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Reviews

Split cd with OUT COLD

Downsided Issue 4

This is true powerful blast for a CD. Two bands, from USA and England, fit nicely on one CD. Real oldskool hardcore from both I dare to say. Out Cold surprised me by their furiousness - anger and fucked-upness almost in the standards set by their more famous Voorhees. But hey - OC have a thing of their own which is more NYHC style than their European counterpart's and that's by no means a good thing. Also somewhat too much cleanness in their soundpolitics softens my woodcock a bit. But I notice the same cleanness in sounds Voorhees also, so maybe it's due CD and its usual metallic soundscape. Although some metallic edge in Voorhees sound doesn't mean bad, cuz they are mean and hard as your heart, buddy. But with Out Cold it leaves you in a way like out in a cold sauna. When checking up Out Cold looks from the booklet I found 'em quite the same as Endstand of Finland - some greasy ducktails there and such. Thank god the picture isn't any bigger.

So, the Jason Voorhees inspired band comes from northern England and have kept their form despite continuous lineup changes and years passing by. On their webpages they used to describe their up to date lineup with a sarcastic comment: "On this week, Voorhees is..." I have come to known Voorhees as a band who play mean and fast as hell shit and have one of the best vocalist in the business. On top of that they can still write some decent songs which is not small an advantage. And in general, Voorhees is quite productive as a band. Although the new material (two 7"s, an album and this split) released during the last year or so has been recorded over two-three year time span, so it maybe gives you a little too positive view of their productivity. But all in all they put out new shit in quite a nice tempo also in the near future, I gather. Rickhard Armitage has done most of the song writin' shitwork during the last few years, but it's nice to see also the new bassist, Steve Stewart has taken some of the dirty job on his behalf too. Music-wise I can't tell any noticeable differences in their song writing, but I admit the most ear-catching track in this lot (six songs) is Armitage's "House Arrest." Voorhees usually have nice lyrics. But I've heard that some people claim Voorhees lyrics violent etc. Not often have I heard more stupid shit than this. I just hope these idiots will die in pain very soon.

Personally, I think Voorhees is better than say, Citizen's Arrest ever was, but the fact is, not many think the same. The notorious Beatles phenomena has grabbed the HC scene by balls which means this: nothin' that's made AFTER the early 80s is as good as the Golden Age of HC. That attitude mostly sucks ass. And yeah, I must add that the covers of this CD look pretty awful. Like some 3rd grade Austrian metal act trying to make a fresh start on their 3rd (floppin') album.

Short, Fast & Loud #6

Now here is a bona fide ass-kicking if ever there was one!!! Massachusetts' Out Cold are in top form on here. Absolute adrenaline pumping, old school hardcore thrashing, no grind, no power violence, no emo... Just straight up, kicked in the face, hardcore punk rock. Sounds right out of 1983 and metal free. Voorhees should be no mystery to the readers of this mag and do not disappoint (as if they ever have) on this disc. Back to the early basics of their early releases, these UK thrashers can play flawless hardcore punk in their sleep. Both bands excel at the bitter "I hate you" lyrics of traditional hardcore punk, no holds barred and fist in the gut. A much needed breath of fresh air for this reviewer after countless grind and crust reviews. A must own.

"BOOKBURNER" ep

Short, Fast & Loud #6

All right, a new six song EP by one of the UK's most prominent thrashers. This is no letdown. Maybe not as hectic as their earlier releases but solid. Straight up HC, no filler, no bullshit. Just abrasive HC with mean as fuck vocals. I've seen them live three times and not once did they roll on the floor. Long live traditional HC!

Maximum RockNRoll July 2000

Six new tracks of shredding hardcore from one of England's finest. These guys have always cranked out hardcore that sounds hateful as all hell, and this is no exception. With lyrics like "Through this bloody rage I only want to see you dead, I hope you die real fucking soon" there is no foolin' where they are coming from. So guys, the next time you decide to come all the way over to the States, how about a brief jaunt to the West Coast? It would be much appreciated.

Fracture Issue 13

Surely the most prolific band in the UK right now, and with splits with F-MINUS, INSULT and KILL YOUR IDOLS as well as a 5" planned, it looks as if they're not planning on slowing down any time soon. And that's good news, because these six tracks are the usual VOORHEES volleys of vehement hardcore (ooops, accidental alliteration there, sorry). The title track sees them going for a slower and more tortured sound (of course, "slower" in VOORHEES' vocabulary does not actually mean "slow") and it sounds just great. Blue vinyl if you care. Another purchase for you.

