Old Gods ‎– Stylized Violence LP

Old Gods ‎– Stylized Violence LP

OLD GODS was formed in February of 2011 by then The DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN guitarist Jeff Tuttle (vocals) and his former HEADS WILL ROLL bandmate Derek Swanson (bass), guitarist Randall Kupfer, and drummer Tony Wolski. Shortly thereafter, they garnered a solid reputation amongst Detroit s underground scene as a band that was both unapologetic and miles away from the homogenized herd of other so-called hardcore bands. Their new full-length, Stylized Violence sees a much more mature and confident OLD GODS continuing down the path they embarked upon with the 2011 release, but with a fury and fire all its own. Like Its predecessor, Stylized Violence is steeped in film tradition: most notably, the horror genre. With vivid and provoking titles like Slaughtered Vomit Doll , Burlesque Suicide and Altered States it s clear that Tuttle has done his homework. But, what s more is that his lyrical content is more than just homage. The stark imagery often culled from these films works more like catalysts: propelling his deeper metaphoric meanings and fueling his clever wordplay. Musically, OLD GODS has never been more ferocious. Stylized Violence sees the band exploring the familiar territory of their previous effort, but diving much deeper in the process. Remaining is the band s fascination with both early 80 s punk and 90 s post-hardcore, but this record also makes several uncharted pit stops along the way. Stylized Violence is a wide spectrum of sounds and styles that represent a true love for all things dirty and distorted. Throughout the many twists and turns of Stylized Violence, what remains constant are the pummeling rhythms of Wolski s bombastic drums and Swanson s driving bass. These elements form the skeleton for Kupfer s frantic-yet-refined guitar riffs. Top this all off with Tuttle s tortured screams and haunting bellows and this album is a wet dream for anyone yearning for both style and substance from the world of punk and hardcore.