Exit JJ as Harley takes over vocal duties again for the Mags with their second album - though JJ’s influence is still apparent, via the overt Krishna imagery / artwork, lyrical content and the first song being an animal rights song.
Previous drummer Mackie has been also replaced with Pete Hines from Murphy’s Law, and it’s a fitting upgrade for the style of songs on this album. I’m guessing Harley had a lot to do with the mixing because the bass is prominent, punishing, and present throughout the record. Guitars are crunchy as fuck.
I’m so curious how this record would have been received had it not been preceded by The Age Of Quarrel; that said, I don’t think anyone really fully dislikes this record. It’s heavy and metallic - hardly hardcore overall but still breakneck in places, and clocks in 8 songs in just over 30 mins. A weak point is The Only One, where Harley’s crooning gets a bit over the top and cringy for me - though I always thought that would make a funny first dance wedding song for a hardcore couple … make it happen, nerds! The slower song gives way to Down but Not Out, which is just a total ripper. I could do without Fugitive for the same reasons, but the arrangement of Then and Now into Age of Quarrel to close out the record is *chef’s kiss*. Great record.