For over a decade No Turning Back has been churning out release after release - CD, vinyl, and cassette - of punishing New York flavored hardcore. And while you would think the band's location were the mean streets of NYC, these boys actually call the beauty of The Netherlands home. Don't worry! You're not the first to be fooled.
Stronger packs a mean punch straight from the start with "Same Sad Song." You're immediately smacked in the face with thick riffs provided by Emiel while the rhythm section of Giel and robin provide a solid groove to match. Martijn's vocal style is very reminiscent of Madball's Freddy Cricien - it's uncanny how eerily similar the two sound.
No Turning Back crush through track after track with this formula. "Go Away" is a great example; the mid-song break and Sick of it All-esque breakdown at the end are spectacular. "Never Again" is another favorite of mine - the early 90's sound they deliver is too good not to enjoy it. "Found My Way" could easily be a Madball cover.
The band gets a little help throughout the album. The title-track boasts guest vocals from David Wood of Down to Nothing. His more forceful and coarse delivery provides a nice contrast as the two trade off verses. Dan Mills of Cold World helps out vocally on "Unfair" while his bandmate Alex Russin throws in a slick guitar solo to spice things up.
While the album has its strengths, it also has it weaker moments. The sub-minute bursts of "I Rise" and "Move Along" feel rather undeveloped. In addition, there is that feeling of repetitiveness as you listen. Although, this could be due to my numerous spins of the album lately
so take that as it is.
Stronger is exactly what you'd expect to hear from No Turning Back. Thick groove-driven hardcore with that New York Hardcore bite to it. While nothing new by any means, it's still quality tunes, and you can't deny that.
