BY STEVE THIRIOT
Fear is a primal emotion, one that has been with us since our inception, driving our decisions, our evolution, and our stories. Cutthroat LA taps into that innate feeling with their release, "Fear by Design." Blending intense genres that have defined decades, this album, produced by the legendary Billy Graziadei of BIOHAZARD, is nothing short of a roller coaster of raw energy and stark truth.
The album dives straight into the depths with "Nothing To Prove," a raging two-minute-twenty-second anthem that kicks off the album's intent and direction. It establishes from the get-go that Cutthroat LA isn't here to play by the rules but to set them.
"Lay Low" and "Wrong Road" offer intriguing narratives, making the listener dive into introspection about life choices. The beats are powerful, seamlessly blending with hardcore riffs that reverberate the angst and power of the message.
"Overthrow" is a behemoth of a track, combining thrash energy with aggressive lyricism. It makes one want to stomp the ground, raise a fist, and break free from chains, both metaphorical and real.
Into the album's middle, "Into the Light" and "Fool Me" traverse the landscape of deception. The combination of beatdown sounds with tales of truth and deception showcases the band's skill in storytelling and musical mastery.
"Panic" and "Blood on my Hands" are perhaps the most raw, visceral tracks. Their intense musicality, coupled with lyrics that are brutal in their honesty.
"Press On" offers no break from the aggression. It's a song about perseverance, and it showcases the versatility of Cutthroat LA musicianship
Rounding off the album is "Murder Ring," featuring Billy Graziadei on the track; is a fitting conclusion to a record that has been a relentless barrage of hard truths, hard beats and harder beat downs. It's a track that encapsulates the essence of "Fear by Design" - confronting, challenging, and unyielding.
Damn, I love this album! "Fear by Design" is an album that doesn't hold back. With a mix of hardcore, beatdown, '90s hip-hop, and thrash, it's as eclectic as it is powerful. The truths that Cutthroat LA brings to the table are unfiltered and hard-hitting, making this album not just a collection of tracks, but a manifesto for those who dare to face the world with open eyes. This isn't just music; it's a revolution. Dive in, if you dare.
Listen to the Album on SPOTIFY