SPOILER NYC “Banned in 38 States”

Brookvale Records, 2022

Music: Metal / Post Punk Rock
Website: https://www.spoilernyc.com
Duration: 39:14 (14 tracks)
Country: U.S.A

It is hard to deny the influence of Punk in the evolution of Metal. What started as Hardcore Punk has now become a strong base for many genres including, but not limited to – Metalcore, Crossover Thrash, and Math Metal. That’s the reason why I keep a close eye on the Punk scene, just so that I don’t miss out on any new bands or styles. Spoiler NYC fronted by the prolific vocalist/bassist Alan Robert released a chaotic and fast-paced 14-track Punk Rock album “Banned in 38 states”. While it may not necessarily qualify as your regular “thrashing” Metal album, the angst-filled vocals and of kilter riffs-driven instrumentation will be a sure hit amongst Metalheads.

It might seem as if 14 tracks is a lot for an album, but trust me – all of them are paced in such a way that you won’t even feel yourself getting dragged till the end before you finish the album. One of the reasons for the same would be how well the vocals and instrumentation blend well together. Of course, the vocals are very good with the choruses being the main highlight. But, the drumming is exquisite so are the riffs(they are headbang-able!). The producer of this album is known for his work with great artists such as Eminem, Wu-Tang Clan and Beastie Boys. It is very surprising to see the diversity of music the producer has been associated with. Another reason why I wanted to point this out would be the influence he would have had on the structure of these songs. Yet, Robert’s vision going into the album was to revive that old-school punk rock with a tinge of metal, as he said in one of his interviews.

“I grew up on punk rock when it was dangerous. When burned out buildings lined Hell’s Kitchen instead of these shiny, billion-dollar, high-rise condos. We’re bringing back that raw, old-school angst with Spoiler NYC,” said Robert. “The feeling that chaos can break out at any given moment.”

Overall “Banned in 38 states” is a good way for Spoiler NYC to announce their return to the scene after taking a short hiatus. If you like Misfits, Rancid or Minor Threat, this album is for you! I, for sure, am really looking forward to what the trio has to offer in the coming days.

Tracklist:

01. Banned in 38 States
02. Damaged Goods
03. Suicide Hotel
04. Ruined
05. High Friends in Low Places
06. Lucky 13
07. Unpredictable
08. Dead To Me
09. Grease Fire in Hell’s Kitchen
10. I Hung My Head
11. Liar Cheater
12. No Worries
13. Every Person Is Corrupt
14. Die Alone

Line-up:

Alan Robert – Lead Vocals & Bass
Chris “Junkyard” Silletti – Guitars
Tommy “The Kid” Clayton – Drums