INTEGRITY 'The Blackest Curse'

INTEGRITY have been surrounded by myth, controversy, and legend for much of their almost 20-year existence. Along with fellow Cleveland monsters Ringworm, they are responsible for laying the foundation for metallic hardcore as we know it. Not only dictating, but literally defining the wave of musical darkness that continuously influences those at the forefront of the aggressive music scene. You can hear their direct influence in bands like Rot In Hell, Rise And Fall, Converge, Hatebreed, and more. A ten-headed beast of an album, 'The Blackest Curse' is arguably the most cohesive INTEGRITY release of their career. With the first crashing chords of "Process of Illumination" it's apparent that Integrity are back in true form, following the metal/hardcore hybrid blueprint they forged themselves over two decades ago. The blitzkrieg bombardment of songs like "Learn To Love The Lie" and "Through The Shadows of Forever" is unrelenting, while speed demons like "Simulacra" and "Spiderwoven" are as frenzied metallic hardcore can get. It's not all aural brutality though, as 'The Blackest Curse' proves that the root of their evil can morph into all shapes and sizes. Songs like "Before The World Was Young" and "Take Hold of Forever" showcase Integrity's trademark melodious moments as well as their dark experimental tendencies. With 'The Blackest Curse' INTEGRITY never stray from their path. And like the few other legacy bands in existence (Motorhead), they prove they don't need to. Their formulaic cohesive vision is why 'The Blackest Curse' is another brilliant album, adding to their intriguing legacy. A reign that still, after over two decades, continues to demand a cult-like devotion that is "Holy Terror" to the very core.