This is how hardcore was meant to be played. Dissonant, abrasive riffing? Nope. High-pitched vocals? No way. Vague, artsy lyrics? Not even close. Scary looking guys with mean faces? Not here. And while all those things have their place, I tire of them somewhat, and that's why this cd is so refreshing. I'd stop short of calling Figure Four old-school, but they play that 100% straight up, in your face hardcore that I just don't hear too much of anymore.
There's really not a terrible lot that you can say about a cd like this -- the vocals sound a lot like NIV, the guitars are similar to Withstand or sixfeetdeep, and they've got great breakdown sections. Nothing clever or unique in the structure, just lots of aggression and attitude. The lyrics are as straight forward as one would expect, "I won't lose my loyalty to the one who died for me" is probably the line that best sums up what the band's about. All in all, this is a very solid listen that gives me only length (24 mins) to complain about. Fans of xDisciplex and sixfeetdeep should really not miss this one -- it's bound to be can't miss for any hXc fan.
8/10
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis 2001Reviewed by Nate BaileyFigure Four are our friendly hardcore buddies from the North. That's right they are Canadians! In Canada if you find yourself getting cold during the long winter months, you invite Figure Four over to heat things up. These guys poured pure energy into my CD player. It's heavy, it's hard, and it's fast. They may be from Canada but they play Old School NYC flavor hardcore. "No Weapons Formed…HM Magazine #83Reviewed by A Girl Called GordonA Canadian band with a heart for God and a bone to pick with everything that is wrong. This great hardcore band from north of the border has a great sound, catchy tunes and meaningful lyrics. A must for anyone who appreciates good hardcore.Dead Zine 2000Reviewed by D_ListerAre you a tough guy? Huh? Are ya tough guy? You better be to keep up with this amazing old school hardcore album. Man where did Jason Dunn (from Facedown) come up with this band!?!? Well yeah I know Winnipeg Canada, but you know what I mean. This album is a throw back to No Innocent Victim's No Compromise days with only slightly raspier vocals, and for me that's just freaking alright! Nothing too…Similar sounding releases
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