In the year 2002, hardcore/metal outfit Sworn Vengeance was on the brink of blowing up. The band had finished recording what I consider to be the best album to never see a proper release, Outstretched Arms of Damnation. In addition the band was about to embark on a tour as direct support to Hatebreed. But fame and glory were just not meant to be as Sworn Vengeance decided to disband. Sworn Vengeance members Carl Schwartz and Doug Weber soon resurfaced in the Rambo themed First Blood armed with an astonishingly brutal demo (eventually re-released by Division 36 Records). Hardcore enthusiasts ate it up and they're going to do the same with the band's debut full-length, Killafornia.
For Killafornia First Blood wrote a number of new songs (in addition to re-recording old ones). The album begins with a threesome of new cuts, "Next Time I See You, You're Dead" - a killer intro track - "First Blood" - primarily a sing-along extended into a song - and the punishing "Conspiracy," which is reminiscent of The Great Southern Trendkill-era Pantera. It's totally metal and the breakdown is tough as nails. "Execution" is another new song that will easily incite a riot on the dance floor; I definitely got a Breed the Killers vibe from it. The remaining new songs follow suit - intense hardcore/metal with gang-chorus sing-alongs, upbeat two-steppin' parts, and plenty of breakdowns.
In addition to the new tunes First Blood also chose to rework some old favorites, the first song we encounter is "Suffocate." The song sounds essentially the same as the demo version except the recording is a bit more crisp and polished. Also redone are the crushing "Victim," "Tides," and "Unbroken." If you missed these tracks the first time around you'll be kicking yourself after hearing them. The lyrics may be simple but singing-along is so much fun. The breakdowns are totally insane - if you don't loose your shit and want to tear up the dance floor you might as well quit heavy music.
There is really only one weak point to Killafornia, and that is that the bulk of the material was previously released. I could have gone for a few less re-recorded tunes and more new ones, but I'm sure the vast majority of the target audience has yet to hear those. Bottom-line, I could continue to ramble on about how good this album is but I think I've said it more than enough times. If you're into mosh-heavy metallic hardcore, you absolutely have to pick this album up.
