NYHC in da house mofos!!!!! Echoes In Eternity is the 13^th studio album from NHYC legends Agnostic Front. I had the pleasure of seeing them live at The Ritz in NYC in 1991. Headliners were the mighty S.O.D. – this show was video recorded and became the legendary Live at Budokan show. Opening the show was Morbid Angel, fresh with their Blessed are the Sick album. The pit for the opening song, “Fall from Grace” was insane. I got punched in the jaw.

Then Agnostic Front took the stage. So we go from death metal right into NYHC, and Agnostic Front were still in support of their Liberty and Justice For… album from a few years prior. There must have been some bad blood between Morbid Angel and Agnostic Front because, in between songs, Roger made it a point to stick it to Morbid Angel, by doing a little trash talking their way and saying this song specifically does not go out to Morbid Angel. It could also have been an inside joke between them, and they were, in fact, friendly towards one another. Once S.O.D. took the stage with Milano jumping off the high-rise speaker, the pits were some of the most massive I have ever seen or been in.

I have been into Agnostic Front since the Victim in Pain album. I did not realize they had their first release, the United Blood EP, so a few years later, I went back and scored that. Agnostic Front, coming from a punk background, really started the NYHC scene and were also responsible for the crossover genre alongside D.R.I.

AF’s 1986 landmark album Cause for Alarm was the crossover catalyst, incorporating speed metal into their sound, and the band has remained ardent on their hardcore crossover sound throughout the decades. They have influenced all hardcore and many metal bands. They’re a huge influence on Slayer’s early years, as Slayer would always go on record saying this. The one thing about AF is not none of their albums are weak. Sure, there are some samey records; however, all of their albums have speedy fast moments, mixed with Stigma’s guitar tone and Roger’s original hardcore voice and lyrics. The album mix is done by none other than Zeuss at Planet-Z, who is responsible for really bringing out the sounds of the band he is working with. 15 songs in 27 minutes, and Agnostic Front are back and as strong as ever.

“Way of War” gets right into a hardcore gallop that is circle pit worthy. Then it gets into a little groove, then back into the gallop. Danny Lamagna’s drum sound is terrific – especially the snare sound. Craig Silverman is back on guitar to complement Stigma’s leads, and Mike Gallo’s bass guitar is throughout the album. The second song, “You Say” has a sharp, fast guitar riff opening with the song title being gang shouted. At only 90 seconds, this is an anthemic and very catchy song that will no doubt be in their live set.

RUN DMC’s Darryl “DMC” McDaniels sounds killer on “Matter of Life & Death”. His rap tone fits perfectly during the groove moments. This song is a constant pit-moving song. Very beat down worthy with the stomping sections. Stigma lets loose with a crafty guitar solo, then back into the beat down hardcore groove with the song title being gang shouted, with McDaniels also helping in that department. Hopefully some live shows McDaniels can come out and sing this song with the band.

“Sunday Matinee” is such a damn catchy and fun song that brings us back to the CBGB’s early shows of the band and the relationship they have forged with their fans and crowd, especially in a live setting. The song gallops with the band yelling ‘Here We Go. Then, into a very catchy groove with the chorus shouted ‘We Are All Together At The Sunday Matinee’ – referencing all those early shows. I know what that’s like. When I was in Internal Bleeding we played alongside NYHC bands, in the 90’s at Sunday matinee shows. Sooo cool. This is a very special song to hear Agnostic Front put together. Another live highlight, I am sure.

“Art Of Silence” calls to mind the band’s earliest material, as this is a 40-second super-fast hardcore tune, and then there is “Hell To Pay”. An absolute banger opening up with a killer drum roll, then right into a brutal crossover fast moment with Roger yelling, the new term going around, Fuck Around Find Out to single out naysayers, people that have done them or others wrong. They are putting those dbags on notice.

Echoes In Eternity is another excellent Agnostic Front album holding the NYHC banner high and proud. The production and mix is spot on and very powerful. The band is on fire, showing no signs of letting up, even with some of their health issues, like Roger’s heart condition. If you have never seen the band live and they come to your area, make the time and effort to see them – they are great live. Love this band, all these decades later!!!

[Visit the band's website]

---

Comments