REVIEW: Victim of Reality EP

London based Hardcore band Victim of Reality formed of former members of 50 Caliber, Rough Justice and Crimes and Unloved released their first self-titled EP last month and over the past week I’ve been listening to it on repeat to see what this bands music is all about.

‘Better Life’ opens up the EP with a blend of fast-paced riffs and drum patterns which bring elements of NYHC and crossover to this introductory track. Blistering vocals come in at 0:20 that allow for the rough, quick tempo to continue until 1:15 when the song mixes up some groove and rhythm to let the driven riffs sink through to the listener.

‘Sick World’ opens with fast riffing like the styles of bands such as ‘Floorpunch’ and ‘Uniform Choice’, which I really like a lot. The power behind the vocal pattern on this track highlights the sheer amount of passion behind telling their story of the corrupt world that they live in. Towards the end of the track around 1:20 the slappy bassline exerts itself which continues the groove style that has been imprinted on this EP. However, after this, ‘Cold Past Life’ brings a darker turn to the EP; there are increasingly more slowed down rhythmic vocal patterns and a metal influence that is being poured in gradually which then turns into a punching breakdown with a fiery vocal scream. This track will be sure to have keen moshers throwing fists at shows.

These heavier elements don't last long as we are transported back to the grooviness shortly after with the song, ‘Til the End’. It is brimming with slappy basslines, striking strums and crashes and scorching vocals power. The track finishes with a tense breakdown that fires through with that little ‘cymbal tap’ that any hardcore fan knows means trouble when you’re in the pit. The blitz of riffing and beats continue on with more beatdowns and the recurring two-step parts with lyrics reciting the PMA mentality that we are used to hearing from many bands like them.

Finally, the EP finishes with a track titled ‘Take a Stand’; the track itself is the dark horse of the EP. It has metalcore and melodic influences sprinkled in which shows the bands' versatility yet again. All the different styles they attempt, they do them well and never manage to disappoint with the oozing passion that they exude.

To conclude, Victim of Reality’s mix of new and old sounds from various ends of hardcore makes this an amazing EP. They showcase the PMA mentality, high amounts of energy and passion that you can feel it through your eardrums as you listen. I will be sure to be keeping a lookout for Victim of Reality in the near future.

You can listen to their EP on their Bandcamp here

By Dane Barker