Last Rites [10/23]

Veterans of New York hardcore punk since 1995, Inhuman make a worthy addition to the aesthetic with Last Rites. While NYHC's staples are its backbone -- barked vocals, bulldozing drums, no-nonsense riffs -- the record detours through various styles of punk. Some melodic moments hearken back to the Misfits; "Ghost" evokes the West Coast punk/thrash crossover of D.R.I. Big gang vocals resound throughout, with "The Dream Is Not Dead" summoning Anthrax's classic "whoa's" from the '80s. With a Roger Miret-esque delivery, "Fashist" strongly recalls Agnostic Front. Michael Scondotto's commanding vocals handle the NYHC bark and scarred-throat singing with equal aplomb. His lyrics matter of factly deal with emotional issues, though "Grindhouse" colorfully describes Times Square in a rougher time. The artwork isn't typical hardcore fare, looking like a leatherbound tome with old-school fonts. Punchy, electric production rounds out the package. ~ Cosmo Lee|