I tried writing three or four different opening lines about this band, but I couldn’t come up with anything that felt quite right—probably because of their name, haha! What can I even say? These guys are insane! With each release, they’ve taken deliberate steps forward and developed their sound, and Worthless is undoubtedly their masterpiece. Compared to many other powerviolence bands, they stand out as something truly unique and distinct. Alongside classic powerviolence and grindcore elements, you can clearly hear the influence of Youth Crew hardcore, death metal icons like Entombed and late-era Carcass, and even the sludge-soaked misery of Eyehategod. This album is an impressive fusion of all those genres. It’s innovative, yet rooted in old-school tradition.
Despite the heavy sludge influence, there are no long songs here—except for the 7-minute closer “Future.” Most people I know who’ve listened to this album complain about the sludgy, slow-paced parts, but I actually enjoy them a lot. I mean, where else are you going to hear 53-second sludge tracks? It’s not an issue for me at all. But of course, the truly devastating moments come from the fast and hammering powerviolence/grindcore assaults. They quite literally throw you against the wall—it’s impossible to stay seated while listening. You either get up and slam yourself into the living room walls, or storm outside and punch someone you hate in the face. This album is that furious.
The guitar tone channels the weight and crunch of bands like Entombed and Carcass, and there are some seriously compelling riffs throughout. Vocals and drums lean more toward grindcore in their intensity and attack. There are even flashes of Motörhead/Discharge-style rock’n’roll solos here and there, with the opening track “Hometown Hero” being a prime example. My personal favorite, though, has to be “Old Friends Don’t Mean Shit”—both for its lyrics and its blistering, ground-shaking speed. Honestly, the whole album is a favorite. Don’t worry about the slow, heavy sections—embrace them too. This is a deeply unsettling band and a deeply unsettling record.