Review / 200 Words Or Less
Hammer Bros.
The Kids are Dead

Welfare (2008) — Jason

Hammer Bros. – The Kids are Dead cover artwork
Hammer Bros. – The Kids are Dead — Welfare, 2008

I'm getting too many records that sound exactly like The Kids are Dead. It's another moshy metal crossover type hardcore album that is sweeping VFW dance floors all over the nation in '08. Sure, sometimes they play fast, sometimes Hammer Bros. goes for the menacing metal stomp. Either way, I've heard all too much of it this year. I'm sure their shows are fun sweaty testosterone mosh fest. It's just if I hear one more Soundgarden riff segued into a speed metal thrash fest, it's going to be way too soon. I know it sounds like I'm hating on The Kids are Dead when in actuality it's a decent release of hardcore I like, just not today.

5.9 / 10 — Jason • October 6, 2008

Hammer Bros. – The Kids are Dead cover artwork
Hammer Bros. – The Kids are Dead — Welfare, 2008

Recently-posted album reviews

The Cascadian Divide

To the Sky
Independent (2026)

The Cascadian Divide is a Washington state based melodic skate punk band that formed during the infamous COVID lockdown. Although it started as an experiment, it soon became a passion project for the band members. The band has seen its share of line up changes over the years, but the commitment to maintaining the sound and integrity of the band … Read more

Jungle Rot

Cruel Face Of War
Unique Leader (2026)

Twelve albums and more than three decades into their career, Jungle Rot remains one of death metal's most reliable institutions. While countless bands have spent years chasing technical excess, progressive experimentation, or whatever trend happens to be dominating the underground now, the Kenosha veterans have remained committed to a simpler mission. Writing memorable riffs, locking into crushing grooves, and leaving … Read more

Overcalc

Fruits of the Decision Tree
Sleeping Giant Glossolalia (2024)

Some instrumental records create atmosphere while others create movement. Fruits of the Decision Tree feels like it creates an entire environment. It’s unstable, mechanical, strangely beautiful, and constantly in motion. The solo project of Nick Skrobisz (Multicult, The Wayward), Overcalc exists somewhere between electronic experimentation, prog-level guitar precision, ambient drift, and full on sci-fi hallucination. Trying to pin it cleanly … Read more