Review
Old Wounds
From Where We Came is Where We'll Rest

Glory Kid (2013) — Jon E.

Old Wounds – From Where We Came is Where We'll Rest cover artwork
Old Wounds – From Where We Came is Where We'll Rest — Glory Kid, 2013

New Jersey's Old Wounds come out of the gate bolting for the finish. After a handful of eps and a few choice covers the band finally releases their full length debut on the public. The band play a style of hardcore that combines the demonic, metallic thrust of Disembodied and the barely contained rage and guitar noise torture of Kiss It Goodbye. Comparisons such as this are definitely not easy to earn for any band but it is much harder to make reasonable comparison to more recent bands. 

The band starts the record with a bang and the torturous sounding screams of Kevin while guitarist Zak mangles the hell out of his guitar. There is always a sense of noise and chaos while the band remains consistently in control of their overall sound. No song remains going too long allowing just enough time for the songs to filter into the listeners psyche and disrupt whatever sense of comfort that was once there. 

The album as a whole feels full of dark atmosphere without relying on any feeling to deny the overall thrust of the songs in general. The rhythm section of the band remains absolutely propulsive throughout without forcing their way into the songs. When the guitarist Zak makes his voice heard in the songs he sounds huge allowing for an almost demonic presence that overtakes Kevin's higher pitched vocal style. All of this allows for the band to show their influences while remaining their own beast entirely. 

This band has managed to come from the depths of the Garden State to offer hardcore fans something to truly enjoy. Each instrument forces its way in while never taking away from the song on the whole. Everything feels balanced and mixed well while allowing the songs themselves to feel as though they are teetering on the edge of sanity. This is what most metalcore bands wish they could be without all of the pretty parts and unnecessary breakdowns. This is something to seek out for certain and should be on the must buy list for anyone into metal and hardcore.

8.5 / 10 — Jon E. • March 12, 2013

Old Wounds – From Where We Came is Where We'll Rest cover artwork
Old Wounds – From Where We Came is Where We'll Rest — Glory Kid, 2013

Related features

Old Wounds

One Question Interviews • December 24, 2013

Related news

Old Wounds on the road to Fest 14

Posted in Tours on October 26, 2015

Recently-posted album reviews

Roky Erickson And The Aliens

The Evil One (deluxe edition)
Fire Records (2026)

I feel very fortunate to have seen Roky Erickson perform live at SXSW backed by Okkervil River in 2010 or 2011. Erickson passed away in 2019 at the age of 71. For those of you who aren’t already disciples, Roky Erickson was the lead vocalist of legendary Texas psych rockers 13th Floor Elevators. Recorded after the breakup of the Elevators … Read more

Mike D

Thank You
Capitol (2026)

Beastie Boys were a huge part of my transition from teenager into adulthood. An album for every stage of their growth musically matched the many chapters of my own personal development. Ad-Rock, MCA, and Mike D were like cherished friends for my earholes. The world mourned together when we lost Adam Yauch to cancer in 2012 and were heartbroken knowing … Read more

Softjaw

Love Can't Kill You
Bachelor Records, Dandy Boy Records (2026)

I already wrote about these dudes in my mid-year top 5 since Oakland’s Dandy Boy Records released a compilation of their early digital singles back in April, and here they are following it up with a 12-song album of all new material! This second release proves Long Beach’s Softjaw have a masters in powerpop from the school of rock. I’m … Read more