Label - MNRK Heavy
Release Date -30th September 2022
Words - Chris Fletcher
With everything going on in the world right now, it’s easy to feel angry. And if you're searching for some music to reflect that, look no further than the latest offering from Massachusetts metallic grind merchants Escuela Grind. Back with their second album Memory Theatre, this is a vicious blast of aggression clocking in at less than half an hour, and the perfect tonic to help anyone feeling particularly frustrated.
Produced by the legendary Kurt Balou, Memory Theatre is nine tracks of pent-up rage liable to set your speakers on fire, as the band blast through most songs in less than three minutes. Opening with ‘Endowed With Windows’, the album begins with some harsh feedback which gives the record the real basement punk show atmosphere that is carried on for the duration, especially on the title track which closes proceedings and leaves you asking what just happened.
Sandwiched between these two tracks are seven brief explosions of noise which combine all of the elements that should be present in this type of racket, blast beats and cymbal chokes included. To put it simply this is modern grindcore at its best; spiky, fast and angry as hell.
Although chaotic like a runaway mine train (without ever truly coming off the rails), there is more to this than just pure speed. The crunching guitar tone gives the riffs a real texture whilst the rhythm section combines admirably to provide a tangible groove and swagger. Not only does this record never outstay its welcome, but it practically forces you to give it the repeat listens it deserves.
8/10.
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