New Jersey’s Scary Hours has delivered another hardcore masterpiece with their latest album, Can’t Contend. Released on cassette through Pyrrhic Victory Recordings, this album is a colossal slab built upon catchy, powerful tracks that combine heavy instrumentations and thought-provoking lyrics. Led by Ryan Struck, Scary Hours takes everything you think you know about hardcore and flips it on its head with a blend of raw intensity, intellectual depth, and razor-sharp musicianship. From the initial notes and beats, you know you’re in for a wild ride. The album commands attention, blending hardcore, metalcore, and hardcore punk to create a chaotic and precise atmosphere. What makes Scary Hours such a brilliant band is the ability to blend ferocity with intelligence. At the heart of Can’t Contend is Ryan Struck, whose ideas and execution elevate this album from great to exceptional. His vocal delivery is phenomenal, with powerful shouts and screams that hit like a hammer but carry a message with immense precision. Every lyric is packed with meaning, addressing socio-political issues such as systemic oppression and societal decay. It’s clear that Struck isn’t just venting frustration, he’s channeling it into a rallying cry for change. Take a song like “Muted Mass,” where Struck critiques the illusion of freedom sold to us by those in power. His lyrics dissect the false promises of progress while calling out the exploitation that props up our systems. It’s a song that makes you want to scream along, not just for the catharsis, but because the message hits so hard.
Soundwise, Can’t Contend is a beast. The riffs are massive, heavy, and undeniably catchy. The guitar work moves effortlessly between hardcore grooves and metal-inspired shredding, with every riff feeling intentional and powerful. These guitarists are as adept at creating crushing breakdowns and weaving intricate melodies into the chaos. The bass guitar deserves special mention because it anchors the album. It doesn’t just follow along, it adds depth and texture, ensuring that every song feels grounded even when the guitars are going off the rails. The low-end punch is noticeable, giving the album an added layer of heaviness that will leave your speakers vibrating. Progressive and dynamic, the drummer keeps the chaos in check with precision beats, rapid fills, and tempo changes that dictate the mood and pace of each track. Whether it’s a blistering blast beat or a groovy rhythm, the drumming guarantees that the energy never dips. The lyrical depth is another standout quality. Struck tackles personal and universal themes from scratch to finish. Songs delve into struggles with identity, societal neglect, and the weight of systemic issues that affect us all. His words are confrontational, yet they never feel preachy. Instead, they invite contemplation and challenge listeners to confront uncomfortable truths. For example, “Reach for Me” explores the emotional fallout of growing up fatherless, but it’s far from a self-pitying narrative. Instead, it’s an honest exploration of how absence shapes a person, delivered over a backdrop of crushing riffs and relentless energy. Similarly, “Sturdy Beggars” examines homelessness and the criminalization of poverty, tying it to broader critiques of capitalist exploitation. The lyrics are poetic without being overly abstract, ensuring their impact is felt even on the first listen. They’re a call to arms for anyone feeling disillusioned or angry at the state of the world, providing not just a release, but a sense of solidarity.
One of the most impressive aspects of this material is how it balances aggression with intellect. The album channels the raw energy of renowned modern metalcore and hardcore bands but infuses it with the intellectual edge of older, legendary bands like Propagandhi or Dead Kennedys. This balance makes the album accessible to hardcore fans looking for something heavy while also appealing to those who crave depth in their music. Producer Pete Zengerle deserves credit for capturing the band’s sound so effectively. The production is clean but not overpolished, maintaining the rawness that hardcore demands while ensuring every instrument gets its moment to shine. It’s a perfect match for their vision, allowing the album’s intensity and complexity to coexist. With Can’t Contend, Scary Hours has cemented their place as a force on the global hardcore scene. It’s an album that grabs you by the collar and shakes you until you can’t look away. Ryan Struck and his bandmates crafted a musically impressive and lyrically meaningful record. Whether you’re drawn to the crushing riffs, the visceral energy, or the thought-provoking messages, there’s something on this album for everyone. It’s not just an album, but a lecture on socio-politics and life. Scary Hours proves that hardcore can be more than just a genre—it can be a platform for change, a medium for truth, and a source of empowerment. Head to the Scary Hours Bandcamp page for more information about ordering.
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