Split lp with DEVOID OF FAITH

Fracture Issue 13

It looks great, it sounds fucking awesome. VOORHEES are on form as always with ten crazy blasts of old school hardcore, delivered like repeated punches to the face. This sort of stuff suits a bad mood like the aural equivalent of punching a hole in a door. For twelve inches of white wax, it's crazy how fast this passes, not only because it is genuinely so fast but because it's so good you want to hear more of it, and even a great SUICIDAL TENDENCIES cover too. On the flip, DEVOID OF FAITH unbelievably sound melodic and mid-paced in comparison, which is saying something because these guys go for the throat too, with some raging hardcore stuff. They're a little sloppier on here than VOORHEES but still slam from the speakers in spazzy slabs of noise. The whole package, with great artwork, white vinyl and awesome sounds is essential.

Flipside 2000

Whoa, fuck! What a great combination: my third Sapporo beer in the steel can and this fucking release. Devoid of Faith impales a bolt of energy through the anger that I have of my fucking job. Blistering and perfect for an emotional outlet. Fast and angry is what they play, not in the powerviolence vein but in a thrashcrust mode that brought out the tears of frustration from me. Where in the fuck have I been? These guys pull no stops and kill. I’m a fucking loser for not getting into them before. They broke up and I didn’t really discover them until now. I am a fucking loser. The Voorhees is a fucking awesome band that all you fuckheads out there should be in the know. From all their earlier material that Brian GTA has re-released and most recently the 13 lp and Fireproof 7” shows that they will hopefully be around for a while. More power from these boys who sow the rage. They are seasoned thrash pioneers who keep belting out the hits. A little more of a thinner guitar sound and drum sound that the latter releases that I mentioned but equally as powerful. You have to get this (man did I sound like Thrashead? I am a fucking loser).

Short, Fast & Loud #6

I guess a review of this is pretty pointless as most people reading will pick this up regardless of what I say. Basically two real good solid hardcore bands who've been around forever knock out more of the quality music they're known for and neither disappoint in any way. Devoid of Faith do what they do best and bow out with a great piece of vinyl. Sad to see them go especially as they never played over here in the UK, but you get this as a good reminder. I don't think they got the respect they deserved to be honest. I guess now that they've split it'll be OK to like them more. Oh, and the Bastard cover is a fine move. Voorhees on the flip knock it up a gear from the "13" LP and got for a more straight forward thrash approach and it works. Blows the LP into the water. Still think the production could be better though. They lose some of the power I know they have locked up. The Suicidal Tendencies cover is class and about time someone did it. The whole thing is wrapped in a simple but effective sleeve and the vinyl is white for those who care.

"13" lp/cd

Suburban Voice # 43

Older style hardcore and some more extreme powerviolence emanations. Voorhees certainly provide a blistering array, here. The bonus tracks fare best, with a slightly less out of control assault. The reasonable pace increases the impact. It's all pretty ripping though, and Ian Leck's hoarse vocals convey the rage. Voorhees have been bashing it out in one form or another for a number of years, although Ian's the only original member at this point, but they don't appear ready to mellow out. And while some of the lyrics don't always make sense ("Shatner's Bassoon Effect"?), the song about car insurance resonates loud and clear.

Metal Hammer Magazine February 2000

Sixteen tracks of raw, blistering splenetic and frenetic hardcore in the space of 18 minutes - so the chances of Voorhees making a lengthy emo concept album are still refreshingly remote. Which is good news for their fans, who number Agnostic Front's Roger Miret among a host of others. Vocalist Lecky has also been busy of late with his other band, metalcore straightedgers Withdrawn, who recently played with Integrity. Check out Night of the Crabs for the perfect 9 second wake up call.

Fracture Issue 10

Unlucky for some, but not for us or these louts. Fuck, it's been around five years since their last LP, has it been worth the wait? Hell yeah! Although 13 songs are listed, the actual disk has 16 and what a racket! They've actually changed quite a bit, but their brand of unleashed fury and anger is as evident as ever. They've got a lot heavier but are still fast as fuck and continue to crank out total ragers. Lecky's vocals are so raw, thus complimenting the music with an overwhelming venom spat from his throat. No let up in the lyric department either. Some smart looking graphics to boot. Essential.

Hit List Volume 1, Number 6

A domestic release from these veteran UK thrashers. Fans of twisted Rudimentary Peni meets Spazz will love this. Supremely well played and produced, with a stellar sound. The Brit power violence invasion? Lots of sore throat hollering and yelling. Even with the lyrics printed, I have no idea what the dude is chirping on about...

