Shipwreck

Shipwreck burst onto the scene last year with their debut 7” on Rumble Records. The four-song release was an instant hit and eventually brought them to Deathwish’s door. This release, another self-titled affair, is comprised of two new cuts and a reworking of “Heated” from their debut.

“Mirage” kicks things off. The song is a rager deeply rooted in 90’s metallic hardcore and fueled by dismal lyrical content. “Squall” takes a slightly slower approach, almost brooding. It reminds me quite a bit of the sound utilized by Integrity on Seasons in the Size of Days. Shipwreck close things out with “Heated,” which is a tweaked version of the song from the band’s previous 7”. Musically the song is pretty much identical to the original. The only real difference is the inclusion of Pat Flynn of Have Heart sharing vocal duties.

This quick 7” is really nothing more than a tide-over for Shipwreck’s debut full-length. And based on the songs we’ve heard thus far from the band, Abyss is going to be a contender for album of year.

8.5 / 10 — Michael

This 7" has launched Shipwreck to the forefront of the hardcore scene, and with their recent signing to Deathwish, further fuel has been added to the flames. Side A opens with a little acoustic number akin to the theme from Desperado before things really kick off. "Au Pach" draws heavily on the mid-90's scene that first combined elements of metal into hardcore. "Footsteps" follows in a similar fashion; the band even throws in a solid guitar solo before the song wraps up with a solid breakdown. The B-Side begins with "Heated," which is personally my favorite track off the 7". The music reminds me of Systems Overload-era Integrity. And the lyrics are equally pissed: "Rage is what drives me / this shit is a fact / why should I love a world that won't love me back? / pissing on everything in my view / thing I value / I can only name a few" The 7" concludes with "Decay," another solid cut that will please fans of metallic hardcore.

8.5 / 10 — Michael