After a debut EP (which was subsequently re-issued shortly thereafter), here is the debut full length from Boston hardcore outfit, Death Before Dishonor and while not really delivering anything new to the genre, the more classic East Coast approach replaces the burly, more Hatebreed-ish sounds of the EP.
With more of an emphasis on punky power chords and gang chants over breakdowns and crumbling semi thrash, Count Me In fits more in line with the likes of newer Agnostic Front, Madball and Sick Of It All as opposed to the chuggy, tough guy hardcore of many of their peers. The transition though is still beefy and robust, but just far more old school sounding.
13 short, sharp tracks of rousing, catchy, heartfelt and full of decent classic hardcore riffs, DBD know their craft and ply it with ease and sincerity. Tracks like “Nowhere to Turn”, “Curl Up and Die”, “Fuck it All”, “Behind Your Eyes” and “Still Standing” which rumble with and gallop with a tangible prowess for the genre’s requisite moods and themes.
The slightly altered cover of Cock Sparrers “England (Boston) Belongs to Me” fits right in to close the album with an even more old school vibe. Still though, I prefer my hardcore to be a bit nastier and heavier along the lines of Seventh Star, Black My Heart and Sleeping Giant (I actually like breakdowns-so shoot me), but this should tide you over until Agnostic Front’s new one drops.
