Better Ways To Die

In all honesty, the tough-guy hardcore plied by the likes of Hoods, Sworn Enemy and Boston bruisers Death Before Dishonor ran itself ragged by failing to stir the pot. But seeing as how everyone else is into thrash metal and Motörhead these days, why not add a bunch of beefy dudes in basketball jerseys? Metallica-inspired leads and bumped up tempos may not be revolutionary, but they've injected a wealth of bristling energy. "Peace And Quiet" starts off Death Before Dishonor's fourth album like a powder keg, and the band rarely let up until the crackling closer "Our Glory Days." The choruses still pertain to strength, vendettas–and we swear we heard something about brass knuckles-but c'mon, a little thrash was never going to take the "tough" out of the tough guy.

Bridge Nine http://www.bridge9.com