These old-school veterans have been at the forefront of the New York hardcore scene since the mid-1980's. This particular album is their only major label release. They got signed to Eastwest during that alternative music hysteria that was going on in the U.S. in the early 1990's, so for a short while they actually were label-mates with Pantera. But all good things usually come to an end pretty quickly, so it was no surprise when they were promptly dropped and returned back into the fold of the underground. They did leave a fine work behind them though.

This is a cool album. Although SOIA are not as over-the-top as their metalcore peers, their music is considerably hard and brutal, and much easier to sing along to. Not a single song here sucks, not a single song sounds the same, and each of them can easily set a mosh-pit on fire. SOIA took advantage of the major label's resources and got their stuff really well produced, which only made their attack more lethal. They radiantly displayed the full range of their skills. There are fast and sweeping numbers like "Insurrection" and "Goatless," scourging dirges like "Maladjusted" or "Force My Hand," and old-school rockers like"Step Down," which hark to the band's classic punk and hardcore roots. "In the underground integrity lies within. In the underground image doesn't mean a thing." I hope all of us can relate to this statement.

Never mind that this album was released by a major label. These guys were neither compromising nor faking it.

© 2000 boris