Review

Dropsaw - Victims Or Killers

18.08.2008 | Cam | 1 Comments

Genre: Hardcore/Metal/Thrash
For Fans Of: Integrity – Hatebreed - Terror
Favourite Songs: Fiction’s Largest Character – Action, Reaction – Judge & Juror
Running Time: 24:29
Year: 2008
Website Link: http://www.trialanderror.bigcartel.com
Myspace Link: http://www.myspace.com/dropsaw

Score: 87

Harder than a coffin nail…

REVIEW.

They breed ‘em tough in the steel city, and Dropsaw are no exception. With their 2007 release, MissingLimbs, well and truly putting them on the map, the Newcastle five-piece have taken another step forward, as VictimsOrKillers shows the band at their metallic best. Thanks to a top-notch production job (courtesy of The Red Shore’s Roman Koester), Dropsaw circa 2008 are a precise and incredibly heavy unit, one that is now on an even keel with our country’s heaviest hitters.

With its wailing lead guitars and foot to the floor tempo it’s hard not to compare “Fiction’s Largest Character” to the work of metalcore forefathers Integrity, however what the band lacks in originality is offset by the high quality song writing. The group’s technically impressive guitar work is once again on display throughout “In Man We Trust”, the musical onslaught providing the perfect platform for Jarrod to wax lyrical about his contempt for the human race, while “Anticipation Of Death…” is forty-eight seconds of pure adrenaline.

Although “Action, Reaction” doesn’t march to the same beat as the album’s first three tracks, its half time drumming and groove infused riffs still deliver the same aggressive punch that Dropsaw are capable of, all of which is backed up by a guest vocal slot from Brett of Samsara/Shotpointblank fame. “Victims Or Killers” and “Pure Hatred” both follow a similar blueprint, one that has served the band so well in the past and will no doubt continue to prosper as Dropsaw’s musical ability continues to flourish, the assault only pausing for the all to brief instrumental, “Modern Warfare”.

The menacing “Judge & Juror” shows that the band don’t have to rely on pace to make an impact, the engaging fret work proving to be more than enough to hold the listener’s attention. Having Mindsnare’sMattMaunder contribute guest vocals to your record is always a sure fire recipe for success, but when the song is as commanding as “The Cobra” it takes things to a whole new level, which just leaves “City Limits” and “Warning! This Is A Wasteland” to close out the record, the tough as nails riffs ending VictimsOrKillers on a high note.

CONCLUSION.

Great songs and great production make for a first grade package, so taking into account how spot on Dropsaw’s live show is I don’t see any reason why these guys can’t join Her Nightmare at the top of the Australian hardcore heap.