Outright Resistance were a band we chatted to briefly before Bloodstock, but who we didn’t get a chance to catch over the festival. Which is a shame as, judging from the people who did see them, they’re something special. So we opted for the next best thing, grabbed a copy of their recent EP (at seven tracks let’s call it an album, eh?) and and gave it a damn good listening to.
The titular opening track is a scene-setting piece of drama before the music erupts in properly fantastic fashion with “Maimed in Chelsea” for which you can check out the video below. This is Southern / groove metal-influenced chaos and the kind of track that has you balling your fists for half of it and unleashing them on the unwary for the remainder. With it’s cheery choral vocals of “Slice, slice, slice” it promises grisly fun for all the family.
“Prove Them Wrong” manages the impressive task of actually being better than “Maimed”. It’s just that bit heavier and dirtier and definitely had me wrapped up in a little cosy yet violent bubble from the first time I heard it. “Pain” goes for the slow build/quick release tactic and is guaranteed to result in dancefloor maimings if played live with as much intensity as this recorded version.
“Gee, Dysphoria”, though… bloody hell. With an opening salvo that would put most modern-day thrash bands to shame, this is another belter and my personal choice for Best Track On This Album. This one does delve deep into the Lamb of God hymn book, but rewrites it in a style of the band’s own. An absolute classic. If you want to pick a track on which to judge Outright Resistance, then it’s this one. While researching this review, I found a great interview with singer Paige Lee on Terrorizer’s site where she discusses the track – definitely worth a read, and the video for the song is over there too.
This puts “Destiny Is All” and “Take The Blame” in the awkward position of having to outdo it. They try valiantly and are as good as the other tracks, but the heights scaled by “Gee” aren’t going to be reached again. Until the album goes on repeat. “Destiny Is All” is a slower, heavier number than the other tracks while “Take The Blame” is a blistering seven-plus minute ending to a great record, which does leave you wanting more.
Overall, this is a wonderful neck-snapping bunch of tracks and Outright Resistance are an act I’ll definitely make sure I don’t miss the next time I’m near where they’re playing.
Me Vs I is out now and you can grab it [amazon text=on Amazon&asin=B01I2OGMQQ], amongst other places.
Outright Resistance: official | facebook | twitter | instagram | youtube
https://youtu.be/RcrBKnl3b9g
