Review / 200 Words Or Less
Step Forward
10 Song EP

Painkiller (2007) — Jason

Step Forward – 10 Song EP cover artwork
Step Forward – 10 Song EP — Painkiller, 2007

I know it may be news to some people out there, but Mental broke edge. However, not all members did as Dance Floor Justin drums for yet another Boston straight edge hardcore band. Fast and (10 songs, no shit?) furious 80's styled hardcore that will bring as many circle pits as it will mosh pits. Every song seems to have a guitar solo at the end which hopefully will not lead us to another version of Break It Up in the near future.

6.8 / 10 — Jason • July 8, 2007

Step Forward – 10 Song EP cover artwork
Step Forward – 10 Song EP — Painkiller, 2007

Recently-posted album reviews

David Eugene Edwards

Mercurial Silence
Sargent House (2026)

David Eugene Edwards's 2023 full-length Hyacinth was a significant turn in his musical journey. Americana still defined much of the record's spirit, from the guitar lines and the song structures, but the backbone was forged in electronica. While this shift was sonically significant, it did not alter Edwards's existential and ritualistic interests. In fact it amplified these concepts, imbuing his … Read more

Nagusame

I Want To Leave
White Russian Records (2026)

Nagusame are not reinventing melodic metalcore on I Want To Leave. They wear their influences openly, and anyone familiar with Shai Hulud, Misery Signals, or early-2000s metalcore will hear them almost immediately. What keeps the EP from feeling like simple nostalgia is what Nagusame does with those influences, especially the guitars.The guitars are what stay with me when I Want … Read more

AIH

Self-Titled EP
Independent (2026)

EP HIGHLIGHTS – “McEnroe” & “Ten Speed”Hatching out of COVID boredom between friends down on NYC’s Lower East Side, drummer Doug Stern and vocalist-guitarist Brian Runk casually kickstarted AIH by jamming through some classic rock and early punk covers. It's a preference that’s made abundantly clear via their high-energy live shows and staple sound of sturdy guitar, memorable chant-driven hooks … Read more