Out of the gate, this record starts out better than its successor: Five Year Plan is a classic, starting out with a chunky intro about Kurt’s plan for revenge. The production is a bit rougher, but guitar tone is much better and the low end helps fill out the sound that was so flat on “4 Of A Kind”. The songs are better but the issues that plague D.R.I. are still there: songs are too long and get repetitive, clunky vocals / lyrics; overall relatively pedestrian riffage; the drums are fast but aren’t tight.
This record’s title might have established the terminology for the genre “Crossover” - when punk bands go metal. That said, D.R.I isn’t the first to the game in that regard - maybe just the first to coin the term. Don’t worry, they do touch on the nuclear war subject with the final track, “Oblivion” so check that requirement off the list.
Is D.R.I. anyone’s favorite band? Of course they are respected, and everyone loves the logo - but does anyone put this band at the top of their list? I’d like to meet that person. While record deserves a spot in any self-respecting hardcore or metal fan’s collection, it’s less essential than its peers.