EP REVIEW: Demo 2 – XweaponX
If you expected the new XWEAPONX record to be anything less than a full frontal assault, then have you even been paying attention? That’s right, XWEAPON X are the straight edge band steering the ship this month with the release of Demo 2 — a simple title for a simple sentiment.
This is a hostile straight edge takeover, from the moment you hit play you’re sucker punched by the fierce shouting of the lyrics “Weapon X hates you” before hitting out at liars, hypocrites, and anyone seeking to deceive. They make one thing clear on this opener, action needs to be taken even if it means taking matters into your own hands — there’s no room for complacency.
On My Own takes no prisoners with a working class hardcore anthem, fiery enough to light the fire within you to push back against the privileged classes, in just 56 seconds with the help of HUMAN GARBAGE. Dave Bougher sings “Born into life with a silver spoon” backed up with a healthy variety of riffs. The intersection of straight edge and class is one that has existed almost since the conception of the movement, as authors of We Could Not Do Any Better Marc Hanou and Jean Paul-Frijns put it in an interview with DIY Conspiracy “How could you fight a class war when you are intoxicated?”
As a straight edge band, you’d expect them to have some straight edge tracks, if you’re listening to this record you’re likely not going to be upset at its limited range of topics (no booze, no drugs, no people that like booze and drugs). Luckily, single Everybody Breaks has had time to percolate before the release of Demo 2, and its no corners cut attitude hits more like a sledgehammer than it did upon its release.
As if things couldn’t get tougher, EARTH CRISIS’ presence only escalates matters, pushing us towards straight edge world domination, brick by brick, day by day, they’ll take over the world and further the good word of vegan straight edge. Perhaps the best part of Demo 2 is to see that XWEAPONX are still dealing in absolutes.
Other than members participating in some of the genre’s most popular bands at the moment, KNOCKED LOOSE, HARM’S WAY, and INCLINATION for example, the Louisville outfit are one that relies on collaboration just as much as themselves to produce their unwavering brand of hardcore. Demo 2 is just as sweet as the split EP they shared with WORLD OF PLEASURE, their unmitigated levels of passion that come forth are as brilliant as they were when you heard Paid In Blood for the first time.
Rating: 8/10
Demo 2 is out now via DAZE.