It’s 2015 and taking a stand is still hardcore. At least that’s the impression I get listening to Subliminal Criminals, the new release from alternative hardcore band Stray From The Path. Always has been a band of grit, energy, and making a statement, Stray From The Path has only continued to progress their blistering hardcore sound since they began to break out with Make your Own History. SFTP’s signature sound came on the heels of songs on that album that defines them, such as “Damien” and “Negative and Violent.” Since then, Stray From The Path have continued to build a fan base around their fast-paced, pissed off anthems of frustration against disgraceful aspects of society.
With this band, there is never quite a deviation from previous releases. With some bands, their strong qualities are in their ability to progress with change, switching up methods and sounds, but with Stray From The Path this is not the case. Looking back on Make Your Own History, as well as Rising Sun and their previous release, Anonymous, there aren’t many deviations or changes, rather their progression is the advancement and enactment of their bitter, furious form. Their heavy aspects have gotten heavier, their song writing is clean, their riffs are groovy and chunky, the concept is straightforward and mad, and it works. Admiration aside, Subliminal Criminals is an absolute onslaught worthy of positive praise. Each song is an anthem courtesy of SFTP’s raw playing style, chunky grooves, and empowering message. As I stated earlier, SFTP is a band of progression, not differentiation, in this I notice a mix of the message embedded in Anonymous with the stronger – core elements of Rising Sun in Subliminal Criminals.
The core elements of Subliminal Criminals are a very enjoyable vessel in which they deliver their message. However, a vessel is only that, and although each beatdown is hard to ignore, the message is something important to focus on as well. “Eavesdropper” is a song decrying NSA surveillance withEnter Shikari vocalist Rou Reynolds, at their side. “Badge & A Bullet Pt. II” is a more straightforward, exasperated, and furious extension of the original “Badge & A Bullet”, featured on Anonymous, both of which speak out on police brutality and their outrage against the invincibility of American militarized police. “D.I.E.P.I.G.” is focused on the outburst of sexual assault against minors, recently seen in the metal community. With lines like, “Taking out the trash, leave it on the Front Porch Step”, it’s hard not to see the message SFTP is conveying. There are only a few bands in our genre that really care and act on it. Architects, Stick to Your Guns, and In Hearts Wake are a few that deserve mention, and I consider SFTP to be amongst that list as well.
Something people love to say about this band is how similar they sound to Rage Against the Machine. The band is tired of it and frankly, so am I. I would be less annoyed at that sentiment if people didn’t use it as a recent to dislike or not listen to this band. The fact that Drew York sort of sounds like Zack De La Rocha is literally worst reason to not take this band seriously. If sounding a little bit like De La Rocha and playing hard and intense songs centered on social justice and questioning the norms of today is wrong, then maybe I don’t want to be right.
If there is anything you might not like about Subliminal Criminals, it might be their hardcore aspects. Stray’s strong suits are intensity, energy, and a deliberate message, but to others it may just play out like an energetic metal core album preaching to the choir. Even if you think you hate it, giveSubliminal Criminals a shot. While you’re at it, check out Rising Sun and Anonymous too. Be a part of what I consider to be the best hardcore band around today.
With this band, there is never quite a deviation from previous releases. With some bands, their strong qualities are in their ability to progress with change, switching up methods and sounds, but with Stray From The Path this is not the case. Looking back on Make Your Own History, as well as Rising Sun and their previous release, Anonymous, there aren’t many deviations or changes, rather their progression is the advancement and enactment of their bitter, furious form. Their heavy aspects have gotten heavier, their song writing is clean, their riffs are groovy and chunky, the concept is straightforward and mad, and it works. Admiration aside, Subliminal Criminals is an absolute onslaught worthy of positive praise. Each song is an anthem courtesy of SFTP’s raw playing style, chunky grooves, and empowering message. As I stated earlier, SFTP is a band of progression, not differentiation, in this I notice a mix of the message embedded in Anonymous with the stronger – core elements of Rising Sun in Subliminal Criminals.
The core elements of Subliminal Criminals are a very enjoyable vessel in which they deliver their message. However, a vessel is only that, and although each beatdown is hard to ignore, the message is something important to focus on as well. “Eavesdropper” is a song decrying NSA surveillance withEnter Shikari vocalist Rou Reynolds, at their side. “Badge & A Bullet Pt. II” is a more straightforward, exasperated, and furious extension of the original “Badge & A Bullet”, featured on Anonymous, both of which speak out on police brutality and their outrage against the invincibility of American militarized police. “D.I.E.P.I.G.” is focused on the outburst of sexual assault against minors, recently seen in the metal community. With lines like, “Taking out the trash, leave it on the Front Porch Step”, it’s hard not to see the message SFTP is conveying. There are only a few bands in our genre that really care and act on it. Architects, Stick to Your Guns, and In Hearts Wake are a few that deserve mention, and I consider SFTP to be amongst that list as well.
Something people love to say about this band is how similar they sound to Rage Against the Machine. The band is tired of it and frankly, so am I. I would be less annoyed at that sentiment if people didn’t use it as a recent to dislike or not listen to this band. The fact that Drew York sort of sounds like Zack De La Rocha is literally worst reason to not take this band seriously. If sounding a little bit like De La Rocha and playing hard and intense songs centered on social justice and questioning the norms of today is wrong, then maybe I don’t want to be right.
If there is anything you might not like about Subliminal Criminals, it might be their hardcore aspects. Stray’s strong suits are intensity, energy, and a deliberate message, but to others it may just play out like an energetic metal core album preaching to the choir. Even if you think you hate it, giveSubliminal Criminals a shot. While you’re at it, check out Rising Sun and Anonymous too. Be a part of what I consider to be the best hardcore band around today.