Review Summary: Specializing in breakneck riffs, these Maryland kids have come to kick your head in
Noisem clearly loves Slayer. Not in a “rip off Reign in Blood riffs” kind of way, but more of a “how f
ucking fast can I possibly play” way. These guys specialize in breakneck riffs, and they have mastered their craft. The entirety of
Agony Defined is riffs and solos, all done at the speed of a fighter jet. The teenage members of Noisem have seemingly released an album from 1988, full of hunger and malice.
Agony Defined punches you in the throat over and over for 25 minutes, never taking breaks, never stopping to ask if you are okay.
“Voices in the Morgue” kicks off the album, letting you know exactly what you are in for: a no-frills exercise in vehemence. Vocalist Tyler Carnes has the dry bark of a 45 year old man, continuing the charade of this being an undiscovered 80s treasure. With this being such a young band, one would assume that
Agony Defined would be sloppy or rough around the edges, but that is not the case here. Each track is tightly constructed, a planned massacre. A complaint could be made about the songs blending together, with the rhythm section being fairly repetitive, however the ride is so entertaining that the blending just adds to the experience. The 25 minute runtime is a large positive, as a 45 minute album would start to heavily drag. “Mortuary” puts up a façade of slowing down, however it is just to lull the listener into a false sense of security, ramping back up to continue their sprint towards destruction.
Prepare to get f
ucking buried in riffs. These Maryland teenagers have crafted an assault, one that will not let up. This death metal influenced thrash album is an unstoppable beast, running over anything standing in its path. Expect this band to get big; their live shows are just as unrelenting and chaotic as they sound on record, and with a tour with Carcass coming up, they will catch on. Noisem has a bright future. If
Agony Defined is any indication, these kids will put their stamp on the metal scene.
