EP REVIEW: American Violence – Foes

American hardcore quartet FOES have an unnerving level of simplicity to their caustic, sadistic output. New EP American Violence is, well, just that – seven tracks of guitar lead anger that sits on a bed of nails. Similar to the likes of END, FOES were born as a side project that could derive segments of the members pre-existing talents, but also pursue something entirely new. Founding members Garrett Judkins and Sonny Daniels both have a hand print on the body of tech death/deathcore, but this endeavour has its boots closer to the ground – American Violence is about as no nonsense as you can get.

In parts it’s the members backgrounds that helps make the EP such a riveting listen. Vocalist Micah Berry‘s growls of “We are all burning, your human existence denied” on Eden Burning is surrounded by the kind of pace laden punches you’d get from WHITECHAPEL, but American Violence always manages to remain true to hardcore at its heart.

It’s this that helps FOES progress the record a product that’s worth its weight in blood. The three minute battering of Devolved Into Humanity would be looked at as a come and go classic hardcore effort if it wasn’t for the metallic, pinch harmonica edges and spacious cymbal work bought to the table. Illusions Of Faith does an equally good job at fronting hardcore but flirting with the outer reaches too, there’s as much JESUS PIECE on show here as there is early 2000’s HATEBREED.

At seven tracks, and just over 15 minutes – American Violence is a gut punch that digs its knuckles in. No gimmicks, no overt attempts at expansion, or over production – this is an EP that withholds beauty in its raw, scratched nature. Sitting somewhere in between ITHACA, EMPLOYED TO SERVE, and POISON THE WELL – FOES, seemingly out of nowhere have appeared on the radar of bands keeping hardcore heavy, and more importantly: interesting.

Rating: 7/10

American Violence is set for release April 17th via Glacier Recordings. 

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