Review Summary: Backtrack opened the pit.
Hardcore act Backtrack has returned with a brand new album 'Lost in Life.' The album is full of countless musical bars that are interesting and very to the point for the vast genre that is hardcore. 'Their Rules' opens up this mosh pit of an album, and the lyrics really fit the mood. "I'm sick of following their rules, cause they're not for me." This song screams hardcore with every last breath of Vitalo's urgent and strong performance. The last bit of the song is led by a guitar solo and then back to the chorus. The band delivers the straight hardcore sound with a hint of southern influences. This tasteful delivery style keeps the album progressing and stops it from sounding overdone. The best example of the southern feel is found on the second song, 'Wash Away.'
'Under Your Spell' really stands out from the rest of these tracks. The halt and progression into the steady kick drum threw me off completely. Brendan Yates makes a guest appearance in this song as well, really giving a better shock and awe to the song. The next track has thrash influences which build up a solid groove held together by the drummer, John. This song is really three distinct parts that are mashed up into an absolute banger of a song. The bass breakdown that begins and follows through 'Torture' is another thing to listen for.
Halfway through the LP and the music is continually getting sweeter, and by that I mean more mosh heavy. 'Rot In Your Race' shines on the talent of John, decimating drum part after drum part with different off-beat hits and then guitarists Ricky and Chris take over the song right around 1:44. Two more headbanging songs are found in 'Right This Wrong' and 'Play Safe,' really delivering pure adrenaline into the moshes. 'Play Safe' also has Vitalo's best vocal delivery, sounding as if his viscera is about to come out of his throat.
The last three tracks really close the album well. 'Still Searching' is really defined by the various patterns by the guitarists. My only gripe is that the penultimate riff should have continued. It winds back and forth across palm-muted chords in a very delicate manner, showing the bands talent in remaining tight-knit. 'Guilty Conscience's' verses provide the quick blastbeat tempo I had been waiting for. The last song is the only one that reaches beyond three minutes. Even with a slightly longer listening time, Backtrack keeps the song quick mannered, exiting ears in a pleasing way.
'Lost in Life' is a must listen to for hardcore fans. This LP is a step up from anything Backtrack has done before. The album was produced by Nick Jett, the drummer of Terror. The production really helps this album sound fresh. The band created a heavy and interesting hardcore album. Every member shines in their own way. A mosh heavy tour schedule is already planned to support this album, do not skip on this either.
