Sick of It All
Last Act of Defiance
CD | MP3 | Vinyl
Century Media Records
Release date: September 30, 2014

After running the gamut of record label and band line-up changes, and nearly 30 years in the industry, Sick of It All has definitely earned their title as veterans of the hardcore scene. Hailing from Queens, NY, Sick of It All are still loud and proud with their latest Century Media release, Last Act of Defiance.

As soon as the album opens, there is no doubt in my mind that all these years have not caused the band to lose its old skool edge. Grinding through with three strong opening tracks, it’s apparent that Sick of It All is still delivering with mosh worthy riffs, chain gang vocals, and angsty lyrics. Other stand outs include “Facing the Abyss,” “Beltway Gateway,” and the positively anthemic, “DNC.”

Of course, after all this time, staying true to the hardcore genre could be seen as a blessing or a curse. After 30 years, fans may be looking for something a little less formulaic from the band, and when singer Lou Koeller sings “Hardcore is our life now,” in “Road Less Traveled,” I had to wonder if he meant it as a source of pride or as a lamentation. Also, the less hardcore of hardcore fans may find themselves becoming bored midway through the album.

Overall, I commend original members and brothers Lou and Pete Koeller for sticking to their guns and releasing an album that represents who they truly are. Also, the collaboration with producer Tue Masden seems like a good move for the band. True Sick of It All fans will not be disappointed in Last Act of Defiance.