Extremities can come in many different forms, and so can evil, especially when speaking artistically. Both of these elements aren't uncommonly paired with symbolic, or even literal, interpretations of dark rituals. I think that this is often due to the fact that there is a mysterious aura surrounding these rituals, alongside a general association with "evil." This imagery is sure to create some form of emotional response from its respective viewers, be it terror, excitement or disgust. Knuckle Dragger's music sets out to embody all three of these responses in their music, and using visual art to accompany it. Typically with an album as evil and angry as this one, I'd probably open this review by describing a dark satanic ritual in sinless detail, but the album cover is right there, so just stop reading this, scroll up and look at it. Once the mood is set, you may proceed.
Knuckle Dragger is a rare band involved with Hardcore that understands what's missing from the vast majority of Hardcore in all of its eras. It's something that they've always understood, but with their latest release, Ritual Abuse in the Godless South, they've finally and completely mastered its incorporation. This inclusion is, of course, more influence from the Thrash Metal gods of Slayer. KxDx has been a breath of thrashy fresh air in the Middle Tennessee Hardcore scene since its inception, paving their own unique path and identity through an already-distinctive music scene. I am fortunate enough to have been able to hear Knuckle Dragger in some of their early shows, and I've watched them evolve into the band they are today. A number of lineup changes alongside meticulous chiseling has brought them to their strongest incarnation to-date. The group hasn't changed into a different band, they've just become the perfect example of an artist refining its craft.
By gazing upon the cover artwork for this EP, it's not easy to pinpoint exactly what the music will sound like; but you know it's going to be riffy and metallic. In fact, that's all you need to know about Ritual Abuse before attempting to uncover its profundity. Any further categorization is unnecessary and, frankly, futile. This EP is heavy, dark and riffy; as good extreme Metal is supposed to be. It's groovy and infectious when it wants to be, and an in-your-face visceral assault when it decides otherwise. I was pleasantly surprised by all of the Death Metal influence that covers the release, as it adds so much fulfillment to this refined sound, but it only takes the band further away from being able to be neatly categorized, and it's fairly clear that they like it that way. Chunky guitar riffs are accentuated by a pummeling rhythm section, which incorporates thick grooves alongside blasts and thrashy skank beats. Chris barks some angry patterns, and the distorted bass tracks fill up the space to bring everything together. I think it's safe to say that every song on Ritual Abuse has at least one riff that'll make you scrunch your face up, and that's not easy to do. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you will.
Knuckle Dragger is permanently furious about a lot of things, and they make it clear. Whether you're one to read lyrics or not, you'll be livid with them while you're listening to Ritual Abuse. The dominating theme in the lyrics is religion, and particularly anti-religion, with some dark meditations on death mixed into the EPs perfect runtime. With a title like Ritual Abuse in the Godless South and cover artwork as evil as the music, Knuckle Dragger don't pull any punches, inevitably giving their grandparents as much to be irate about as the band themselves. The lyrical consistency was satisfying after the band's past releases which jump between admittedly important themes like wrestling champions and dogs. However, the new EP is Knuckle Dragger at their most conceptual, and I personally hope that they continue along that trend on future releases.
People who keep up with Metal regionally and nationally might know the name Mikey Allred, who handled the production on this record. He's responsible for the incredible sound on Nashville bands such as All Them Witches and Yautja, along with national acts like Inter Arma; so aside from their immaculate, tight performance, Knuckle Dragger has never sounded better. Allred truly has an ear for the right amount of filth and clarity, and he makes it seem easy to balance the two. Ritual Abuse sounds massive, dirty and aggressive in the production aspects alone, and these songs have been given new life by having a master of production behind the board.
Knuckle Dragger has made a huge return on their new EP, although they never left. If you're a headbanger or a spin-kicker, this release is calling your name, so don't resist its thunderous voice. The often Slayer-esque riffs accompany the energy of modern Hardcore to give you an unmatched listening experience. The official EP release show is this Thursday, April 11 with an absolutely stacked lineup that you don't want to miss. You can find all of the event details HERE, and check out the link at the top of the page to listen.
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