The Demo Review:
Band Name: Regression
Band Members: Jeff Renert-Guitars, Dan Batista- Guitars, Mike Renert- Bass/Backing Vocals, Lee Weinberg- Drums, Hil Neloms- Vocals
Location: New York, NY

Rating: 2 Skulls

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    • Metal Militia's Review:
    NYHC, probably the greatest hardcore scene the genre has, contains a wealth of history and talent. From Sick of It All, Biohazard and Madball, to their modern counterparts Indecision, Candiria, Irate, and Sworn Enemy - these are just some of the amazing bands the New York scene has spawned. From the legions of NYHC bands, one of them, Regression, has sent their demo to me.

    Regression is a five piece band with a lyrical approach akin to 25 ta Life, and a generic hardcore sound. The lyrics revolve around open mindedness, friendship, commitment, loyalty, etc. While these themes are all done to death in the hardcore circuit, it is an idea that is vital to the hardcore scene. Hardcore has never really been about innovation, but about intense emotional expression, and it is here that Regression falls short. While the lyrics seem to hold true to these ideals, there is no conviction behind them. The music is flat, the vocalist is weak, and the shoddy production simply magnifies these negatives.

    It is not enough simply to say tough things; spouting hardcore clichás and playing half-assed, generic breakdowns doesn't make a hardcore band. Relevant hardcore bands have always been pissed off. From One Life Crew to Earth Crisis, there was always something they were angry about, and you could tell it from the record. Regression aren't angry, they just seem bothered, and this demo lacks balls. If you want to be hardcore, find something that drives you beyond the point of hostility and incorporate that into your music. Otherwise put the guitars down and call it quits, there's no room for pussies in hardcore.
    2 out of 5

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