Review Summary: Combining these two genres is like priming a grenade, and Hacktivist’s album was pulling the pin.
Fads can be hit or miss, especially in the music industry. It honestly will depend on the listener for how long Hacktivist lasts, because their strange genre is an acquired taste. Mixing the downtuned-as-all-hell eight string baritone guitars, six-string bass guitars, occasional screamed vocals, and odd time signatures of bands like Meshuggah and Periphery with modern day rap/hip-Hop, Hacktivist attempted to reinvigorate music on their self-titled debut. While an interesting concept, some moments just prevent Hacktivist from being taken as seriously as they wish.
With a name like Hacktivist, one may assume that the band is trying too hard to be revolutionary and controversial. This is partly true, as the record is filled with cynical social commentary and threats of anarchy. At the moments where they do actually provide thoughtful commentary, their British accents get in the way, because some listeners may find it challenging to understand the vocalists at times. Yep, like Linkin Park, Hacktivist takes the approach of a rapper and a harsh vocalist, though there isn’t much screaming. Rapper Jermaine “J” Hurley is a talented rapper that provides most of the vocals, and though some of the more sophisticated vocabulary occasionally prevents lyrical flow, the rapping is actually quite bearable. Harsh vocalist Ben Marvin occasionally throws in some raps, but mostly delivers mediocre screams. He’s a weak screamer that sounds less inspired then Spencer’s early days in Periphery, and honestly wasn’t necessary for this release.
Unfortunately, the rest of the group is mediocre as well. Guitarist/programmer Tim “Timfy James” Beazley just sticks to the expected open chugs and occasionally journeys up the fretboard playing half-interesting riffs, while the rare keyboard playing is actually quite enjoyable. Both bassist Josh Gurner and drummer Richard Hawking literally do only what is required, with Josh even dabbling in the annoying tone that Fieldy is known for. Musically, the band is not very strong.
However, there are still stand-outs. With the exception of the rapped vocals, “Unlike Us” is nothing new for the genre, but its energy and riffs throughout have the potential to inspire. “Elevate” also has some strong riffing throughout that breaks the mold of the rest of the record, while “New Age” has the strongest harsh vocals all record, even though they are in the background. There’s also a cool breakdown that ends this short track.
Lyrically, Hacktivist falls apart. Every song tackles the exact same topic, and drips of teen angst. While themes of anarchy can occasionally work very well (Green Day’s
American Idiot), Hacktivist shoves it down the listener’s throat so much that it gets very old, very quickly. By the end of the record, you won’t be revolting; you’ll be bored of the same thing over and over again. In turn, you’ll laugh at times (“People be fearing us, our riffs so serious” and multiple uses of the mother of all f words), and wish they would just shut up.
Honestly, this fad left me wishing that Hacktivist didn’t try this blend. Combining these two genres is like priming an grenade, and Hacktivist’s album was pulling the pin. Other than the aforementioned tracks,
Hacktivist isn’t worth a listen.
