Rotting Out – “Reckoning” Review
Posted: by Sean Gonzalez
LISTEN TO A TRACK FROM THE RECORD WHILE YOU READ!
Pure energy is one thing a lot of the new age of straight hardcore acts seem to bring plenty of. Rotting Out is no exception, bringing their live shows and releases memorable moments of abusive energy that leaves people stuck in mosh pits. Reckoning is their five song EP and in the midst of all their abrasive music there is a message to understand.
It has been said way too many times by a plethora of artists and individuals, but ‘Live Fast And Die Young’ explains what Rotting Out have come to do. While being the album’s closer, it helps close the gap on the prelude that ‘Born’ was. The track is full of thick walls of distortion and a bass line that fights for presence. During the breakdown vocalist Walter Delgato explains that this is his reckoning, his conclusion to his calculated death of life, ending with a note to his parents, “my abdomen is ready so hand me the sword.” This reminds me of the Japanese hari-kari, a way of suicide.
Sonically Reckoning is golden. The mix is perfect with everything being in perfect sync the entire time. ‘End Of The Road’ features a constant bass groove that sticks its way into the pit with help from the other instruments. The bass groove is the entire reason I remember the song, not forgetting the group chants in the chorus. ‘Eyes Wide’ is a upbeat beatdown from the opening seconds. The chord progressions showcase the band’s punk roots which transfer to hardcore with ease.
Listening to this ten minute EP is fun and easy. ‘I Don’t Care’ might be one of the lackluster moments embedded in this, but I guess I do not really care seeing as it is only 43 seconds long. The entire EP features that new age hardcore tough guy mentality as well, even more fun. Rotting Out step up to the plate and knock it out of the park and into the mosh pit with Reckoning. Grab a copy from Pure Noise Records and enjoy the constant ten minute mosh.
