‘Harmless animals, trained for restraint, to fear our pain, it’s worse to know, worse to see it. Pursue bliss through ignorance, and never stare too long through the bars of our cages’ (Animal Resistance)

My attention was first drawn to Albany’s Spiritkiller through the involvement of multi-instrumentalist Tom Schlatter, who has been previously involved in numerous outstanding projects, including You And I and Black Kites as guitarist.  Spiritkiller’s debut release sees his trademark work – tautly melodic, tantalisingly serpentine, unerringly catchy – deftly refracted through the lens of mid-1990s’ hardcore.

This is fiercely dynamic hardcore that is fuelled by a relentless groove, and while not lacking in muscularity, the emphasis is on the spryly bouncing rather than the brutally crushing variety.  The notably supple rhythm section locks in tightly with the effervescent riffage as the band craft an onslaught defined by tension ratcheting builds and furiously cathartic climaxes.

The breathlessly urgent vocals are equally high energy.  The lyrical focus is primarily a self-reflective one.  The intent is positive, but not blindly optimistic, recognising that life can often be a question of heightening self-awareness and making the most of less-than-ideal situations.  From the searing opener Prana, the intensity never dips even for a moment across the eight tracks, peaking with the emotionally charged Falling Man and the savagely spiralling Animal Resistance.