold the return of TAKE OFFENSE.

Rating: 7/10 

T.O.tailty is set for release on May 10th via MNRK Heavy.

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