SINGLE SPOTLIGHT: Crucial Rip - “Violent Retribution”

 

Released: February 3rd, 2023

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Fans of all things heavy beware: Crucial Rip are back at it again with the announcement of a brand new album dropping March 31st, Violent Retribution. But today, we’re taking a look at the February 3rd released single and title track from the album. A track so bathed in fight riffs, you’ll feel fueled and ready to take on Chuck Zito by the end of it. Although, this publication does not encourage that and would strongly suggest avoiding any physical altercations with Chuck Zito.

But moving right along…

“Violent Retribution” is a powerful track. A fresh breath of air after nearly 5 years in dormancy from the RVA slam death metal collective’s 2018 release, The Object of Infection – Crucial Rip have hardly left the throne any less warmed. This swift return to brandishing their kingship as titanic overlords of the East Coast death metal and hardcore scenes is just further proof they’ve not at all lost their touch. Even with a recent line-up change and enduring the common hardships every individual or band alike has seen over the last few years especially, the strength and relentlessness of “Violent Retribution” adequately surpasses all the finest qualities desired within metal music. 

Virtually every second of the track is followed by another teeth-gritting, fist-balling riff that will make any crowd it’s played for get dangerous instantaneously. Pair this with the abrasive lyricism and fine alternating style between gurgling, gutteral low screams and more visceral, chanted hardcore-esque shouts, and you have the finest recipe for a solid jam that fans of any sect of the metal spectrum can likely agree on being tasty. Sometimes straightforwardness is the best approach to expressing what you have to say, and while “Violent Retribution” stays fairly in line with a sort-of typical scope of the traditions of the genre, it seems as though Crucial Rip have pioneered their own brand of blending hardcore and death metal. Perhaps this isn’t any exclusive, trademark thing, per se, but it does have its stand out factor about it and seems to work really well for them.

‘Just give me one reason why you don’t deserve to die…’

No matter what way you cut it, Crucial Rip’s new track is badass. Fans of names such as Jesus Piece, Bonginator, and Carnal Decay may find promise with this song, as well as with Crucial Rip’s material in general. If this single is to be any statement for what the rest of the album will entail, we are in for quite the special, brutal, painful-yet-blissful treat of really good metal music. Not to mention the production being in the hands of Ryan Wolanski, who certainly appears to have a great ear for the exact flavor of sonic decimation Crucial Rip are going for.

You can pre-order Violent Retribution at the Bandcamp link above, as well as stream the title track there or via the Spotify link! Whatever you do, be sure to stay as far away as possible from any room containing fragile antiques, breakable items, or anything with any sentimental value to it while listening. This certified banger is guaranteed to send even the most mild-mannered into an adrenaline-fueled frenzy. Don’t sleep on the new Crucial Rip.