Strife Angermeans CD

It was a retirement that would have made Michael Jordan proud. Only two years after deciding to break up, disillusioned with the hardcore scene they decided was stagnant, Strife reunited for some benefit concerts in early 2000 and the members found that the missing spark that had led to the band's untimely demise had returned. This is the first disc for the band since the re-formation, and it's obvious from the first listen that the spark grew into a raging inferno once rediscovered. Always unafraid to mix metallic sensibilities into their sound, that side of the group is explored even further on Angermeans. The appropriately monikered opener, "Rise Again," suggests the ripping riffery of Cro-Mags' "Death Camps," while the likes of "Life Stained Red" and "Stripped Away" could be mistaken for a Slayer outtake. "Angel Wings" is near death metal. None of this should be considered a bad thing. Metal and hardcore have always been allies, and as pop started to take over the underground punk scene, the influence of artists such as Agnostic Front seemed to wane, possibly a reason for Strife's previous exit. Angermeans is not just a comeback for the band, it's a long-overdue kick in the butt for a whole movement as well. ~ Brian O'Neill

Additional personnel includes: Tom Ball (guitar); Ellie Wyatt (violin); Melody Rodney (piano); Eric Bobo (percussion).

Recorded at Steak House Studios, North Hollywood, California.

Producers include: Sean O'Dwyer, John Nelson, Strife, Rogelio Lozano.

Engineers include: Joe Delaney, John Nelson, Sean O'Dwyer.

Personnel: Tom Ball (guitar); Eric Bobo (percussion); Josh Lynch (drum programming).

Audio Mixer: Sean O'Dwyer.

Recording information: The Steakhouse, North Hollywood, CA.

Photographer: Rick Rodney.

Unknown Contributor Roles: Andrew Kline; Chad Peterson.

Arranger: Strife .

Strife: Rick Rodney, Chad Peterson, Sidney Niesen, Andrew Kline.

5th Rel

Alternative Press (4/02, p.83) - 8 out of 10 - "...Strife go to war with skull-crushing metal, slow-grind hardcore, neck-snapping thrash and even tribal beats..."