Knocked Loose is a name that sparks heated debate in the hardcore scene. Their latest album, “You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To,” throws gasoline on the fire, guaranteed to ignite passionate reactions from fans and critics alike.
From the opening blast of “Thirst,” the album pummels listeners with a relentless barrage of guttural screams and pulverizing riffs. Fans won’t find any deviation from Knocked Loose’s signature sound – it’s the very rawness and uncompromising aggression that defines their appeal.
However, beneath the surface lurks a surprising level of experimentation. “Suffocate” features an unexpected collaboration with pop artist Poppy. Bryan Garris’s trademark abrasiveness collides with Poppy‘s ethereal delivery, creating an unsettling and captivating tension. This willingness to push boundaries without sacrificing their core identity is a testament to the band’s growth.
The album’s tracks flow into one another without any gaps, with a pervasive sense of urgency and unease tying them all together. Whether it’s the relentless onslaught of “Blinding Faith” or the haunting introspection of “Sit & Mourn,” every note and lyric pulsates with raw energy and purpose.
“Slaughterhouse 2” features Chris Motionless following their 2022 collaboration on the original “Slaughterhouse” from Motionless In White‘s album. While the song might not quite match the brilliance of “Suffocate,” it’s still an effectively crushing moment on the record.
Drew Fulk’s meticulously crafted production perfectly balances preserving the band’s signature grit and allowing each instrument to shine through. The result is a polished and viscerally powerful production that captures the true essence of hardcore.
“You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To” is a powerful statement that underscores Knocked Loose’s unwavering commitment to their sound. It may not convert many new listeners, but for established fans, it’s a thrilling reaffirmation of everything that makes this band so damn compelling.
“On this album, we go the fastest we’ve ever gone; we go the scariest we’ve ever gone. We also go the catchiest and the most melodic that we’ve ever gone, and that’s the point,” guitarist Isaac Hale has said. “Instead of branching off into a specific direction, we want to encompass ALL directions.”
Mission accomplished!
Knocked Loose play Montreal Olympia on June 4.
Photo – Brock Fetch
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