It’s 2024 and Long Island’s Extinction A.D. continues to carve out their niche with unrelenting ferocity. Their latest offering, the “Ruthless Intent” EP, is a succinct yet powerful statement in the band’s growing discography. Released via Unique Leader Records, this four-track onslaught is a testament to their dedication to the craft of metallic hardcore, as well as a nod to the influences that have shaped them.
“Prodigal Scum,” the EP’s opener and one of the two singles released in 2023, lulls you into a false sense of brief security with melodic chords before things kick up a notch with relentless energy. Clocking in at just over four minutes, it’s a brutal yet catchy anthem that showcases the band’s ability to blend melody with aggression.
“Under The Hood” follows, providing a deeper dive into the band’s sound. This track feels more experimental, with a varied tempo and intricate guitar work that speaks to the band’s technical prowess. It’s a song that demands attention and rewards listeners with its layered composition.
“Living To Desecrate,” is the shortest on the EP but in no way lacks impact. It’s a fast-paced, high-energy track that encapsulates the band’s hardcore roots. The aggression in the vocals, combined with the breakneck speed of the instrumentation, creates an almost palpable intensity.
Finally, “Morality Bait,” the first song released from the project, concludes the EP on a high note. This track is a standout, featuring incisive lyrics that critique the exploitation of morality for personal gain. It’s a powerful social commentary wrapped in a blistering sonic package, demonstrating the band’s ability to fuse message with medium.
Throughout the EP, Extinction A.D. pays homage to their influences – from the thrash of the ’80s and ’90s to the hardcore scene of New York – while forging their own path.
While it may not reinvent the wheel in the genre, it reinforces Extinction A.D.’s position as a band that knows its strengths and plays to them brilliantly. This EP is a must-listen for fans of hardcore and metal alike, offering a brief but potent dose of what Extinction A.D. does best: delivering confrontational, high-energy music with a purpose.
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