All Out War are one of the most well-recognized names in the metallic hardcore genre. In fact, a pretty significant amount of the bands that have been featured on this blog feature some very recognizable influence from them. That’s why it’s only appropriate that I pay my respects by shining a light on their newest record, Crawl Among the Filth.
I’ll be quoting from my interview with All Out War’s vocalist, Mike Score, throughout this article. If you’re interested in reading the full interview, click here!
A lot of bands that found their start in the 90’s have a hard time putting out music that still resonates with not only their older listeners, but newer kids as well. All Out War, however, have proven with Crawl Among the Filth, that they remain more than capable.
In my opinion, as a whole, this album echoes back to their earlier works more than their most recent albums, with a heavy leaning on their metal influences. The albums gets straight to the point with the blast beat-laden first track, “Divine Isolation.” This track was unique to me because it almost follows a backwards format of a typical metal song - fast and sharp beginning, with a slowed down outro, flowing perfectly into the next track, “Judas Always Crawls.”
This track is interesting to me, especially as a single, since it’s quite different from the other songs on the album. Score explained the reasoning for choosing this single as exactly that. “Usually bands pick something that really represents the album, but we decided to go with something that’s a little different than what we usually do.” It’s also exceptionally short for an All Out War song, at barely 2-and-a-half minutes.
“What Was Becomes Undone” begins similarly to the first track, with a circle-pit inducing, faster feel to it. Following is “Contempt Be Thy Faith,” a longer track that, in my opinion, takes you through what All Out War has to offer. There’s a slower riff at the beginning that leads you nicely into a dynamic switch to a chugging, angry mosh part.
Following this is “Drink the Plague,” a scornful, politically-charged, fast-based track. A similar metallic feel is evoked in many of the tracks on the latter half of the album. My favorite of these tracks would be “Septic Infestation,” a tremolo- and chug-heavy 2-minute number towards the end of the record. One song that stands out to me is “Hanging On the Wire” - this one definitely feels more hardcore-based than the rest, with a groovier sounding bassline. Still, it ties together with a ringing, open-sounding outro riff that is particularly on brand for the band.
One of the best parts of an All Out War record, for me at least, has always been the lyrics. Quoting vocalist Mike Score again: “We need more bands to take more of a worldly stance on things and try to make a change and try to open people’s eyes to things. At any time in history, now is the time to address issues lyrically and have a positive say, because there’s so many things going on, especially in this country, that need to be addressed.” This quote definitely isn’t all talk. Score can write a fantastical song about plague and famine just as well as he can write a metaphor that makes sense about the political climate, and he does that very well on Crawl Among the Filth. Again, it’s very apparent that the band still has passion for what they do, and that makes it sound that much better.
While some still might prefer the band’s first few records, Crawl Among the Filth definitely has a seat at the table with them. This album bridges gaps make it somewhat of an easy Intro to All Out War for kids who are just getting into older bands. The production quality is on point, and the quicker songs make it a lot less intimidating to get through. All in all, it’s definitely a solid album that’s worth listening to for old fans and new.
You can stream Crawl Among the Filth on all major platforms, as well as below:
-Angie
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