The Warriors "Genuine Sense of Outrage"

I've been an unabashed fan of The Warriors since I downloaded a free song from the Eulogy website years ago. I burned that shit to a CD (hey, it was 2004), played it over and over during my strolls to class, and probably walked with a puffed-out chest and a swagger that only groove-soaked metallic hardcore could give me. War Is Hell ruled -- I still stand by that -- and Beyond the Noise was tighter and similarly good (although a little less moving, in my mind).

No surprise here: Genuine Sense of Outrage is killer. It's concise, it's accessible, it's crunchy. The Warriors do a fine job of balancing traditional, mid-paced metallic hardcore and more contemporary metalcore, paying some tribute to their influences and still connecting with a younger generation. While singer Marshall Licthenwaldt has adopted a less-Rage-Against-the-Machine-more-growled vocal style that's a little less piercing but less distinctive, this is still very much a Warriors record; fast, punk rock rhythms make appearances and the hip-hop delivery creeps in from time to time. Big, beefy riffs build a foundation for twisting guitar leads, and the downright chunky rhythm section gives the grooves a real "umhp."

Even though Genuine Sense of Outrage isn't lightning-fast or inhumanly technical or something else, it is urgent. From the intense singing to the gripping riffs, The Warriors have the goods to hold listeners' attention. And if that doesn't work, it's worth noting that the record features guest spots from Andrew Neufeld (of Comeback Kid), Lemmy Kilmister (of Motorhead) and Lou Koller (of Sick of It All). Neufeld almost gets lost, but Kilmister contributes a memorable chorus in "Price of Punishment." Koller's distinct voice sounds right at home amongst a mid-paced, bass-heavy rhythm in "Mankind Screams" -- probably the best of the three.

I really like this band and I really dig Genuine Sense of Outrage. I even gave it the honor of being the first record to play on my new car's stereo. Mad props. So take a listen:

The Warriors - Genuine Sense of Outrage

I interviewed The Warriors in Geekburger's heyday. And by heyday I mean when we actually posted interviews. They used the term "genuine sense of outrage" in there. Was that a term they tossed around or did we inspire an album title? Feel free to make fun of me if I'm totally oblivious. And buy the album here.