SCAB EATER

Not since I popped in the SICKOIDS demo near the turn of the decade have I been so instantly floored. Melbourne's SCAB EATER make the modern hype sounds work...without making them seem like modern hype sounds. Allow me to explain (I mean, that's why you're here, right?) - that recycled flanged out '80s hardcore guitar (think DIE KREUZEN), that high energy stompy stomp, the dark vibes, all of the ingredients for a by-the-numbers modern sensation, except that SCAB EATER have fukkn fire. That guitar is joined by a second axe that just stabs the mix repeatedly, tearing holes in any kind of convention and exposing pure rage and power while the vocals are high, fervid and demanding. When everything else drops out you start to notice the ferocity of the low end (and once you do, you can't not notice it) and the assault is complete.....ugh, my friends, SCAB EATER is fukkn deadly. "Blind//Bellicose" gets my money for the choice cut, though it doesn't hurt that it's followed up by the low rumble and screaming gymnastics that make up the start of "Crimes Against The Soil." Thankfully I don't really have to choose here - clocking in at exactly 600 seconds, Mind Trench is streamlined for repeat listens and receives highest accolades from TEHQ. 

MIND TRENCH