On their third full-length album Scalplock seem to cross over from their crust punk sound to a more grind core and metal influenced approach. This change has got them a deal with the British label Cacophonous, which has proven to have a nose for extreme music with, amongst others, Dimmu Borgir and Cradle Of Filth. I don’t think this new signing will become as big as those two, because Scalplock are a very political band, not only to their new label’s standards. America and the western world in general are being strongly criticized for their policy on the Middle East and Afghanistan. Capitalism in general is being condemned as well.

Not that you can understand one word guitarist/singer Pete (ex-Unseen Terror) screams into the microphone but, hey, this is grind! The sound of the record is a little weak, especially the drums, although it suddenly gets better from the 21st song. But then the bass is practically inaudible. (The record has clearly been recorded in multiple sessions as the sound changes a couple of times) The music is fast and aggressive but there’s room for some slow and mid tempo parts as well. Even some NY hardcore type grooving riffs in “Adamantine Star” that could create quite a circle pit when played before the right audience.