"FIREPROOF" ep

Maximum RockNRoll Issue 200

Pissed hardcore, with a focus on slowly beating you to death with a hammer, rather than worrying about louder, faster. Thick guitars that push right up against the belly growl of the vocals. The choice of Agnostic Front covers is curious ("Last Warning") because their sound is closer to the AF song "With Time." Are you ready to meet Voorhees' request of More Violence in Hardcore?"

"WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET" ep

Fracture Zine 1999

This 7" was supposed to come out for their 1997 US tour, but didn't and thank fuck it is out now. We have their side from the now sold out split with STALINGRAD and the songs from their Peel Session. If you haven't at least heard of these maniacs by now where have you been hiding? From them? Seriously though, we have 8 fast as fuck, raging scorchers that will definitely make you want kick the fuck out of the some copper walking up the street. Anti conformist lyrics, mingled with fighting type stuff. Maybe not mindless stuff, but from what I can see Lecky is not afraid to stand up for himself and I admire that. The music, if you didn't already know, if early 80's raging hardcore in it's purest orm. The stuff that makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Luckily I saw VOORHEES live last year, something I've wanted to do since they started and I can honestly say that they are one of the most energetic bands I've seen. Those who get to see them all the time are lucky.

Split ep with STALINGRAD

HeartattaCk Issue 6

This split 7" gives the word brutality a new meaning! Voorhees smashes your skull with four early Boston-like songs, in-your-face lyrics and a Crucifucks cover. Stalingrad does the rest... tearing your guts apart. Their music isn't as brutal but the vocals compensate. Awesome release! Yeah, there's only one Kevin Keegan, true, but there's also only one Edwald Lienen!

"SPILLING BLOOD WITHOUT REASON" lp

Flipside 1994

Incredible one two punch high speed knockout thrash, with a mean edge ala Negative Approach meets Infest. Extra simplistic and spiteful lyrics to match the equally intense onslaught. Alternative in the true dictionary sense, and not the false kind those sleazy businessmen have led so many so called "underground" scensters who kiss ass and hope for a hand out to believe in. Thanks to Thrashead for turning me on to these guys.

Flipside 1994

Split second insane speed thrash madness. 26 songs of searing stripped down thrash that bring Heresy crossed with early DRI to mind. Great shouted lyrics and enough energy to knock you on your ass. In one picture on the cover the vocalist is wearing an Infest shirt, I'd say these guys rank up there with them as one damn good thrash band. Grab this one and dive into a wall head first. AAAAAUUGGHH!!!!!

HeartattaCk Issue 4

Sometimes life sucks, and Voorhees is for those times. In the tradition of Negative FX and Negative Approach. Blistering fast with plenty of breaks, a load of hate and anger, pissed off and smoking, Voorhees kick some fucking ass. Awesome. Reminds me of all those times I was full of hate and couldn't see clearly.

Kerrang November 1994

Voorhees are not for the faint-hearted, suggesting quite rightly that we cut the throats of huntsmen, among many other violent acts. Couple this with 26 tracks of blistering Discharge and Extreme Noise Terror racket and you have an LP well worth checking out from the safety of a nuclear fall-out shelter.

Maximum RockNRoll Issue 138

Well this is what they've been hinting at being capable of producing. As much as I loved the EP and enjoyed the flexi, I sensed that Voorhees could blow doors off, not just peel the paint. So here you've got it - a 26 track LP harkening back to the days of hardcore bands having something that drove them, the kind of anger and frustration that drives some people out of the room and has others turning it up louder. Wow!

"EVERYBODY'S GOOD AT SOMETHING..." flexi

Maximum RockNRoll Issue 136

This is a re-release of their 1991 demo, and due to a mastering flaw it tends to skip a lot, which is kind of annoying, though easily rectified with a coin. This is simple, start/stop, red light/green light, straight ahead hardcore with decidedly hatecore lyrics. Simple, but good.

"VIOLENT..." ep

Kerrang July 93

Voorhees play snot gobbing punk rock. If you like 30 second songs of total manic thrash you’ll love this. Excellent!

Maximum RockNRoll Issue 122

Total anger. It's like a big ugly fish thrashing out of water. Songs about fighting, killing, death, destruction, pillage, depression etc. "Torture" has the best lyrics by far - to quote, "AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!" It's a pissed off thrash-o-rama. Well fuck, call me a cavewoman but I like this.