Chain Reaction – Figurehead 12″ EP (Atomic Action! / Control Records)

Chain Reaction is heavy hardcore machinery hailing from Belgium. The group comprises members of the Belgian hardcore scene, such as Spirit Of Youth, Congress, Kingpin, and Rise And Fall. If you’re familiar with these beforementioned outlets, then you already know what to expect from Chain Reaction. Everything about this band is calibrated, calculated, and well-planned to perfection, so there’s no room for mistakes. Since their formation, Chain Reaction published a couple of solid recordings like a debut demo, Hangman EP, and a split 7” record with Spark. A couple of months ago, the group released a brand new material called Figurehead. Today, I will talk a little bit more about this outstanding hardcore record.

Figurehead includes six raging hardcore compositions, entirely performed in an NYHC manner. However, the group also combines some impressive articulations, which are solely a characteristic of the contemporary hardcore scene. This material brings the best from both old and new, merged altogether into symbiotic harmony. Chain Reaction breathes in modern arrangements to the familiar foundations of mid-nineties hardcore music and creates a unique atmosphere fully stacked with massive guitar riffs and half-step tempos. Still, the group is pushing its limits through constant rhythmical changes from moderate to beatdown acrobatics, which are contributing with more depth to the overall listening experience.

Raging lead vocals are liberating even more layers of aggression over already ferocious orchestrations through confident, stable, precise performance. It’s nearly impossible to remain static while listening to these compositions. Quite the contrary, Figurehead demands series of stage diving, moshing, and other shenanigans. If you’re looking out for a more precise definition of their sound, their music resembles the greats such as Terror, Strife, Madball, Trapped Under Ice, Rise And Fall, Cold World, Lionheart, but take these examples as a mere comparison. You will instantly fall in love with their raging tunes as soon as you press play on your turntable.

Just as on their previous recordings, Figurehead includes not more than six songs. Nevertheless, this time the group decided to put these numbers on a 12″ instead of 7” record. The vinyl is available through Atomic Action! in the US and Control Records in Europe. Head over to your preferred record label for further information about ordering.