Even though the title of this album hints somewhat towards a metal album, this cd is 100% old school hardcore. And to clear up some other misunderstandings: Uppercut is not new and not a straight edge band (singer Michiel is the only person with the edge). This Dutch band has been around since the mid-nineties and already has two independently released albums under it’s belt. A Luta Continua is their third record, and is their first for I SCREAM. The results are very nice indeed. Uppercut plays a style that’s heavily influenced by both early and late eighties hardcore bands.

Their sound owes as much to Judge and Sick Of It All as it does to Minor Threat. This means the listener gets to hear 15 songs ranging from the hyperspeed assaults in Call It Quits and Current And Ex-Members Of..., to melodic touches in Here To Stay and Counterattack and even some heavy, slower breakdowns in Deathwish. Besides this diversity, singer Michiel’s voice is also perfect for this kind of music. He sounds somewhat like a heavier version of Redemption ‘87’s Eric Ozene and that’s a compliment. All in all, a solid effort from a clearly experienced band.