Review / 200 Words Or Less
Strong Intention
Razorblade Express

Strong Intention may be one of Maryland's best kept secrets. The band have played a mix of Grind and NYHC since the '90s and seem to be unwilling to quit anytime soon. After a long recording hiatus the band has returned. What may make this the record that gets them more fans is a certain guest star of sorts for the record. Yup, Mike Williams of Eyehategod, has joined to help out on this record. While he certainly isn't their new or even lead vocalist he certainly makes his presence felt. He does guest on 2 of the 6 tracks here and wastes nary a second of his recorded time.

The Ep starts with the title track. The song opens with a grungy sounding riff giving an opening for the indomitable howl of Mr. Williams. All of this leads into grinding fits that are given room to breath with leads back into groovy breaks. All of this makes a perfect place for Williams' vocals to sit on top of. It's an odd mix but something that feels right in context. The Ep continues with the normal lineup of the band taking things to a heavy fastcore style. The song has vicious but slightly less memorable riffs but the song is salvaged with a smart break and powerful gang chants. The songs continue to share the styles in the first two tracks. With the next two being fast but using slower parts to tie the songs together. Meanwhile the last two blast away at about 30 seconds each.

There is something to be said for experience, which is something this band have in spades for certain. The band knows their style in and out and play to their strengths. The recording is dirty but clean enough to hear whats important within each song. So the return of Strong Intentions' style of grinding hardcore is available for more people and should be.