Outbreak - Outbreak

Yes, Outbreak are releasing their new album both on Think Fast! Records and on Universal Music's Trustkill. Yes, they're on the 'Saw VI' movie soundtrack. Yes, they've chosen a more punk way for their sound. But fuck no, they haven't got soft.

This self-titled album is only their second full-length despite a quite large discography. It's been five years since their previous album was released on Bridge Nine. They quit the label and had major line-up changes, with two members leaving the band to join Cruel Hand. It's a new start for the band, which can explain that this record is self-titled as it seems to define who they are now in 2009. Let's start with what hasn't changed: they're still making merciless music. The songs are short, fast, made of a relentless fusion of hardcore, trash and old-school skate-punk. Outbreak are still furious and this album is totally raging. But they've put their trash influences a bit aside to emphasize on a more traditional punk sound. What inspired them for this record seem to date from the 80's and before, from old-school skate-punk ('Temporary hype') to youth-crew hardcore ('Analyze/Criticize') or even hard-rock ('In the digital world'). The result is still explosive but more diverse. Breakdowns are concise and precise and frontman Ryan O'Connor delivers quick and abrasive vocals with aggressive lyrics full of conviction. Gangs vocals are many but not overdone to suffocate the songs.

Outbreak haven't drastically changed their formula and fans will be pleased to finally hear new material but this album definitely has an old-school feeling, from its artwork to its punk sound. They're still a hardcore band with a trash touch, but some diversity didn't harm them.

3.5/5

Recommanded if you like:
Bracewar, Trash Talk, Pulling Teeth
Check also:
Lewd Acts, Rotting Out, Naysayer

www.myspace.com/outbreak
(Think Fast! Records, 2009)