Review / 200 Words Or Less
Adams Dagger
The Ripper

Durty Mick (2009) Michael

Adams Dagger – The Ripper cover artwork
Adams Dagger – The Ripper — Durty Mick, 2009

Adams Dagger - California by way of Florida. This reminds of the 80's hardcore scene when bands moved from all over to California or New York to make it big. So in a way, this is nostalgic

and so is the music.

Adams Dagger play an 80's-inspired hardcore punk. The guitars definitely remind me a lot of the first Bad Brains full-length, it's astonishing how eerily similar they sound. "Hot Dog Down a Hallway" might be a tired expression, but damn if it still isn't a funny song title. Occasionally the band mixes in a Social Distortion-esque punk vibe, like on "Livin' Life." Vocally, I wish there were a bit more urgency in the delivery. The fast, spoken words are okay, I could use some more yelling to mix it up.

I'm into The Ripper. Like I mentioned before, it's a nostalgic listen and that's cool. Be on the lookout for their upcoming split 7" release.

6.5 / 10Michael • July 29, 2009

Adams Dagger – The Ripper cover artwork
Adams Dagger – The Ripper — Durty Mick, 2009

Related news

Adams Dagger Complete New Album

Posted in Records on January 6, 2010

Stream Entire Adams Dagger EP

Posted in MP3s on August 4, 2009

Recently-posted album reviews

Sweat

Tear it on Down
Vitriol (2026)

Tear It On Down is the third record from Sweat and it picks up where the last two left off. It's aggressive hardcore punk, but with a playful groove or swagger that really makes it feel uplifting, even when the content is not. Case in point: "Surveillance State," which rolls kind of like a call-and-response song, except that lead vocalist … Read more

Latchkey Kids

Years Of Summers
Pathetic Pinky Party (2026)

Growing up is rarely cinematic in real time but when you look back, it can feel mythic. On Year Of Summers, New Jersey’s Latchkey Kids frame heartbreak, identity, and grief through something closer to epic storytelling than simple emo confession. It’s a record that understands the drama of youth without romanticizing it. Frontman Hanny Ramadan positions the album as a … Read more

Mental Gymnast

Mental Gymnast
Say-10 (2026)

Recipe: Mental Gymnast Self-Titled Creator: Mental Gymnast Cookbook: Say-10 Recipes Copyright: 2/27/26 Ingredients: 1 Very Ripe Adam Gecking on Vocals 1 Stick Unsalted Erica Clayton on Bass 2 Slices Scotty Sandwich (1 Slice Guitar, 1 Slice Drums) 1 Dash Chris Ruckus on Synths Directions: *Preheat the recording studio to 65 degrees. Add all of the ingredients together in “One Big … Read more